A scene from the Chinese version of Mamma Mia! staged at the Guangzhou Opera House in 2013. [PHOTO BY GAO DIANHUA/FOR CHINA DAILY]

In the show, Shen plays the role of Tanya, a position she continues to hold. As for the others, many have made progress from previously uncredited roles.

Zhou Xiaowei, who was studying directing at Shanghai Theater Academy when the first season of the Mandarin version of Mamma Mia! was holding auditions, did not pass her final round audition for Sophie. But that did not mark the end of her ties to Mamma Mia! as she now plays Lisa in the fourth season.

Speaking of her progress, Zhou says many talented people benefited from being part of the Chinese version.

Tian Yuan, who helped introduce the original version of Mamma Mia! to China in 2007, moved on to become the producer of the Chinese version.