Ticket sales for Maija of Myrskyluoto are at record speed – City Theatre opens the festive autumn with the tunes of Lasse Mårtenson
The audience’s interest in the musical Maija of Myrskyluoto, composed by Lasse Mårtenson, has been record-breaking. Almost 80 per cent of the autumn tickets have already been sold and reserved, a total of more than 52,000 tickets. The musical will premiere on 24 August on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre.
Maija from Myrskyluoto depicts the life and independence of a Finnish woman in the 19th century Åland, in harsh conditions in the middle of the sea on an island called Myrskyluoto. The work became known as a TV series (1976), for which Lasse Mårtenson composed unforgettable music.
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. Other roles are played by Anna-Maija Jalkanen, Juha Jokela, Jyrki Kasper, Kai Lähdesmäki, Kari Mattila, Jukka Nylund, Sami Paasila, Mikko Paloniemi, Tiina Peltonen, Raili Raitala, Matti Olavi Ranin, Leena Rapola, Matti Rasila, Eero Saarinen, Antti Timonen, Marjut Toivanen, Leenamari Unho and Mikko Vihma.
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. The camouflage was designed by Milja Mensonen, Tuula Kuittinen and Anu Laaksonen.
The Helsinki City Theatre celebrates the 50th anniversary of its renovated theatre building, the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence and the 110th anniversary of the Helsinki City Theatre with a new major Finnish musical.
Director Kari Rentola and lyricist Maija Vilkkumaa will talk about the background of the performance at a creators’ meeting on 31 August at 5.30 p.m. in the foyer of the main stage. Free admission. The audience has the opportunity to ask questions.
Premiere of the musical Maija of Myrskyluoto 24.8.2017 on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhatie 5)
36,50 € – 78 € (includes PM)