Meryl ‘Mia’: Streep takes on ABBA

Meryl Streep will star in the movie version of the popular ABBA musical “Mamma Mia!” Theater veteran Phyllida Lloyd is in negotiations to make her feature directorial debut on the film, which will be distributed by Universal Pictures. The musical, created by Judy Craymer and Catherine Johnson, features 22 ABBA songs, including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All.” The part marks the first musical for Streep, who has showed off her pipes in such movies as “A Prairie Home Companion,” “Postcards From the Edge” and “Death Becomes Her.” ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus are among the executive producers.