THE ABBA tribute band, FABBA, invites Lake Macquarie punters to join them for a celebration of music that makes the world smile.
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FABBA founder and performer Anthea Johnson (she plays Frida Lynnstadt) said FABBA offered an entertaining and fun show – not just covers of those timeless ABBA hits.
“We pick up from where ABBA left us all those decades ago,” Johnson told Fairfax Media.
“We're fun and fabulous and that's what the 'F' stands for - fun and fabulous FABBA!”
FABBA is gearing up for a gig at Belmont 16s on Saturday, August 19.
Expect to hear all of the ABBA anthems including Mamma Mia, Ring Ring, SOS, Waterloo, Fernando, Super Trouper, Take a Chance on Me, and Dancing Queen.
And when FABBA sings Thank You For The Music, they mean it.
ABBA has provided the music for an enduring career for Johnson and her FABBA colleagues.
FABBA was established in 1996 and reformed in 2000 as a live show band. The revival was on the back of the stage show and movie Mamma Mia which introduced a whole new generation to the ABBA back catalogue, and reinvigorated the band’s original fans.
“After the Mamma Mia film, new life was bought to the show and it's been successful ever since,” Johnson said.
“It's been this amazing, wonderful experience and it's like I get to work with my friends and family.”
That FABBA family includes the Central Coast’s Chris Hunt, who performs as Benny Andersson.
Hunt is described as the Clark Kent of the show.
“By day he is director of instrumental music at Central Coast Grammar School, and on the weekend he dons the white satin jumpsuit to become Benny,” Johnson said.
Hunt has performed with many orchestras and ensembles around Sydney, and composed music for film, theatre, contemporary dance and instrumental performances.
Anita Hartmann plays Agnetha Faltskog, and Tim Johnson is Bjorn Ulvaeus.
And just as ABBA added bass and drums to their live shows, FABBA has Michael Pappalo (drums) and Alex Keller (bass) in their line-up.
So the six-piece outfit packs a punch.
FABBA takes the music that made ABBA famous, and adds the fun, comedy and theatrics from the Mamma Mia musical.
“There's a lot of audience participation. It's a celebration of a time when life was much simpler and the music made you smile,” Johnson said.
General admission tickets for FABBA are now on sale online and from the club for $20. Dinner and show tickets cost $55.
- The show starts at 8.30pm. Visit 16s.com.au