The City Theatre’s autumn 2021 musical is As in Heaven – a musical of great emotions is a balm for the soul
The touching musical novelty Så som i himmelen (2018) will have its Finnish premiere on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre in autumn 2021. The Swedish musical, which premiered in Stockholm three years earlier and captivated audiences, will be brought to the big stage by award-winning director and choreographer Jakob Höglund and his top team.
Written by Kay Pollak and Carin Pollak and written by Sweden’s best-known Eurovision composer Fredrik Kempe, the musical emphasizes the power of music, community, hope and joy of life. The main roles are played by Tuukka Leppänen, the star of the musical Once, and award-winning actress and singer Oona Airola, who is acting in her first major musical role at the Helsinki City Theatre.
“When I saw the original performance in Sweden, I was surprised by a huge emotional avalanche. Already during the intermission, I realized that I wanted to bring this performance across the bay to Finland. It is a huge happiness to now be able to make this dream come true,” says Jakob Höglund, Artistic Director of the Swedish-language Lilla Teatern stage, who is now directing for the first time on HKT’s big stage.
“The story of the musical As in Heaven , which contains deeply touching destinies and liberating joy of life, offers the viewer warmth and balm for the soul at this time.”
Based on the popular Swedish film of the same name (2004), the musical tells the story of the successful conductor Daniel Daréus’ return to his childhood homeland in a small village in northern Sweden. The top musician, who has suffered from health problems, would like to live a quiet life, but soon finds himself conducting the villagers’ church choir, and in the middle of a colorful and vibrant community. Among the diverse country choir, there are not only friends, but also old wounds and, finally, true love.
In addition to Airola and Leppänen, the cast includes Emilia Nyman, Puntti Valtonen, Antti Timonen, Sanna Majuri, Olli Rahkonen, Tuomas Uusitalo, Anna-Victoria Eriksson, Paavo Kääriäinen, Sinikka Sokka, Kari Mattila, Raili Raitala and Helena Haaranen.
The conductor of the musical As It Is in Heaven is Eeva Kontu, one of the top names in Finnish musical theatre. The musical has been translated into Finnish by Aino Piirola (text) and Maija Vilkkumaa (songs). The top team also includes Swedish set designer Sven Haraldsson and costume designer Samu-Jussi Koski, known for his Samuji brand, as well as lighting designer William Iles, sound designer Kai Poutanen and camouflage designer Milja Mensonen, known from HKT’s successful musicals. The video design is by Toni Haaranen, and the shadow theatre expert is Heini Maaranen.
The premiere of As It Is in Heaven will take place in autumn 2021 on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5), the exact premiere date will be announced later. The performances for October-December are now on sale.
22 € – 88 € (incl. pm.)
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