A musical theatre production based on the music of the late and legendary Finnish singer Kirka. From Saturday night dances in a long-disappeared rural Finland to the back seat of a broken down Lada, the piece by Kotka City theatre is a fast-moving yet poignant trip through decades past.

Text by Esko Janhunen
Music arranged by Ari Ismälä
Director Ilkka Laasonen
Choreographer Thomas Freundlich
Costumes Anne Hannula
Stage design Paula Penttilä
Lights Pekka Ahokas
Sound Tommi Leinonen
Makeup and hairstyling Maarit Parkko-Orimus
Props Reetta Kinnunen
Stage manager Satu Herranen

Actors: Pia Lunkka, Kalle Pylvänäinen, Jarkko Sarjanen

Band: Hannu Timonen (Direction/Piano), Wiljami Salminen/Sami Virtanen (Guitar), Timo Mynttinen/Marko Kuusela (Bass), Harri Heininen (Drums)

A production of Kotka City Theatre

Premiere at restaurant Kairo, Kotka, Finland, August 29th 2009

"Kirkan lahje hits the bullseye... the production fills the restaurant stage with style and passionate momentum. Ilkka Laasonen's direction is intense and perceptive... the story, music and acting click together seamlessly, gripping the viewer until the very end."
- Tiina Aho, Kouvolan Sanomat, Kouvola, Finland, September 1st 2009

Photo by Paula Penttilä / Kotka City Theatre