Ulvaeus Teases a New Musical in Progress
On the third day of Bokmässan, a packed hall hosted a lively chat between a veteran Swedish music legend and a popular host. The guest was Björn Ulvaeus, famed for co-creating ABBA’s enduring musical legacy, who joined Fredrik Wikingsson on stage for a candid conversation. When a woman in the audience asked whether another musical might follow in the footsteps of ABBA’s stage successes, Ulvaeus offered a smile and a clear answer: there is something new in the works.
He explained that he and a British female writer are collaborating on a new musical and that the project is in full swing. He described it as rooted in Nordic mythology, signaling a fresh direction while staying true to the storytelling tradition that has driven his most successful stage productions.
Nordic Mythology as Source Material
The idea of translating Nordic myths into a contemporary musical is a natural extension of Ulvaeus’ history with large-scale, narrative-driven theatre. He framed the project as ambitious but early in development, with writers and composers testing ideas, songs, and dramatic structure. The Nordic myths offer timeless arcs—heroes, gods, fate, and moral conflict—that have proven fertile ground for theatre, cinema, and musical storytelling alike.
A British Writer, and a New Creative Partnership
Later, Expressen spoke with Ulvaeus and clarified that the collaborating writer is a British woman. Ulvaeus emphasized that this marks a new phase in his career, noting that this project is distinct from his collaborations with Benny Andersson. He said the team has progressed considerably and that the project is moving toward more concrete outcomes, even if details remain under wraps for now.
A Look Back at a Lasting Musical Legacy
Ulvaeus has built a storied career in musical theatre, most famously with Benny Andersson on shows such as Chess (1986), Kristina från Duvemåla (1995), and Mamma Mia! (1999). All three productions continue to find audiences around the world, a testament to Ulvaeus’ knack for weaving character-driven narratives with memorable songs. While Mamma Mia! and Chess remain staples in theatres globally, Ulvaeus continues to push creative boundaries, balancing nostalgia with new artistic exploration.
What Fans Might Expect
While specifics are scarce, Ulvaeus hinted at a large-scale, emotionally charged musical that blends a contemporary sensibility with the mythic backbone of Nordic storytelling. Fans of his earlier work can anticipate strong melodies, character-driven drama, and a production that honors the lineage of his past shows while venturing into new dramatic terrain. As the creative team delves deeper, the project promises to be one of the more anticipated theatre endeavors in the coming years.
In the Room: A Sense of Anticipation
For attendees at Bokmässan, the moment felt both nostalgic and forward-looking: a respected songwriting partner stepping into new mythic territory with a fresh collaborator. Ulvaeus’ latest project remains in development, but the clear message is that his work continues to evolve. Fans and theatre lovers alike will be watching closely as this Nordic mythology musical begins to take shape and, eventually, stage a new chapter in a storied career.
