Helsinki City Theatre’s The Little Mermaid Swims its re-premiere
The enchanting Disney musical The Little Mermaid will have its re-premiere on August 17 on the big stage. The musical, which was seen for the first time on the stage of the Helsinki City Theatre in 2019, features familiar faces as well as new stars in the roles. The musical, which has been a huge success with audiences and received rave reviews, is directed by Samuel Harjanne.
The Little Mermaid originally premiered at the Helsinki City Theatre on 29 August 2019, and soon the big stage will once again transform into an underwater magical world. The grand musical, which is swimming back to the stage, has aroused the enthusiasm of the audience, and a total of almost 25,000 tickets have already been sold and reserved for the autumn season’s performances.
“I’m crazy with happiness to be able to return to this magical world. The Little Mermaid is an internationally significant production, and our version has gained fame around the world. There are new performers, such as the fabulously charming Yasmine Yamajako as Ariel, as well as original performers who have made an indelible impression, such as Sanna Saarijärvi as Ursula. Helsinki City Theatre has invested in high-quality musical theatre that raises a new generation of theatres. For that, I am especially proud and grateful,” says director Samuel Harjanne.
The Little Mermaid is a timeless love story with beautiful music and stunning visuals that have charmed audiences around the world. In the story, the young mermaid Ariel wants to leave the maritime kingdom and live in a human world. Ariel falls in love with the prince and makes a pact with the Merino Witch in order to live with her beloved.
The role of Princess Ariel is played by Yasmine Yamajako with a wonderful voice, and Martti Manninen will be seen as Prince Erik. Other roles are played by Samuli Kakko (Sebastian), Sanna Saarijärvi (Ursula), Mikko Vihma (King Triton), Lauri Mikkola (Kiero), Antti Timonen (Liero), Tuukka Leppänen (Skuutti), Tuomas Uusitalo (Chef Louis) and Pertti Koivula (Yrjö). The role of Ariel’s fishing friend Pärsky is alternated by Pauli Halonen, Aleksi Johansson and Iivari Luomala.
Once again, the stage will feature amazing flight technology, puppets from the makers of the Star Wars films, costumes designed by Pirjo Liiri-Majava, set design by Peter Ahlqvist, video projections designed by Toni Haaranen and spectacular choreographies by Gunilla Olsson-Karlsson. The make-up and hairstyles are by Milja Mensonen. The sound design is by Kai Poutanen and the lighting design by William Iles. The Finnish translation was made by Reita Lounatvuori and Hanna Kaila (songs). The conductor is Risto Kupiainen. James Veitch and Nick Porter, experts from the renowned Flying by Foy, are visiting the designers of the flights. The dolls related to the characters of the underwater world were designed by Becky and Paul Vincett, a top professional duo from the British company Stitches and Glue.
Based on H. C. Andersen’s classic fairy tale (1837) and the beloved Disney animation (1989), the Disney musical The Little Mermaid (2008) is written by Doug Wright, composed by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.
Alan Menken’s enchanting music once made this Disney film one of the biggest successes in the world. For the musical, he has composed more than 10 new songs, including the hits Part Of Your World, and the Oscar-winning Under the Sea.
Watch the trailer for the 2019 production: The Little Mermaid
Watch a video of the musical’s 2019 premiere: The Little Mermaid premiere 29.8.2019 The re-premiere of The Little Mermaid musical on 17.8.2023 on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5).
Tickets: children’s ticket €44, basic ticket €88, student ticket €44 (Mon-Thu) and pensioner ticket €85 (Mon-Thu). #pienimerenneito @hktfi
Helsinki City Theatre’s ticket sales and customer service by phone (09) 394022 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Ticket offices First line 2, Mon-Fri 11-17.30, Eläintarhantie 5, Sat (on performance days) 11-18 and one hour before the performance and Lippu.fi, Mon-Sat 9-21, Sun 10-18, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/min + local network charge) www.hkt.fi
In the photo: Yasmine Yamajako. Photo by: Robert Seger
Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests:
Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Manager, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja 2, 00530 Helsinki