Theme Idea 1: Mamma Mia: A Shower and Musical Review for Couples
Mamma Mia is a shower tribute to rock musicals. Inspired by shows like Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, and Tommy, this party will be as toe-tapping as the musicals that inspired it are!
Color Palette and Decor
Black. Neon Brights. Heavy Metal. Faded denim. You get the vibe! Anything goes when rock and disco collide. This theme breaks the rules. Now’s your chance to do the same.
Mix denim and tattoos, black lace and spikes, or platforms and flower power to create the mood. Reproduction show posters can serve as art or table runners. Short glass cylinders filled with snapped Glo-sticks in neon colors will provide a theatrical flourish.
Dangle inflatable instruments from ribbons on chairs or banisters. Change the light bulbs in the party room to blue — this casts a vintage nightclub vibe over your party. And don’t forget the disco ball!
What about costumes?
Part of the drama of the theater is the costume. The costume helps the actors create their characters and lets the audience understand the actor’s role. There are costume rental shops all over, but if your town doesn’t have one, head to the secondhand store and bring your imagination. Hats, belts, gloves, capes, coats, neckties, scarves, and jewelry can help guests get into character.
The Perfect Game or Activity
The name of the game is Karaoke-Go-Round. Turn your living room into a recording studio and play your own version of American Idol. Tell guests ahead of time that karaoke will be encouraged! You will need:
Karaoke system or magic microphone
Karaoke CD, children’s songs, music from the 1950s or ’60s, Broadway— whatever you think your group will enjoy the most
Stage area, as simple as cleared floor space (4' × 6' is adequate) or with a riser, backdrop, lights, and optional disco ball
Gifts That Work with This Theme
A “Musical Table” that holds four percussion instruments or a basket of instruments from the local toy store are perfect for the budding music prodigy.
Other gift ideas include:
Music classes for babies and adults
Rock Star Baby T-shirts
Personalized CDs — featuring music that has baby’s name in it (like from My Music CD, A Special Gift, or Bama Babies & Birthdays)
Musical videos for babies (e.g., The Wiggles, Blues Clues, PBS Kids)
For the superambitious — ask the musically inclined guests to bring their instruments and stage a jam session. Create a recording of this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Essential
There are many websites that sell both karaoke equipment and CDs. For example, Karaoke.com and AceKaraoke.com offer a wide array of music from country to rock to blues to children’s tunes. They also sell all the karaoke equipment your party could ever need.
Favors
A custom CD with a mix of songs from your favorite Broadway shows is relatively easy to make, and it will have guests singing in the shower or commuter lane. Most CDs hold about 18 to 20 songs. Labels can be customized, and the carrying case can be a copy of the invitation art.
Also, consider these other favor ideas:
- Children’s music CD
- Glo-necklaces
- Magic microphones
- Kazoos
