The big-hearted musical Dear Evan Hansen will have its Finnish premiere at the City Theatre in autumn 2023
In autumn 2023, the Helsinki City Theatre’s main stage will feature the internationally acclaimed musical Dear Evan Hansen (2015). The main role of Evan is alternated between young musical talents Petja Pulkkinen and Julius Suominen, and Evan’s mother is played by Nina Tapio. The novelty, which will have its Finnish premiere on 28 September, will be directed by theatre director Kari Arffman.
Connor Murphy’s parents find a letter in their dead son’s pocket. It is a letter of encouragement written by a high school boy, Evan Hansen, to himself. It is a letter that was not meant to be seen by anyone else and leads to a lie that should never have been told. This is the beginning of a whirlwind of events, in the middle of which is Evan Hansen, a lonely and socially awkward young person who wants to find herself and be seen. Dear Evan Hansen is a deeply personal and contemporary story about a boy who wants nothing more than to belong.
“It is a privilege to be the first in Finland to direct this absolute gem of a contemporary musical. Dear Evan Hansen is an unusually authentic and touching story and its wonderful songs stole my own heart from the very first hearing and I believe this will happen to viewers of all ages. In addition, the musical gives young future creators the opportunity to show their talents,” says director Kari Arffman.
The beloved Evan Hansen is touching, relatable and full of hope. The musical is about the difficulty of growing up and the power of self-discovery. It is a story of youth, parenthood and fast-growing children and mothers who always stay by their children’s side. The beautiful music of the beloved Evan Hansen includes one magnificent ballad and catchy pop song.
The role of Evan alternates between talented musical talents Petja Pulkkinen and Julius Suominen. Evan’s mother is played by musical star Nina Tapio and the role of Connor isplayed by Niki Rautén (Connor), who shone in the musical Priscilla. The other roles are played by Riikka Riikonen (Zoe), Sanna Majuri (Cynthia), Antti Timonen (Larry), Lumi Aunio (Alana), Samuli Pajunen (Jared), Reeta Vestman, Tuukka Leppänen, Tiina Peltonen, Raili Raitala and Akseli Ferrand.
The new musical is directed by Kari Arffman, conducted by Eeva Kontu and choreographed by Antti Lahti. The set design was designed by Antti Mattila, the costumes by Elina Kolehmainen and the camouflage by Jaana Nykänen. William Iles and Toni Haaranen are responsible for the lighting and video design and Jaakko Virmavirta is responsible for the sound design. The musical has been translated into Finnish by Reita Lounatvuori and the songs have been translated into Finnish by Hanna Kaila.
The musical, written by Steven Levenson, has been a success abroad and has won numerous awards. The musical’s composers, Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, have written and composed music for several well-known films.
Read the interview with Petja Pulkkinen and Julius Suominen on the theatre’s website: Interview with the actors of the main roles.
Dear Evan Hansen premiere 28.9.2023 on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5). Tickets: student ticket 34 € (Mon-Thu), pensioner ticket 65 € (Mon-Thu), basic ticket 68 € #rakasevanhansen @hktfi
Helsinki City Theatre ticket sales and customer service by phone (09) 3940 22 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm. Ticket offices First line 2, Mon-Fri 12 noon–5 pm, Eläintarhantie 5, Sat (on performance days) 11 am–6 pm and always one hour before the performance and Lippu.fi, Mon–Sat 9 am–9 pm, Sun 10 am–6 pm, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/min + local network charge) www.hkt.fi
In the photo: Petja Pulkkinen and Nina Tapio. Photo Ilkka Saastamoinen.
Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests:
Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Manager, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja, 00530 Helsinki