MANIA: The ABBA Tribute, a popular tribute show to the legendary Swedish pop group, will perform at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center on Jan. 31.
Alison Ward, who plays Agnetha in the production, has been a professional vocalist for many years, performing across the UK, Las Vegas, and with major cruise lines. Ward joined MANIA in 2010, and has since traveled the world as part of the show, which has played over 3,000 concerts in more than 35 countries.
Ward said her journey into music began at a young age, inspired by her mother and older sister. Although Ward graduated with a degree in mathematics, Ward immediately began her musical career afterwards.
“I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing job,” Ward told Midland Times. “The show has taken me all around the world,”
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute recreates the music and energy of ABBA with a setlist featuring the band's greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Ward emphasized the show’s focus on high-energy performances, vibrant costumes, and intricate choreography.
“Every night is a huge party,” she said. “We want everyone who is available that night to come and be ready to sing, dance, and if they come in costume, it’s an added bonus.”
Ward said the audience’s reactions are an important part of the show. “We see the joy that it brings the people that we’re looking at, which makes it even more fabulous for us,” she said. “We get a kick out of seeing the audience singing and dancing.”
She also mentioned some of her favorite songs to perform, including “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.” “The audience goes nuts when we perform ‘Dancing Queen,’” she said. “And ‘The Winner Takes It All’ is something the audience really relates to.”
MANIA has been touring worldwide for over 25 years. When asked how she is able to continue the passion of ABBA music for her 15 years with the production, Ward said the cast and crew help maintain her enthusiasm. “The crew is like family to me,” she said. “Every time we perform, we’re transformed back into those shows from 25 years ago.”
Tickets for MANIA: The ABBA Tribute at Wagner
Noël Performing Arts Center are available for purchase at https://www.wagnernoel.com/events/detail/mania_abbatribute_25.