I Remember Mama (musical)

I Remember Mama is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. It is based on the play I Remember Mama by John Van Druten, which in turn was based on the semi-autobiographical novel Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes.

The musical tells the story of a Norwegian immigrant family living in San Francisco in the early 1900s, focusing on the character of Mama, a strong and loving woman who holds her family together through hard work, resourcefulness, and unwavering faith. The story is narrated by her daughter, Katrin, who recounts her childhood memories of her mother.

The plot follows the family's struggles and triumphs as they navigate life in a new country, dealing with poverty, illness, and cultural differences. Mama's central role involves providing emotional support, financial stability (or the illusion of it through her imagined bank account), and guidance to her children and extended family.

The original Broadway production opened in 1979 at the Majestic Theatre, starring Liv Ullmann as Mama. While Ullmann received acclaim for her performance, the musical itself received mixed reviews and closed after a relatively short run of 79 performances. The musical has been produced in various regional and amateur theatre productions since its Broadway debut. While not considered a major success in Rodgers's career, the musical I Remember Mama remains a notable work, exploring themes of family, immigration, and the strength of the human spirit.