Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Summer 2022 21 A Wld of Music Previously, I could not name or identify any member and never thought about the origin of the name ABBA, a palindromic acronym of their first names — Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid. So at the museum's One- Minute-Quiz Station, I chose the easiest level of ABBA questions on a small monitor. Here are some samples: Which ABBA member was not born in Sweden? Who is the youngest ABBA member? In which country does the story of Mamma Mia! take place? In less than sixty seconds, I answered only three of the eleven multiple-choice questions correctly. With a score of 27%, a miserable failure, I didn't try the medium or hard level of questions and moved on to another exhibit. roughout the museum were informative placards in both Swedish and English about the fascinating vivid displays. For me, seeing the many stunning ABBA costumes was a highlight. According to my audioguide, a stretchy jumpsuit made it easy to dance, but wearing heels was tiring. ere were life-size replicas: ABBA's recording studio, Polar Studios, and a corner of the tailor studio of ABBA's designer Owe Sandström that housed bolts of fabric, boxes of trims, workspace, and a green sewing machine. Particularly interesting were the flag-sleeved kimonos he created in 1976 for a promotion tour to Japan. On a nearby wall was a large world map with colored tour routes of this Asian one along with those in Europe, Nordic Countries, Swedish Folkparks, Australia, and North America. Some visitors performed in small cubicles — urtains on one side, glass on the other. Although their vocal quality could not hold a candle to that of ABBA, they were having a lot of fun. I chose to watch and listen rather than singing solo or joining a group. ABBA's record sales numbered in hundreds of millions, but until I saw a production of the 1999 musical Mamma Mia! a few years ago, I was only familiar with Dancing Queen, one of their most popular songs. Although the majority of the museum was dimly lit, bright lights shone onstage when I joined ABBA as a fih member. A kind student photographed my debut waving my hands to the song I chose — Dancing Queen, of course — with the ABBA quartet. My young audience danced and cheered me on during my one-and-a-half minute of fame. When the timer went off, I le the stage and became an audience member myself, smiling and moving to others' performances. It was a magical time for all of us. ere were several more photo ops. I donned a wide- brimmed, floppy, straw hat to sit in the Land Rover used in both the original Mamma Mia! film and its 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. In another room, sitting on a park bench, I had a snapshot taken in the middle of ABBA; on my right Benny and Frida were kissing, and on my le Agnetha was looking forward and Björn was reading a newspaper. Surprisingly, one unusual display area was empty. I sat down and started a unique photo session, adjusting a camera so my face was inside a circular area. On a large screen on the opposing wall, my image was inserted in an ABBA face, and I was virtually wearing different jumpsuits and high boots. Although the line for "Arrival e Experience" was Continued on page 22 At left, Jayne dances with holograms of the band. At left, Jayne dances with holograms of the band. Above, a display of their many performance costumes. Above, a display of their many performance costumes.

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