Memories mia!

When a popular band splits up, the "jukebox musical" can be the perfect way to satisfy fans' hankering for the same old songs. The producer doesn't need a composer - just a story line loosely hung on the song lyrics and a big-name singer to bring in the crowds.

There have been more and more successes among jukebox musicals in the past decade, among them the Abba-based "Mamma Mia!" and "Movin' Out", which featured the songs of Billy Joel. But John Lennon's music couldn't help "Lennon" and "All Shook Up" died despite its lively Elvis tunes.

Expect a Michael Jackson jukebox musical someday soon, maybe later a Madonna or even a Britney, but for now, we've got "Mamma Mia!"

Running all this month at the Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre, the international touring production of the world's most popular jukebox musical is here courtesy of BEC-Tero Entertainment and Scenario.

Concurrently there's a decade-old "Mamma Mia!" in London's West End, another on Broadway, and American and Australian touring troupes.

All of these shows and the one we'll see are produced by Littlestar Services, the company formed by the musical's producers, Judy Craymer and Richard East, and Abba's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.

They ensure a high standard in any language, hiring directors, choreographers and designers who study and re-create the original with supervision from the original team. The touring productions have a resident director in tow to make sure the standard doesn't diminish.

The show has been seen by more than 30 million people, which is evidence that, although Abba is the prime selling point, it's chiefly the script that satisfies the audience. Fans spread their delight at the heartfelt story and the way the songs are presented, ensuring the show's longevity.

The recent book "Mamma Mia! How Can I Resist You?" tracks playwright Catherine Johnson as she labours for almost two years to come up with a simple yet touching tale spanning two generations.

"I remember telling Catherine, 'The story is more important than the songs'," recalls Abba singer Bjorn Ulvaeus. "'You can choose any of these hundred songs, not just the hits - but there a few I will say 'no' to, that I refuse to have in any show!'"

"The way she put the script together is so bloody brilliant," says Benny Andersson, "with heart, with intelligence, with a great sense of humour - and with no respect at all for us. It's very unpretentious, and I think that's why it works."

Celebrated lyricist Tim Rice has said the genius of "Mamma Mia!" is in the omission of "two of the greatest hits of all - 'Fernando' and 'Waterloo'.

"You'd imagine a show featuring Abba hits would first of all be set in Waterloo, and the leading man would be called Fernando."

More details are at www.Mamma-Mia.com and tickets await at www.Thaiticketmajor.com.

The bands play on

In the wake of last month's "Mae Nak" wars, another stage fight looms - this time between jukebox musicals.

Scenario is presenting "Lom Haichai" ("Breath"), based on Boyd Kosiyabong's songbook. And True Fantasia and Workpoint Entertainment will have "The Legend of Re Khai Fun: Chaliang the Musical".

With "Academy Fantasia" stars in lead roles - including Boy AF2, Mint AF3, Tee AF4 and Lukpong AF5 - "Re Khai Fun" seems like the hotter ticket.

"Lom Haichai" features Nicole Theriault and Kam the Star.

Plus, "Re Khai Fun" has the advertising might of True Corp's TV, Internet and mobile-phone outlets, not to mention Workpoint's visibility on TV game shows and sitcoms.

But "Lom Hai Chai" is directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham, acclaimed for his stage work in Singapore and his films here. "Re Khai Fun" is helmed by Teerawat Anuwat-udom, whose directorial debut "Chai Klang" was one of the worst-reviewed plays of 2007.

The debate is wide open as to whether Chaliang or Boyd has more fans, though lots of people love both, of course, and will see both musicals.

The most relevant point stands, regardless: You can't make a good play with a flawed script, even with mega-hits to fill out the production.

We haven't learned yet who the playwrights are. Memories of Scenario's "Bangkok 2485" - the jukebox musical of which director Takonkiet Viravan must be least proud - are still painfully fresh.

As "Mamma Mia!" co-producer Judy Craymer says, "Theatre is not something you can put a business plan together for. The whole point is that if the show doesn't work, nothing works."

Keep an eye on the coming stage battle at www.Rachadalai.com and www.ReKhaiFun.com.