The new version of the production brings together two fresh faces, Alcoyan Aaron Mata and Hector Garijo, each in their early twenties, who share a lifelong love for ABBA. Mata, 31 in the original prompt but now presented as a rising star in his early career, and Garijo, aged 22, both found a common thread in the Swedish group’s Voulez-Vous, which they chose as their favorite theme in the series. This revival is produced by SOM Produce, the same team behind celebrated shows like Billy Elliot, West Side Story, Grease, and Cabaret. The curtain rises on October 7 at the Rialto Theater in Madrid, right in the heart of Gran Via.
In the fourth week of rehearsals, the production wraps up its casting as a large ensemble of thirty actors and dancers converge. The group is selected from an impressive pool of over 2,000 applicants, with 2,104 auditions logged to reach the final lineup. Garijo seats himself among the male cast while Mata emerges as one of the two principal performers. The cast and creative team are prepared to rotate roles as needed, ensuring flexibility to match the evolving demands of the performance.
Garijo recalls the early stages clearly. He initially acted as a backup before stepping in a month later when another performer left. He had already watched the musical twice, in Alicante and Murcia, and could hardly have imagined one day joining the stage himself. He emphasizes that this production presents something wholly new: updated choreographies, a fresh staging, and surprises not only for long-time fans but also for newcomers who have seen other versions of the show.
The story centers on a younger circle of friends who are part of the groom’s world, with the ensemble delivering harmonized choral pieces and a handful of standout dance numbers. Rehearsals run six days a week, from four until nine in the evening, with a notable shift this week as work begins directly at the theater. The energy in the room is high as the team embraces the challenge of a live, dynamic performance.
Garijo began rhythmic gymnastics at age eight, then pursued classical and modern dance from age fourteen, ultimately earning a degree in Dramatic Art with a Musical Interpretation specialty at the Málaga School of Performing Arts. He recently finished a program and spent the past year performing in a different production, We Will Rock You, which included songs by artists like What. The timing overlaps with the release of a movie featuring Aaron Mata, marking a year packed with performances and collaborations. The choreographer is the same visionary who brought Mama Mia! to life, Iker Karrera.
Around the industry, Mata is known as a professional dancer and choreographer whose passion for movement has been a cornerstone since childhood. He began formal training at the Juan Cantó Conservatory in Alcoy and expanded his studies across major hubs such as Madrid, Los Angeles, New York, Valencia, Barcelona, and London. His experience runs from working with top pop acts to assisting on major choreography projects for televised talent shows, including engagements with artists like Rihanna, Shakira, Becky G, and Jason Derulo. He contributed to Dance Fame in 2018 and 2019 and continues to grow his repertoire with each project.
“Who doesn’t know ABBA’s songs?” Mata often says, recalling his early theater days and the electrifying experience of seeing the musical on stage. He notes that the current production has been given a bold new spin that resonates deeply with audiences, signaling strong potential for further opportunities in the near future. Mata explains that his role requires a blend of precision and adaptability—he must manage rotations, stepping in when someone is unavailable or momentarily indisposed. He is learning the positions of five different performers, a process that demands time and meticulous memory. The work outside the stage is intense, yet he finds the choreography exhilarating and treats the show as a fast-paced, strategic game. He envisions performing on stage twice weekly, balancing rotation duties without getting bored because each performer contributes a unique element to the whole.