MAMMA MIA!, the musical based on the songs of Abba, returns to L.A. Sept. 19 for a limited seven-week engagement at the Ahmanson Theatre. Created by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the musical enjoyed a sold-out run at the Shubert Theatre last year and now has a cast headed by Broadway star Dee Hoty, plus Michelle Aravena, Gabrielle Jones and Mary Ellen Mahoney.

The Center Theatre Group has picked the Sept. 20 performance of MAMMA MIA! for its 36th Season Opening Benefit. Tables of ten are available; call Spencer Howard at (213) 972-7660.

MAMMA MIA! became a smash hit in London immediately following its April, 1999 opening. The Broadway production opened later that year in the newly renovated Winter Garden, where CATS had performed for nineteen years. Clive Barnes, in the New York Post, called the musical "a pop solid sensation! Namma Mia! is genius!

Just sit back and let the joy sweep over you!"

The musical, essentially a love story, explores the fabric of family in a relationshiop between a mother and her soon-to-be-wed daughter. Among its best-known songs are "The Winner Takes All," "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me."

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, with a book by Catherine Johnson, MAMMA MIA! is on a national tour. The Ahmanson Theatre is located at 135 N. Grand Ave; call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.TaperAhmanson.com or www.mamma-mia.com