The spirit of Abba, the 1970s Swedish band, filled the Seniors Centre in Sechelt last Saturday night, May 3, with a profusion of feather boas and costume glamour.
More than 150 people, mostly women, transformed from audience into dancing queens, swaying in the aisles and singing along with the movie Mamma Mia.
The 2008 movie, starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan in a romantic liaison, describes the efforts of a dewy-eyed, 20-year-old daughter to find her true father and have him give her away at her elaborate Greek wedding. But it’s the music, not the story line, that makes this musical so popular. Most of the audience knew all the words already and could sing along with the subtitles on the screen.
The Pender Harbour Choir arranged the event as a fundraiser for the Coast’s longest running choir, now enjoying its 41st anniversary and currently under the direction of Joy McLeod.
The choir arranged the evening in exquisite detail. Costumed participants had their photo taken by Edmund Arceo, a photographer and a choir member. They munched on prettily decorated wedding cupcakes, Greek pizza and popcorn, or they dressed up at the bridal booth.
During the movie they waved streamers, sported blingy jewellery or danced while spinning their glowlites. As the famous song from Mamma Mia goes: They were having the time of their lives.
Choir member Joanne Mauro said that the money raised through ticket, food and wine sales goes into operating costs for the choir. Venue rental for concerts adds up, she said, and each event must have insurance.
The choir is in need of more tenors and basses. If interested, contact Joy at 604-883-9248 or see www.penderharbourchoir.ca.
