Note: No longer in repertoire!

A journey through the nation’s shared musical memory, celebrating a unique artist whose voice forms part of the soundtrack of Finnish identity.

Helsinki-born Kirill “Kirka” Babitzin occupies an unforgettable place in the history of Finnish music. A unique artist whose voice forms part of the soundtrack of Finnish identity. The musical Kirka – Surun pyyhit silmistäni receives its world premiere ten years after the artist’s death. Although Kirka was not the first Finnish artist to sing and record rock music, he was Finland’s first true rock star and icon – an idol of the masses. His extraordinary voice and electrifying stage presence made him the heart-throb of teenage girls and the object of their parents’ disapproval – or admiration. He was no modest boy next door from a rural village, but an exotic, irrepressible rock icon unlike anything Finland had seen before – and not someone the country would soon get over. Kirka sang his way into Finnish hearts and deep into the nation’s soul with rock, funk and R&B, as well as ballads and Finnish schlager. The production features many familiar figures from Kirka’s life and songs spanning his long career. Exploring the nation’s shared musical memory, the show includes such hits as Hetki lyö, Leijat, Daa-da, daa-da, Hengaillaan and Surun pyyhit silmistäni. The world premiere takes place at Peacock Theatre in February 2017.

Peacock Theatre, Tivolikuja 1

Cast KIRKA – Kalle Lindroth/Heikki Ranta, Sami Hokkanen/Juha Lagström, Rauno Ahonen, Jon-Jon Geitel, Sari Haapamäki, Sofia Hilli, Ilkka Kokkonen, Petrus Kähkönen, Kai Lähdesmäki, Kari Mattila, Vappu Nalbantoglu, Unto Nuora, Emilia Nyman, Sami Paasila, Tiina Peltonen, Raili Raitala, Inka Tiitinen, Marjut Toivanen, Mikko Vihma, Sonja Arffman, Nomi Enckell, Jaakko Hellsten, Rosa Herpiö, Saara Kaskilahti, Paulus Kähkönen, Petteri Lassila, Vera Lillqvist, Taneli Läykki, Alvari Stenbäck

Director Kari Rentola

Choreographer Mindy Lindblom

Musical Director Risto Kupiainen

Set Designer Antti Mattila

Costume Designer Elina Kolehmainen

Lighting Designer William Iles

Sound Designers Aleksi Saura, Janne Brelih

Make-up and Hair Henri Karjalainen, Anu Laaksonen, Jaana Nykänen, Aino Hyttinen