Review: Katto-Kassinen
Katto-Kassinen – the best in everything possible
Katto-Kassinen is a boy who wants all the presents and candy for himself, throws toys around the county and whose self-esteem does not waver in the slightest. Indeed, it is difficult to believe in the existence of such a thing. Of course, the self-decorated penthouse and the propeller on the back as a means of flying add extra spice. The adventures of this hero of Astrid Lindgren have been written into a play by the Swedish writer-actor-director Staffan Götestam. On the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre, this world’s best Kassinen delights his surroundings under the direction of Kurt Nuotio.
Sami Hokkanen’s boisterous, outrageously self-righteous Kassinen appears to brighten up the life of the unfortunate Samu, who is simply called Little Brother.
The little brother is played by Antti Lang, beautifully emphasizing the sensitivity and vulnerability of a little boy. However, they grow into a strength in the company of a new, energetic friend.
However, the real joy on stage only breaks down after the intermission, when the story finds a more long-term plot and a charismatic counterforce. Risto Kaskilahti’s wonderful Elsa Pässi, who arrives to help with childcare, makes Kassinen and Little Brother join forces at their best.
Even the good old fart bag makes you laugh longer than usual, but it turns out to be just a warm-up once you get to the meatball ping-pong match and the carpet whip chase.
The re-education of an eccentric aunt is amazing well-paced slapstick at its best.
Boring little brother life
The first half, on the other hand, could have been cut out of extras, especially since the performance as a whole lasts well over two hours. The beginning is largely just about introducing the characters and getting to know each other. At the same time, a few musical numbers are thrown in to cheer you up, as well as loose foolishness with props.
Even with less, you might believe that the everyday life of a family with three children is not peaceful, and especially the life of a youngster with his mother (Aino Seppo), father (Matti Rasila) and early teens, big sister Pike (Tiina Peltonen) and big brother Poku (Antti Timonen), is not a treat. Everyone has their own schedules, and Little Brother often feels lonely and longs for his very own dog as a friend. Her friends, Nelli (Sanna Saarijärvi) and Kimmonen (Matti Laine), are not always happy either, especially when they don’t want to believe in the existence of a miraculous propeller-backed guy either.
Excitement is brought to the first half by the robber duo, whom Katto-Kassinen and Little Brother find committing attic burglaries on the rooftops of the city.
Vilho, who gracefully extends his ankle to ballet jumps and is played by Matti Rasila as a double role, and his clumsy partner Kolho, played by Juha Jokela, who experiences many miraculous rescues, bring physical humor to the stage, but the plot stub of watching the bandits’ gig attempt is poor.
Over the rooftops of Helsinki
Katariina Kirjavainen has set and Sari Salmela has costumed the Katto-Kassinen children’s theatre with bright, clear colours, and the toy content of the Little Brother’s room is sure to make many people envious. It’s funny that Katto-Kassinen flies Little Brother recognizably over the rooftops of Helsinki, the green dome of the cathedral is a sure landmark. Juha Westmen’s lights create city lights and a wonderfully glowing blue evening sky on stage.
The musical numbers composed by Georg Riedel, Staffan Götestam and Anders Berglund cannot really be called memorable or original, quite the opposite, but the orchestra conducted by Tommi Lindell swings well.
In the second cast, Eppu Salminen flies as Katto-Kassinen and Antti Timonen plays the Little Brother.