Steve Martin’s sitcom has twisted humour and absurd twists
On 29 January, the Helsinki City Theatre’s small stage will have its Finnish premiere of the new comedy Meteor Shower (2016) by the well-known actor and stand-up legend Steve Martin. The director is Mika Eirtovaara, the cornerstone of Finnish stand-up, and the roles are played by amazing comedians Katja Küttner, Mikko Penttilä, Vappu Nalbantoglu and Peter Ahlqvist. In addition to laughter, the absurd and at the same time intelligent Starrain offers a mirror to one’s own relationship.
“I’ve always been a fan of Steve Martin’s comedy. His stand-up material already stood out from the crowd with its absurdity and ingenuity. This play is no exception. It has elements of relationships, fears, sexuality, aubergines and space that are recognizable to all of us, which are viewed through Steve Martin’s slightly skewed glasses. All this is crowned by our excellent casting,” says director Mika Eirtovaara.
Corky and Norm are just an ordinary middle-aged couple with a comfortable home and a well-developed relationship. It’s August 1993 in Ojai, California, and a spectacular meteor shower is predicted for the evening. A new acquaintance, Gerald and Laura, have been invited to admire it. Dinner guests are good-looking, exciting, and entertaining. Unlike the host couple, they also know how to argue effectively. Is there something strange about them? What do they really want?
The sitcom, which combines surreal twists and crooked humour, has been translated into Finnish by Sanna Niemeläinen, and its roles are played by amazing comedians Katja Küttner, Vappu Nalbantoglu, Mikko Penttilä and Peter Ahlqvist, among others.
This time, the set design for Starburst has also been designed by Peter Ahlqvist, who is also performing on stage, and whose previous set work includes The Little Mermaid and Kinky Boots. The costumes are designed by Elina Kolehmainen. The lighting design is by Vesa Ellilä, and the sound design is by Jaakko Virmavirta. The camouflage was designed by Tuula Kuittinen.
Premiere of Tähtiradetta 29.1.2020 at 7 pm on the small stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5)
Tickets: €19.50 – €39 (incl. pm)
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Helsinki City Theatre ticket office, Ensi linja 2, Mon-Fri 9 am – 5.30 pm, Eläintarhantie 5 Sat 11 am – 7 pm and one hour before the performance and Lippupiste Mon-Sat 9 am – 9 pm, Sun 10 am – 6 pm, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/min + local network charge)
www.hkt.fi
Press photos can be found in the image bank and press releases in the newsroom.
Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests: Helsinki City Theatre, Communications Manager Kaisa Pelkonen, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja 2, 00530 Helsinki