The City Theatre’s anniversary musical Maija of Myrskyluoto is a strong woman’s story
Helsinki City Theatre is entering the centenary year of independence with a strong story of a woman. Based on Anni Blomqvist’s series of novels and composed by Lasse Mårtenson , the grand musical Maija of Myrskyluoto will open the completely renovated, 50-year-old theatre building on 24 August. The main couple will be Laura Alajääski in the role of Maija and Aaro Wichmann, who is visiting HKT for the first time, as Janne.
“In the centenary year of Finland’s independence, we have chosen a work that focuses on a woman’s story. Maija from Myrskyluoto depicts the life and independence of a Finnish woman in the 19th century Åland, in the middle of the sea. In the midst of hard adversity, hope is there all the time, and love. You can ask, do women have more faith and strength to deal with difficulties?”, says theatre director Kari Arffman.
In addition to Laura Alajääski and Aaro Wichmann, the roles of Maija from Myrskyluoto are played by Eero Saarinen, Leenamari Unho, Anna-Maija Jalkanen, Sami Paasila, Marjut Toivanen, Tiina Peltonen, Matti Rasila, Antti Timonen, Kari Mattila, Jyrki Kasper, Mikko Paloniemi, Raili Raitala, Jukka Nylund, Mikko Vihma, Kai Lähdesmäki and Leena Rapola.
Laura Alajääski has been a member of the cast of the Helsinki City Theatre since 2015. Alajääski, who has played at the Tampere Workers’ Theatre, Turku City Theatre, Rauma City Theatre and Tampere Theatre, is remembered for her many musical roles, including Eva Peron in Evita , Eliza in My Fair Lady , Maria and Anita in West Side Story , Sugar in Piukkojen paikat , Tzeitel in the musical Fiddler on the Roof and Liesl in The Sound of Music . She most recently appeared in HKT musicals as Magda in Dance of the Vampires and as Princess Fiona in Shrek .
Aaro Wichmann has been attached to the Tampere Theatre in 2010-2011 and has visited the Finnish National Theatre, the Swedish Theatre, the Oulu City Theatre and the Rauma City Theatre, among others. His previous musical roles include Mickey Johnstone in Blood Brothers and Bobby in The Three Penny Opera .
The musical Maija of Myrskyluoto has been dramatised by Seppo Parkkinen based on the works of Anni Blomqvist and directed by Kari Rentola. Mårtenson’s music, which will be heard on stage for the first time, has been arranged by Arttu Takalo, and there are new lyrics by Maija Vilkkumaa . The conductor of the 17-piece orchestra is Eeva Kontu. The choreographies for the 30-member ensemble are designed by Jyrki Karttunen and the costumes by Riitta Anttonen-Palo. The renovated City Theatre’s set design, which makes wonderful use of the latest stage technology, was designed by Katariina Kirjavainen and the lighting design by William Iles. The sound design is by Sakke Kiiski.
Maijaan in Myrskyluoto has attracted a record amount of interest from the public. More than 33,000 tickets have already been sold and reserved for the musical, which will premiere in August.