Katson Sineen Taivaan (performed in Finnish)

The musical tells the story of the early careers of Katri Helena and Tapani Kansa and their rise to become beloved national stars. It also explores how the stories of these two artists became intertwined in the Finnish schlager music scene. Early in their careers, both were also signed to Danny’s D-tuotanto production company—although Tapani Kansa only briefly, during the 1967 Lapland tour. The singers also performed in the operetta theatre led by Hilkka Kinnunen, who cast Katri Helena, Tapani Kansa, and Lasse Mårtenson as the stars of My Fair Lady. Inspired by the musical, a record company decided to organize a joint tour for Katri and Tapani in 1971. Their “Love Story” tour sparked widespread speculation about a romantic relationship.

The musical is a vibrant and eventful portrayal of the artists’ lives in the 1960s and 1970s. It captures the glamour, mishaps, humor, and raw realities of life on tour, and shows how Katri Helena and Tapani Kansa found their way to become the brightest stars of Finnish popular music.

The show features some of their greatest hits, including Katson sineen taivaan, R-A-K-A-S, Syysunelmaa, Vasten auringon siltaa, Katson autiota hiekkarantaa, Eloise, Delilah, Sulle, Kesäkatu, Lintu ja lapsi, Nuoruus on seikkailu, Hafanana, and many more.

Katri Helena is one of Finland’s most successful singers, with over 1.5 million records sold. Her breakthrough hit was Puhelinlangat laulaa in the early 1960s. She is especially beloved by audiences, and part of her popularity stems from her strong Finnish identity—she is often referred to as “the blue-and-white voice.”

Tapani Kansa was a versatile singer whose repertoire ranged from schlager and rock and roll to more artistic songs and operetta. He was a talented, distinctive, and ambitious performer who received critical acclaim. His breakthrough hit was Delilah, which he performed with powerful intensity.

Ilkka Lipsanen, known as Danny, is a singer, entrepreneur, and music industry figure. His best-known recordings include Kesäkatu, Tuuliviiri, and Kuusamo. Since 1966, he has run his own entertainment agency, D-tuotanto. Danny is also known for his show tours, which he has produced since the 1960s. He pioneered a new kind of show culture in Finland, combining music with elaborate costumes, dancers, and impressive lighting effects.

Hilkka Kinnunen is an actress, soprano, and theatre counselor. She founded the Operetta Theatre in 1959. The theatre operated at the Helsinki Rowing Stadium and toured across different regions of Finland, as well as internationally in Sweden and the United States.

Language: Finnish
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

Intermission: Yes, approximately halfway through the performance

The cloakroom opens one hour before the event. Please arrive early to avoid last-minute congestion.