As proof that disco’s not dead, Abbamania and Night Fever is currently touring the country, and the team of performers will be in Penticton on Dec. 3.
“People love disco,” said Kristal Jackson, who performs as Agnetha Fältskog on stage. “Abba is a very iconic band. Their music is brilliant, the harmonies are wonderful and so many people can relate to. And the Beegee have so many good songs as well; their ballads, their disco stuff — it pairs well with Abba because it’s two bands that are so iconic.”
Jackson said each performer puts all the effort they can into each show, dressing in the authentic costumes, practicing their vocals to get the sound spot on, wearing the same style of make up and studying the moves and characteristics of the performers they are imitating.
“I wish I lived through their popularity, but we try and bring that back to our show,” Jackson said.
“We bring people back to that time. You know when you hear a certain song or smell that can bring you back to a good time in your life, we can do that with our show.”
Many members of Abbamania’s audience, especially younger ones, don’t realize how much of Abba’s music they’re familiar with until they are witnessing the production, Jackson said.
“Once they start to hear it, they’ll go ‘Oh my gosh I know this.’”
Jackson said the music of Abba saw a boost in popularity in 2008 after the musical Mamma Mia! was adapted into a motion picture, and Abbamania has been the only Abba production so far to be shown to the cast of Mamma Mia!
Abbamania and Night Fever takes place at the Cleland Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45 through the Penticton Community Centre.