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Samuel Harjanne

News Reviews

Here are the latest updates of what’s going on in my life. You can also find some press quotes from my latest works.

Photo by © Kalevi Rytkölä/Yle

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News

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Opening Night is here!

July 8th, 2025, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast premieres at the legendary Det Kongelige Teater in Copenhagen, Denmark!

Directed by Samuel Harjanne, this production marks his directorial debut in his home country, in collaboration with Lion Musicals. Bringing this timeless story to life on one of the most historic stages in Scandinavia is a true honour.

Beauty and the Beast is a celebration of transformation, love, and humanity, told through stunning music, powerful performances, and unforgettable stagecraft.

We wish to extend our deepest thanks to the entire creative team, cast, crew, and everyone who has been part of this beautiful journey. Your talent, dedication, and artistry have made this production truly magical.

Let the tale as old as time begin!

News

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Rehearsals Began in Copenhagen!

On Monday, 19 May 2025, marked the beginning of rehearsals for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Skønheden og Udyret) in Copenhagen, Denmark — directed by Samuel Harjanne. The production is presented in collaboration with Lion Musicals and Live Nation Denmark, and will premiere on 8 July 2025 at the prestigious Kongelige Teater, Gamle Scene.

This musical marks a significant milestone for Samuel, as it is his first time directing in his second home country, Denmark. With deep excitement and heartfelt anticipation, he steps into this beloved tale of love, transformation, and inner beauty — themes that continue to resonate across generations and cultures.

"Beauty is found within..." — a message that lives at the very heart of this story, and one Samuel is thrilled to bring to life on the Danish stage.

The Cast of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Following its premiere in Copenhagen, the production will embark on a national tour across Denmark, bringing this timeless classic to audiences throughout the country.

News

Harjanne Company Ltd is growing! We welcome two new team members!

Elisabet Petsalo joins us as Opera Coordinator, focusing on developing our work on the opera field. Tuukka Raitala steps in as Development Coordinator, supporting the future growth of Harjanne Company Ltd.

They join our existing team of CEO Samuel Harjanne and Project Coordinator Henri Sarajärvi — and together, we can't wait to see what the future holds for Harjanne Company Ltd. with this new team on board.

The future is looking bright and full of promise!

We began this new chapter with a team retreat in Copenhagen, hosted by our CEO Samuel Harjanne. The future looks promising, and we’re looking forward to what we can build together with this new team!

News

The Business of Culture with Samuel Harjanne

How does leadership shape the arts? In this interview with Aalto EE, our CEO Samuel Harjanne discusses the combination of creativity and business, sharing insights on the evolving cultural landscape.

Read more:

https://www.aaltoee.fi/en/our-customers/samuel-harjanne-business-of-culture

News

Risto Räppääjä ja Kaksoisolento

We are thrilled to celebrate the fantastic premiere of Risto Räppääjä ja Kaksoisolento, directed by our very own Samuel Harjanne making his debut directing for the big screen! This exciting family film has already captivated audiences across the country, drawing an incredible 50,000 viewers! A huge congratulations to the entire team behind this wonderful movie.

The journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see even more people join in the fun and adventure. Grab your popcorn and catch Risto Räppääjä ja Kaksoisolento in theatres now!

News

Harjanne Company Ltd are hiring!

Harjanne Company Ltd are looking for new talented individuals to join our team! We are seeking people for both creative and organizational roles. See more information below. We look forward to meeting you!

News

Happy Birthday to us! 🎉

Today Harjanne Company Ltd is celebrating 6 years in action, and with many more to come! We want to send out a huge thank you to all our collaborators, creative team members for all productions we have been a part of and to all performers who pour their heart into the shows every day. We admire your passion and love for the arts! Thank you!
Let's celebrate! 🥳

News

Kinky Boots, A Winning Streak Continues with a New Premiere in Estonia!

"So what do you think boss?"

Harjanne Company Ltd and director Samuel Harjanne are proud to bring their celebrated production of Kinky Boots to life once again. This marks the third premiere of this spectacular musical under Harjanne’s direction, this time at the prestigious Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu, Estonia.

Previously, Kinky Boots dazzled audiences in Finland, playing to sold-out houses at both the Helsinki City Theatre and TTT-Theatre of Tampere. The production’s success is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of the creative team behind it. A team that makes the magic happen again, but this time in Estonia.

