Veteran Performer Admits She All Things ABBA, Invites Fans To Come Enjoy the Dance Party

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Without question ABBA is one of the most revered groups of all time. Nearly 50 years after they dominated 1970's radio, combined with the success of the musical 'Mamma Mia', which resulted in two hit movies, the Swedish super-group have garnered legions of fans.

While the foursome haven't toured since the early 1980's they have re-united on a few occasions, getting together in 2016 to announce a future album (Voyage) and a cutting edge digital entertainment experience call 'ABBAtars' featuring avatars of the performers. 

With all the buzz that surrounds the group, several tribute bands have emerged over the past quarter century including ABBA Mania which launched in 1999. Now known as just Mania : The ABBA Tribute, the travelling members are considered one of the premier ABBA experiences in the world, recapturing the chart topping success including the look ABBA unleashed during their heyday.

Liverpool native and a graduate of Leeds University Alison Ward has been donning disco era clothes along with a blond wig going on 14 years in Mania. Aside from a two year hiatus to perform in Las Vegas, 37 year old Ward has been with the tribute group since 2010 taking the stage night after night to portray ‘Agnetha Fältskog, one half of the two beautiful female singers in ABBA.

Born nearly a decade after ABBA's major chart success, Ward admits she was surrounded by classic rock and pop music during her formative years. "I definitely grew up in a musical family. My dad was a big Eagles fan, and my mom loved Motown. I grew to appreciate all types of music."

Regarding her introduction to ABBA Ward says, "I can't say for certain what was the first song I ever heard of theirs, but all their music was part of my childhood. I do remember going to dance shows and 'Mamma Mia' was among the music being played."

Mania : The ABBA Tribute show is a re-creation of one of ABBA’s most memorable 1970's concerts, bringing to life all of the group’s greatest hits. Ward says it's a finely tuned production. "You're not seeing a concert. We are a touring show. It's well rehearsed, and well choreographed."

Ward says she never tires of doing the same show night after night several months out of the year. "I'm a performer. I love the songs and I love the show. We're performing some of the greatest pop songs of all time. What's not to love about that."

She adds, "What helps keep me pumped is the audience. I draw energy off of the them. We know why they are coming out, and we want to give them the best show ever." Ward admits attendees are encouraged to totally join in. "We invite ABBA fans to get dressed up, because it's a dance party. ABBA is all about having fun."

Mania do their part, going to great lengths to model a 1970's era show. "We dress in replica costumes and wigs." A Liverpool native with distinct British enunciation, Ward says she and her fellow performers go a step further. "We do our best to stay in character including using a Swedish accent." The overall goal, "To re-create the whole ABBA experience." 

While she admits to loving ABBA's entire catalog, Ward does have a few favorites. "I love 'Chiquitita','The Winner Takes It All', and 'Name of the Game' because they showcase my vocals, and I have fun singing them."

After hanging her hat in Las Vegas for several years, Ward recently relocated to Los Angeles to further her entertainment ambitions. She says she has no time line for exiting for Mania, and adds it never in question. "I love what I do and we have freedom to do other projects. We're allowed to take time off, take vacations, and attend to other commitments."

With the success of ABBA worldwide Ward adds Mania has a wealth of performers ready to step in as needed. "We have cast members in Hong Kong and in England."

As for the here and now, Ward is right where she wants to be. "Absolutely. I'm all things ABBA. 50 years after they first broke through with 'Waterloo' they continue to be one of the biggest pop groups in the history of rock n' roll. I'm thrilled to be a part of the show that brings ABBA music to fans everywhere."  

Mania: The ABBA Tribute make a stop in Charleston, performing at the historic Charleston Music Hall on Tuesday February 6th. 

Ward has performed with the show in Charleston in the past, but has few recollections of the Holy City. "We don't really have a lot of time. We do the show and head out the next day. I have friends in Georgia and one who gets to Charleston who says it's a lovely city. Hope to visit when I can take it all in sometime in the near future."

For lifelong ABBA fans and new generations of fans Mania : The ABBA Tribute is an ideal way to experience the legendary Swedish supergroup. Mania is appropriately titled, because there has been an obsession about ABBA ever since they emerged on the entertainment scene. For tickets and info on the Charleston show visit https://www.charlestonmusichall.com/event/mania-the-abba-tribute/