Abbacadabra: The Ultimate ABBA Tribute

Mamma Mia! Whenever Abbacadabra, the Ultimate ABBA Tribute, comes to The Lyric Theatre, the show sells out, and why not? ABBA was one of the biggest groups of the 1970s, with hits like “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes it All” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Abbacadabra covers 20 of the pop group’s mega-hits and manager Jack Greenberg, who signed ABBA to its first U.S. recording contract in 1974, says that watching Abbacadabra for the first times was a revelation.

“I know ABBA inside and out and when I first saw Abbacadabra perform, I couldn’t believe it. It was like watching the real deal.” Greenberg put his money where his mouth is and now manages Abbacadabra.

The group came to life in 2004. Gary Raffanelli, an ABBA fan who looks a lot like ABBA founder Benny Andersson, brought together a team of vocalists and musicians to recreate the sounds and sights of an ABBA show. That meant figuring out the unique recording techniques ABBA used on vocals and deconstructing them so Abbacadabra could create the authentic ABBA sound. The group’s first show was at the El Dorado Resort and Casino in Reno, but they were soon playing to sold out crowds around the country and on cruise lines such as Princess and Royal Caribbean. Fittingly, in 2007, they began performing in Europe, where ABBA first came to fame. They are known for attention to detail, from the sound to the clothing. Listening to them is taking a step back in time, when everyone was dancing. Take a chance on them.