Kirka goes wild in Peacock

Helsinki City Theatre’s new musical theatre novelty this spring, based on the life of singer Kirill “Kirka” Babitzin (1950-2007), will have its long-awaited premiere at the Peacock Theatre on 2 February, ten years after the artist’s passing. Kalle Lindroth and Heikki Ranta alternate in the title role.

The play about the icon of Finnish rock hits is written by Matti Laine and directed by Kari Rentola. In addition to the above, the cast includes Sami Hokkanen/Juha Lagström (Sammy), Raili Raitala (Muska), Petrus Kähkönen (Remu), Jon-Jon Geitel (Danny), Rauno Ahonen, Vappu Nalbantoglu, Emilia Nyman, Kari Mattila, Marjut Toivanen and Mikko Vihma. Participating in the ensemble, as young people admiring the singing star, there are also young people who are interested in the theatre industry or aspiring to the field.

“From the beginning, the intention has been to honor Kirka and her unique career, but without showing off or polishing the shadows. As the son of an immigrant family, Kirka was an underdog by default, but she still managed to overcome prejudices and make her way to the front row of artists with her talent and bright and unyielding personality,” says author Matti Laine.

The play features many familiar characters from Kirka’s life and songs from the artist’s long career. The play, which explores the nation’s collective musical memory, includes hits such as Hetki lyö, Leijat, Daa-da daa-da, Hangaillaan and Surun wipeit silmistani.

The choreographies for the ensemble of more than 30 people have been designed by Mindy Lindblom, and the conductor-pianist of the 7-piece orchestra is Risto Kupiainen. The play, which is strongly set in Helsinki, is set by Antti Mattila. The costumes for the musical, which takes place over several decades, from the late 1950s to the late 1980s, were designed by Elina Kolehmainen. William Iles is responsible for the lighting design and Janne Brelih and Aleksi Saura for the sound design. The camouflage and hairstyles have been designed by Henri Karjalainen, Anu Laaksonen, Jaana Nykänen and Aino Hyttinen.

On 22 February, a special sing-along performance of the musical play Kirka will be held, where the audience can throw themselves into singing along to familiar songs.  

Music video: Kirka – Kites
Bright Teaser

Kirka – Sorrow Wipes My Eyes, premiere at the Helsinki City Theatre on 2 February 2017 and performances until 22 April 2017 at the Peacock Theatre

Tickets: 24,50 – 49 € (incl. service fee)