Jim Newman on Returning to Broadway with Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! on Broadway

• 🎭 The musical "Mamma Mia!" had a record-breaking 14-year run on Broadway with 5,773 performances, making it the ninth longest-running show.
• 🎟️ The show is currently back for a limited engagement revival at the Winter Garden Theater.

Jim Newman's Role as Bill Austin

• 👨‍ adventure writer and one of Sophie's potential fathers.
• 💔 Bill is characterized as a commitment-phobic but fun-loving individual who initially returns for the wedding expecting a good time, only to receive unexpected emotional news.
• ✈️ Newman relates to the character's adventurous spirit, as he is an actor who travels frequently, and also notes similarities in having had numerous relationships.

Preparing for the Role and ABBA's Music

• 🎤 This role marked Newman's return to acting after a 10-year break playing in a band.
• 🎶 Although he hadn't seen the show before, he was familiar with ABBA's music from his childhood.
• 💡 His preparation involves connecting with the script and finding parts of the character that resonate with his own life experiences.
• 🎶 Newman shares his favorite ABBA songs, which have changed throughout his life, from "SOS" as a child to "Fernando" during a past relationship, and now "The Winner Takes It All."

The Joy of Mamma Mia!

• ✨ The show is described as an adrenaline shot of joy and a welcome escape from the world's turmoil, providing a much-needed "brain cleanse" for audiences.
• 💖 Newman emphasizes the profound feeling of gratitude and luck in being able to deliver this gift of joy to people, especially during the show's energetic "mega mix" finale.
• 🤝 He and his co-star often share a moment on stage, acknowledging the special gift they are able to give to the audience.