Swedish entertainer Matilda Lindell marks 18 years on stage, performing with spandex, sequins, and flowing fringe. She leads as Agnetha Fältskog in ‘ABBA The Concert,’ a prominent ABBA tribute tour. This acclaimed show is headed to the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana for an exclusive 7 p.m. concert.
Speaking from New York, Lindell mentioned her excitement about performing in the U.S. ‘ABBA audiences here differ; they celebrate the music more visibly compared to Swedish fans,’ she said.
Formed in 1999, ‘ABBA The Concert’ features an all-Swedish cast. Lindell joined at 26 and portrays either of the female leads. Touring with musicians, including Elisabet Karlsson or Mia Ternström, alongside male vocalist Martin Håkansson on keyboards and Matte Andersson on guitar, the group keeps the spirit of ABBA alive. The 90-minute setlist includes hits like ‘Mamma Mia,’ ‘S.O.S,’ and ‘Dancing Queen.’
Lindell highlighted their iconic ‘Waterloo’ costumes, originally designed by Owe Sandström for ABBA’s 1974 Eurovision performance. The costumes, with painted cat designs, have become pop culture history. ‘Our costumes mirror the originals, down to fabrics and design,’ Lindell noted, adding the importance of authenticity over comfort.
The original ABBA members retired from performing, with Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Anderson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad now in their 70s and 80s. Lindell, who began her career on Swedish television show ‘Tre kronor,’ expressed her love for performing and a desire to return to TV and film.
Challenges of live performances include managing stage effects. ‘We prefer natural stage fog over theatrical haze for our vocals,’ Lindell explained. Despite these challenges, shiny costumes help enhance the visual experience.
Tickets for ‘ABBA The Concert’ start at $33.15, for audiences 21 and older. Seating is reserved. For information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
Philip Potempa, journalist and author, contributes this report. Contact him at [email protected].