From the Stage to Stardust: MAMMA MIA! Brings Broadway brunch

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When MAMMA MIA! returns to Broadway on August 2, 2025, it will do so not only as a beloved global hit, but also as a show with meaningful ties to New York City beyond Broadway. The jukeboxmusical powered by ABBA hits was originally planned to open the week of September 10th, 2001, but the opening night party was ultimately postponed in the wake of the tragic attacks. Under the direction of then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who urged Broadway to reopen swiftly as a show of strength and light for the people of New York, MAMMA MIA! became one of the first global productions to debut following the tragedy. It officially opened on October 18, 2001.

At a time marked by uncertainty and heartache, MAMMA MIA! offered audiences a much-needed, lighthearted escape through joyful ABBA anthems, disco-era choreography and glittering costumes. The show gave people a reason to smile, dance and sing along, transporting audiences away from the heaviness outside. The show went on to enjoy a 14-year, 5,773 performances run on Broadway, as well as international success.

With the musical now returning to its original home in The Winter Garden Theater, its presence is once again being felt in Times Square, not only on the stage, but next door at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. For decades, the iconic restaurant, known for its world famous singing waitstaff (the Stardusters) has long been recognized as a launchpad and home base for Broadway talent, as well as a must-visit destination for theater lovers.

Former Miss Subway, 1959 and founder of Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Ellen Hart said, “We are so delighted that Mamma Mia is coming back to Broadway and will be our next-door-neighbor once again. We look forward to welcoming Dancing Queens of all ages and wish to say Thank You For The Music!”

Celebrating the return of show next door, Ellen’s began hosting MAMMA MIA! themed brunches, which appropriately launched on Mother’s Day. The brunches feature live, interactive performances of everyone’s favorite ABBA hits, with the famous Stardusters weaving through the tables in the downstairs Stardust Theater area. Themed items on the menu include dishes such as Gimme Gimme Chicken & Waffles, Voulez Vous Vegan Parfait, Super Trouper Short Stack, among others. Themed cocktails include Our Last Summer Sangria, Mamma Mia Mimosa, Lay All Your Love On Me Bellini, and Take a Chance on Me Bloody Mary. 

A sweet nod to the ABBA classic, the diner will also be serving up the new Honey, Honey Milkshake, a honey ice cream blend topped with whipped cream, honeycomb cereal and a decorative bee. The special shake will be available throughout the month of August for $18.

This past Tuesday, July 22, the diner hosted a special edition of the brunch that featured a surprise performance from the cast of MAMMA MIA! Introduced by the diner’s owner and founder, Ellen Hart, Carly Sakolove (Rosie), Jalynn Steele (Tanya) and Emily Croft (Donna understudy) danced, jived, and had the time of their lives performing “Dancing Queen” as Donna and the Dynamos for the crowd.

You can get tickets to see MAMMA MIA! on Broadway here. Previews begin on August 2, 2025 with opening night on August 14, 2025 and the show running until February 1, 2026.

Due to popular demand, the diner has announced additional MAMMA MIA! brunch dates:

• Sunday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m.
• Sunday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m.
• Sunday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 21 at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Please keep an eye on the Ellen’s website for more dates to be added. Tickets can be found HERE.

As MAMMA MIA! prepares to dazzle once again, the revival reminds us of its deeper cultural legacy, rooted in New York’s ability to come together, rebuild, and celebrate life through the arts. Its return to Broadway promises the same joy once more.