Musical about murder in 1920’s Helsinki

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The characters of Virpi Hämeen-Anttila's popular detective series enter the musical scene. The story is set in the rough Helsinki during the Prohibition Act in 1921. The leading role as Karl Axel Björk is played by actor-musician Joel Mäkinen. Other roles are played by Heljä Heikkinen, Miro Apostolakis/Petri Knuuttila, Minja Koski, Janne Marja-Aho/Jukka Nylund, Otto Pilli and Tatu Siivonen. The script is written by Virpi Hämeen-Anttila and the musical is composed by Jukka Nykänen. Reetta Ristimäki is in charge of the direction and Peter Pihlström of the choreography of the performance.

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The readers of the Björk novels will be able to encounter the beloved characters of the books in the musical: the young handsome protagonist, his two crushes, the romantic Lisbet and the sharp-worded Ida, the determined policeman Martti, the journalist Anton, and of course the witty and lively Frans Valkama who knows the corners of Kallio like the back of his hand. There are also familiar criminals, such as the blood-curdling Vahanaama. But the best thing is perhaps Björk’s Helsinki, which streets, bourgeois homes, wooden houses, speakeasys, parks and market squares have awakened with their sounds and fragrances switching from the pages of the book to the stage at Alexander Theater.

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“The new Finnish musical Happy Souls’ Hotel successfully creates the 1920s picture of life in Helsinki. Written by Virpi Hämeen-Anttila and directed by Reetta Ristimäki, the musical provides a thrilling evening at the Alexander Theater.” – Helsingin Sanomat / Lauri Meri

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“The puzzle pieces fall into their optimal places in the murder musical with music by the stylistic multi-talent Jukka Nykänen. In the midst of all the beautiful, and gruesome, nostalgia naturally reminds us of its many tentacles reaching to our own time.”

– Hufvudstadsbladet

 

Jukka Nykänen composition

Virpi Hämeen-Anttila script and dramatization

Reetta Ristimäki director and dramatization

Marko Hilpo conductor, musical arrangement and musical director

Peter Pihlström coreography

Marja Uusitalo costume design

Artur Sallinen & Emil Sallinen projection design

Ville Leppilahti sound design

Janne Teivainen lightning design

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Cast list:

Joel Mäkinen

Tatu Siivonen

Heljä Heikkinen

Janne Marja-aho / Petri Knuuttila

Minja Koski

Miro Apostolakis / Jukka Nylund

Otto Pilli

and

Skene -music school dancing and singing choir

 

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