Streep to headline 'Mamma Mia!' film

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Academy award winner Meryl Streep has signed on to headline the film adaptation of Swedish pop music group ABBA's musical "Mamma Mia!"

The Universal Pictures film version of the popular ABBA musical will feature the 57-year-old actress as single mother Donna Sheridan, Playbill reported.

"(Meryl Streep) was always at the top of our wish list, and she encapsulates the spirit and energy and has the powerhouse qualities that character requires," producer Judy Craymer said.

Making the leap from stage to screen will be Phyllida Lloyd, who previously headed up Broadway renditions of the ABBA musical and now will make her feature-film directorial debut with its adaptation.

Filming on the adaptation of the musical, that has music and lyrics from ABBA's Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, is to begin this summer in London and Greece.

Streep has won Academy awards for her roles in "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Sophie's Choice" and also received a Tony nomination for her role in the stage production of "27 Wagons Full of Cotton."