Meryl Streep to Star in "Mamma Mia" Film

Meryl Streep, the oscar-winning star of The Devil Wears Prada and Sophie's Choice, will act in the film version of the Broadway musical, Mamma Mia!

Judy Craymer, producer of Mamma Mia!, claimed of Streep, "She was always at the top of our wish list." Streep will play Donna, a single mother preparing for her daughter, Sophie's, wedding. Craymer continued, "She encapsulates the spirit, and energy and has the powerhouse qualities that character requires."

Streep may be known for her acting, with 13 Academy Award nominations, but the star once dreamed of being an opera singer and actually sang in the movie, Prairie Home Companion.

Mamma Mia!, which is currently being performed on stage in 16 countries, tells the story of a mother who raises her daughter on a Greek island, but never informs her of who her real father is. The daughter then scrambles to locate the three men she thinks could be her father, in time for her wedding day. The Broadway musical features 22 songs by the Swedish pop group, ABBA, including favorites such as "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me."

The movie version is scheduled to begin in London and Greece this year. The screenplay was written by Catherine Johnson, the author of the stage version, as well. ABBA members, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, are to be executive producers and Phyllida Lloyd, director of Mamma Mia! on stage in London and on Broadway, is being considered for director of the movie version.