"From London to Milan, stilettos are an ism!"

This vibrant collaboration combines Harjanne Company’s expertise with the remarkable contributions of Vanemuine Theatre’s own talented staff. Together, they bring this heartwarming and uplifting story of acceptance, friendship, and fabulous footwear to new heights.

We can’t wait to see Kinky Boots step into the spotlight once more and charm audiences in Tartu!

"He ain´t half the man Don is!"

News

Annie Returns to Folketeateret! A Holiday Tradition Continues!

"It's a hard knock life for us!"

The beloved musical Annie, directed by Samuel Harjanne, is set to return to the stage on Friday, 22nd of November 2024, at Norway’s Folketeateret. This festive production is brought back in collaboration with Scenekvelder, following its previous success in Norway.

Harjanne’s Christmas themed adaptation of Annie was warmly received by Norwegian audiences, who praised its heartwarming story, engaging performances, and family friendly appeal. The positive reception has inspired plans to make this production a recurring feature during the holiday season in the future.

This production is supported by a talented and experienced Norwegian team whose dedication and collaborative spirit have ensured its success. Their efforts bring this cherished musical to life in a way that continues to delight audiences of all ages.

Be sure to catch Annie this holiday season, a delightful musical experience for the whole family!

News

Samuel Harjanne to Direct Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Denmark for Lion Musicals in Collaboration with Live Nation

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Premieres in Denmark 8th of July, 2025!

"True beauty lies within."

Samuel Harjanne is thrilled to announce that one of his next projects will be Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, produced by Lion Musicals in collaboration with Live Nation.

The production is set to premiere on July 8th, 2025, and marks a special milestone for Samuel, as it will be the first time he directs a musical in his new home country, Denmark. Following the premiere, the musical will embark on a tour across Denmark, bringing this beloved tale to audiences nationwide.

Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney's most cherished musicals, based on the iconic 1991 animated film that captured hearts around the world. The original score, composed by the legendary Alan Menken, features timeless songs with lyrics by Howard Ashman and additional lyrics by Tim Rice. This enchanting story of love, transformation, and acceptance has continued to resonate with audiences for decades, making it a true classic of musical theatre.

Samuel is deeply excited to bring his vision to this grand production and to share the magic of Beauty and the Beast with Danish audiences in what promises to be a spectacular and unforgettable experience.

Review Quote

"This was worth it. Risto Räppääjä ja kaksoisolento is one of the most dynamic films in the series. In Kaksoisolento, Kerkko Koskinen’s music and the extended musical sequences, guided by Harjanne, bring a positive energy to the film."

Risto Räppääjä ja kaksoisolento (2025) / Juha Rosenqvist, film-o-holic.com 14/2/2025

Review Quote

With Harjanne’s direction that the series truly becomes a film musical. The songs are now woven into the story and used to deepen the characters. In a film musical, it is crucial that musical numbers are not just isolated performances but serve the narrative. Kaksoisolento succeeds in this perhaps better than any previous Räppääjä film."

Risto Räppääjä ja kaksoisolento (2025) / Juha Rosenqvist, film-o-holic.com 14/2/2025

Review Quote

With great confidence, I can state that Samuel Harjanne's first Räppääjä film can indeed be considered a success. Out of all the Risto Räppääjä films so far, this one stands out as the most accomplished.

Risto Räppääjä ja kaksoisolento (2025) / Hannu Björkbacka, Keskipohjanmaa 21/2/2025

Review Quote

Risto Räppääjä and the Double benefits greatly from Harjanne’s musical background. Under his direction, Risto Räppääjä has grown into a complete musical.

Risto Räppääjä ja kaksoisolento (2025) / Hannu Björkbacka, Keskipohjanmaa 21/2/2025

Review Quote

Estonian society and the bleak late autumn need a production like Kinky Boots as much as oxygen. Thanks to Samuel Harjanne’s heartfelt and dynamic direction, the show is both uplifting and unforgettable.

Kinky Boots (2024) / Kathleen Loss, Õhtuleht 26/11/2024

Review Quote

Under Samuel Harjanne’s direction, Kinky Boots moves with an energetic pace, free of any dull moments. The brilliance of the production is contagious, even theatergoers leave the hall with fresher faces than when they arrived.

Kinky Boots (2024) / Kathleen Loss, Õhtuleht 26/11/2024

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