Review: Kirka – Surun pyyhit silmistäni

When the musical Kirka – Surun wipeit silmistani, written by Matti Laine and directed by Kari Rentola, gets underway, it becomes clear that there is no need to. It’s about much more than just imitating Kirka.

Kirka and older brother Sammy dream of stardom. The father keeps strict discipline and would like the boys and their little sister Muska to finish school and go to a proper job.

But the music takes you, and Kirka becomes an idol that raises hysteria.

The story of Kirka and the musical Babitzin sisters is also the story of those of us sitting in the audience. Gradually, an entire era comes to life, takes us to memories, to youth.

Heikki Rantbrings out Kirka’s good-natured and soft personality, and she doesn’t sing too badly. Jon-Jon Geitelin Danny is an overwhelmingly comical and wonderful character, Raili Raitala is like Muska in person.

The narrative is spiced up with a warm smile and humour, which is sometimes really overdone. Elina Kolehmainen’s costumes hit the heart of each era and sometimes make you laugh uncontrollably.

If you want to criticize something, you may get stuck in the development of Kirka’s popularity for too long. Especially since the plot is otherwise carried by fast scenes. There could be more music in the first act; The audience is thirsty for Kirka’s hits.

These small flaws do not spoil the whole. Here’s a musical you can’t help but love.