The trio from Malaga who add a local accent to the new version of the musical 'Mamma Mia!'

The musical phenomenon 'Mamma Mia!' kicks off its national tour at the Cervantes Theater in Málaga. After three successful seasons in Madrid, the new version of the show based on ABBA's hits can be seen in the capital until August 10, featuring three artists from Málaga: dancers and singers Mario Ríos and Juan Cano, and pianist and musical director Jorge Naveros. As they made clear yesterday in a meeting with the press, this trio takes on more than a professional challenge by performing at home; for them, it is an emotional experience as many of the audience members are family and friends.

In fact, they recall coming in 2016 to see this same musical when it stopped at this very venue. Back then, they could never have imagined that almost ten years later they would be the ones on stage. "Performing in this show in my homeland, and especially at the Cervantes Theater, where I started with my first performances and musicals, is a dream," says Mario Ríos, a graduate in Performing Arts from the Higher School of Performing Arts of Málaga (ESAEM). This artist was also part of the acclaimed musical 'Gypsy', directed by Antonio Banderas at the Soho Theater.

For his part, Juan Cano, who has been working in Madrid for four years, confesses that this stop in Málaga represents a long-awaited reunion. "I had never had the chance to dance professionally here. It is an honor and a pride that my family can come to see me," says the excited young dancer. He began his training at the Dance Container Cancún school, training in various styles such as urban or contemporary. He has been traveling across America for years to dance, sing, and learn from the best.

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The first performance already took place on July 5, so the 'show' is already a bit seasoned. The locals look at each other, very excited and feeling the warmth. Not just the street warmth... but that of their community. At the foot of the stage is the live orchestra that sets the rhythm of the show. Naturally, among them is also a 'boquerón' (a person from Málaga). This is Jorge Naveros, who not only plays the keyboard but also takes on part of the musical direction of the show. "The last time I played at the Cervantes was when I was studying at the conservatory," recalls the musician. "On July 27, they will hand over the direction here in my city so that my family can come to see me," he reveals proudly.

More Contemporary

This production, which will have 43 performances, stands out for its cast and live orchestra, but also for a realistic set design that transports the audience to a Greek island, as in the film version. The actress playing the lead role of Donna, Verónica Ronda, highlights the wardrobe as an innovative element, along with the choreography. "There has been a commitment to more brilliant textures and a contemporary choreographic language, something we were not used to in musical theater," she explains.

With unforgettable ABBA anthems like 'Dancing Queen', 'Super Trouper', or 'Gimme Gimme Gimme', the musical promises to continue captivating the Málaga audience for more than a month. And it will do so with a special touch: the talent of three artists who carry Málaga in their blood and who now shine on the stage of their city.