http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au/story/4841935/fabba-a-high-energy-tribute/?cs=2330FABBA heading to Nelson Bay
THANKS FOR THE MUSIC: Anita Hartmann (Agnetha), Anthea Johnson (Frida), Chris Hunter (Benny) and Tim Johnson (Bjorn) are FABBA.
FABBA are not just another ABBA tribute act. Nor do they pretend to be.
While the group is dedicated to replicating the ABBA sound, a FABBA show is filled with modern and theatrical elements and perhaps more importantly, hilarious moment.
“We have a lot of fun with it,” Anthea Johnson, who plays Frida, said. “We don’t pretend to be ABBA. We’re FABBA.”
The Swedish pop group captured the world’s interest when they won the Eurovision song contest with Waterloo in 1974.
By 1976 they were dominating the world with their popular music. Then in 1982, they decided to have a break. But they never reunited.
The movie Muriel’s Wedding and Priscilla Queen of the Desert made everyone fall in love with ABBA again.
Then the musical and movie Mamma Mia revived the popularity of ABBA even more and also introduced a whole new generation to the magic of those wonderful songs.
In 2000, a group of musicians and musical theatre performers decided to take the music and costumes that made ABBA famous, add the fun, glitz and glamour of the musical Mamma Mia and create a show they call FABBA.
FABBA is a fully scripted and choreographed show. It reintroduces audiences to the famous four icons from the 70’s: Agnetha (Anita Hartmann), Frida, Benny (Chris Hunter) and Bjorn (Tim Johnson).
However, it is now the 21st century and thanks to the modern miracles of plastic surgery and liposuction, they are looking well preserved.
The couples are now divorced but have decided to reunite as they need the money for their extensive rejuvenation surgery.
While FABBA is dedicated to replicating the ABBA sound, they have added theatrics and modern style to the songs from Mamma Mia.
The four characters are joined on stage by a drummer Hans Olover, real name Michael Papallow, and bassist Will Indowd, real name Alex Keller.
Keller happens to be the only member of the group with Swedish heritage.
FABBA will tour to Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on Friday, August 18.
Tickets, available from westsnewcastle.com.au or by phoning 4981 1344, cost $20 per person.
Doors open at 7.15pm. The Examiner has one double pass to give away to the show at Wests.
To win, send your name and contact details in an email titled “FABBA” to
portstephens@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
The winner will be notified by 5pm on August 16.
Australian Competitions Club
