Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
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British actress Sara Poyzer, left, playing the role of Donna in the current Mamma Mia! tour in Korea, poses with Korean actress Park Ji-yeon, who frequently performed as Sophie in previous local productions. / Courtesy of Lee Soo-jin
By Kwon Mee-yoo
'Mamma Mia' actresses discuss musical’s allure on 10th anniversary of Korean staging
By Kwon Mee-yoo
"Mamma Mia!,’’ a love story set to ABBA songs, has been seen by more than 50 million people around the world since its 1999 debut.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its arrival in Korea, one of Asia’s most lucrative musical markets, a team of international actors has been staging a new run that continues through March 23 in Seoul, before heading to Daegu.
British actress Sara Poyzer has been playing the role of Donna Sheridan in the touring production. In an interview with The Korea Times, she said she’s been impressed by the passion of Korean audiences.
Korean actress Park Ji-yeon, who played the role of Sophie, Donna’s cheery and adventurous daughter, from 2010 to 2012, also joined the conversation.
"I was told that (Korean audiences) would be quiet compared to English audiences, but that's not the case,” said Poyzer, who has been here since November. “I love the fact that they get up at the end and dance and they still understand and laugh at the jokes. I think they are great.”
The plot revolves around the bride-to-be Sophie, who tries to find her real father by secretly inviting Donna’s old loves to the Greek island where they live for a birthday bash.
Mamma Mia! will run through March 23 at the Blue Square theater near Itaewon, Seoul, before moving to Daegu. / Courtesy of Seensee Company
Before joining the touring production, Poyzer received solid reviews for playing Donna in the musical’s West End runs. She considers the role special because it’s getting harder to find good parts for middle-aged actresses.
"The music of ABBA is timeless and uplifting and it is beautiful to sing. I also think the show appeals to so many different people ― there’s old love, young love, old friendship, new friendship and the mother-daughter relationship,’’ she said.
“Sophie and Donna are strong women and Sophie’s a lot like her mom, who was quite rebellious in her 20s.
“When young women start to become independent, they have their own opinions and there always will be tension. But what is lovely about Sophie and Donna is that they resolve in the end.”
Poyzer has two stepsons and her spouse, co-star Richard Standing plays the role of Sam in the production. She says the role resonates with her.
“When I sing ‘Slipping (Through My Fingers)’ every night, I think of my niece and stepsons. But I also think about the fact that I don’t have children (who I gave birth to). That is quite painful sometimes, though it’s a choice I made. I’m okay with it, but still sad,’’ she said.
Park, who was eager to meet Poyzer, was 21 years old when she first performed as Sophie in 2010. Since then, she has regularly landed big roles, such as Eponine in "Les Miserables’’ and Molly in "Ghost.’’ But Sophie continues to occupy a special place in her heart.
"I remember the excitement of the curtain call, and the genuine exchange of emotions with the audience. I also thought about my mother a lot,’’ Park said.
``When I get older and more experienced, I want to play Donna someday. That is one of my dreams.’’
Poyzer dished out some career advice to the younger Park.
"Always be yourself because everyone is so individual. Always make the right decision even if it is the hard one. And always take the art seriously but don't take yourself too seriously,’’ she said.
Mamma Mia! will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Korea with a special curtain call of British and previous Korean actors on Sunday at the Blue Square theater near Itaewon. The show heads to Daegu from March 28 to April 13. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit
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