More than 35,000 tickets sold for Kirka – performances continue until April

Helsinki City Theatre’s new musical theatre novelty for the spring, Kirka – Sorrow Wipes My Eyes , has been a success. More than 35,000 tickets have been sold and reserved for the performance, which is based on the life of singer Kirill “Kirka” Babitzin (1950-2007). The title role of the play, which premiered at the Peacock Theatre on 2 February, will alternate between Kalle Lindroth and Heikki Ranta.

“The occupancy rate of the Kirka performances has been a staggering almost 90 per cent. Now is the time to hurry, as the popular performance will only continue in our programme until 22 April,” says theatre director Kari Arffman.

The play, written by Matti Laine, is directed by Kari Rentola. The play, which follows the life of the Finnish rock pop icon from the late 1950s to the late 1980s, features many familiar characters from Kirka’s life and songs from the artist’s long career, including the hits Hetki lyö, Leijat, Daa-da daa-da, Hangaillaan and Surun wipeit silmistani.

In addition to Lindroth and Ranta, the performance will feature e.g. Sami Hokkanen and Juha Lagström alternate in the role of Sammy, Raili Raitala as Muska, Petrus Kähkönen as Remu and Jon-Jon Geitel as Danny.

“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 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 and the costumes are 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.

Music video: Kirka – Kites
Bright Teaser
Kirka – You wipe the sorrow from my eyes

Kirka – Sorrow Wipes My Eyes, Helsinki City Theatre performances until 22.4.2017 at Peacock Theatre Tickets: 24,50 – 49 € (incl. pm)