News Reviews

A Spectacular New Production Takes Flight at Tampereen Työväen Teatteri

On September 3, 2026, Wicked celebrated its premiere on the Main Stage of Tampereen Työväen Teatteri, bringing one of the world’s most beloved musicals to life in a spectacular brand-new production directed by Samuel Harjanne.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked tells the extraordinary story behind the witches of Oz. At its heart are Elphaba and Glinda – two young women who could hardly be more different, yet form an unexpected friendship that changes the course of both their lives. Through their story, the musical explores friendship, prejudice, identity and the courage to stand by who you truly are.

Leading the cast are Yasmine Yamajako as Elphaba and Nomi Enckell as Glinda, alongside Topias Keskitalo as Fiyero, Timo Kahilainen as the Wizard, Petra Karjalainen as Madame Morrible, Sofia Mustaniemi as Nessarose, Vili Saarela as Boq and Jyrki Mänttäri as Doctor Dillamond.

The production reunites Harjanne with much of the internationally experienced creative team behind Tampereen Työväen Teatteri’s acclaimed production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The creative team includes Samuel Harjanne (Director), Marko Hilpo (Conductor), Jari Saarelainen (Choreographer), Peter Ahlqvist (Set Designer), Pirjo Liiri-Majava (Costume Designer), Emmi Puukka (Make-up Designer), Eero Auvinen (Lighting Designer), Toni Haaranen (Video Designer), Lauri Malin (Sound Designer), and Laura Ruusumaa (Vocal Coach).

Created as Tampereen Työväen Teatteri’s own new interpretation of the global musical phenomenon, the production embraces the scale, emotion and visual imagination of Oz while keeping the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda firmly at its heart. A live orchestra, soaring music and an ambitious theatrical world come together to tell a story about looking beyond appearances – and finding the courage to choose your own path.

This production marks the second original version of Wicked the musical that Samuel Harjanne has directed.

Harjanne Company extends its warmest thanks to the extraordinary cast, ensemble, orchestra, creative team, crew and the entire Tampereen Työväen Teatteri staff for their dedication, artistry and collaboration in bringing this extraordinary world of Oz to life.

Some stories follow the rules.

This one was born to defy gravity.

On August 20, 2026, & Julia, the Finnish production of the international hit musical & Juliet, celebrated its premiere on the Main Stage of Helsinki City Theatre. Directed by Samuel Harjanne, the musical takes Shakespeare’s most famous love story and asks one irresistible question: What if Juliet chose life instead of following Romeo into tragedy?

Written by Emmy Award-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read and powered by the music of Swedish pop legend Max Martin, & Julia brings together the world of Shakespeare and some of the biggest pop hits of the 1990s and 2000s. Songs made famous by artists including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Bon Jovi and Katy Perry become part of Juliet’s new story – a joyful journey of independence, self-discovery and second chances.

At the heart of the production is Renée Böök as Julia, alongside Mikko Peltomäki as Romeo, Tuukka Leppänen as William Shakespeare, Maria Lund as Anne Hathaway, Martti Manninen as François, Niki Rautén as May, Laura Alajääski as Angélique and Risto Kaskilahti as Lance.

The creative team includes Samuel Harjanne (Director), Gunilla Olsson-Karlsson (Choreographer), Eeva Kontu (Music Director and Conductor), Peter Ahlqvist (Set Designer), Elina Kolehmainen (Costume Designer), Toni Haaranen and William Iles (Lighting and Video Designers), Kai Poutanen (Sound Designer), Aino Hyttinen (Make-up Designer), and Henna Piirto (Dramaturg).

The production combines high-energy choreography, bold theatricality and the irresistible familiarity of Max Martin’s music with a story about having the courage to rewrite your own future. Early reviews have praised the production for its energy, performances and world-class musical theatre craftsmanship.

Harjanne Company extends its warmest thanks to the extraordinary cast, ensemble, orchestra, creative team, crew and the entire Helsinki City Theatre staff for their dedication, talent and collaboration in bringing this joyful production to life.

Juliet’s story may be one of the most famous in the world – but this time, the ending is only the beginning.

A new chapter begins for La Traviata as Harjanne Company’s first opera replica production premieres in Tartu, Estonia on 11 April 2026 at Rahvusteater Vanemuine.

Originally created for Tampere Opera in 2024, this acclaimed production now continues its artistic journey internationally. The Estonian premiere marks a significant milestone for Harjanne Company and reflects the company’s growing international collaboration.

Directed by Samuel Harjanne, the production reimagines the story, originally set in 19th-century Paris, in the visually rich and elegant world of the 1920s. Drawing inspiration from films such as Moulin Rouge!, Pretty Woman, and The Great Gatsby, the staging offers a fresh and accessible interpretation of Verdi’s iconic opera, created with the ambition of welcoming new audiences to the art form.

The production brings together multiple casts along with the Vanemuine Opera Chorus, Ballet Company, and Symphony Orchestra, creating a rich and dynamic stage experience.

The creative team includes Samuel Harjanne (Director), Risto Joost (Music Director and Conductor), Peter Ahlqvist (Set Designer), Tinja Salmi (Costume Designer), Jack Johansson (Choreographer), Toni Haaranen (Lighting and Video Designer), and Elisabet Petsalo (Assistant Director).

Harjanne Company extends its sincere thanks to all performers, creatives, and the entire staff of Rahvusteater Vanemuine for their collaboration and dedication in bringing this production to life.

With multiple casts, the production continues to evolve, offering new perspectives and depth with each performance. The company looks forward to a long and successful run for La Traviata in Estonia!

A comedy about a bank robbery premieres at Helsingin Kaupunginteatteri on 5 February 2026, bringing high-energy humor, escalating chaos, and precision-timed farce to the stage. Directed by Samuel Harjanne, the production marks his first venture into directing farce, a genre where rhythm is everything and timing is king.

At its core, the show is a playful, fast-moving comedy: a bank robbery that spirals hilariously out of control. What begins as a plan quickly unravels into a cascade of misunderstandings, disguises, and split-second decisions. Harjanne’s background in directing musicals subtly supports the production’s pacing and ensemble precision, lending extra momentum to the farce. With his signature sense of theatrical spectacle and timing, the performance blends classic farcical tradition with contemporary flair.

Audiences can expect an evening of laughter, surprises, and finely tuned ensemble performance: a heist where the real payoff is pure comedy.

On February 2, 2026, Tampereen Työväen Teatteri announced the cast of its upcoming production of Wicked at a press event in Tampere. The reveal confirmed the performers leading one of the season’s most anticipated musicals.

Yasmine Yamajako will appear as Elphaba opposite Nomi Enckell as Glinda.

The principal cast also includes Timo Kahilainen as the Wizard, Petra Karjalainen as Madame Morrible, Topias Keskitalo as Fiyero, Sofia Mustaniemi as Nessarose, Vili Saarela as Boq, and Jyrki Mänttäri as Doctor Dillamond.

The production will premiere on September 3, 2026.

We are thrilled to announce that Samuel Harjanne will direct Wicked at Tampereen Työväen Teatteri, with the very same creative team that is currently enchanting sold-out audiences with Disney's Beauty and the Beast at the same theatre.

Following the phenomenal success of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, this powerhouse creative team now turns its magic toward one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Wicked will premiere on September 3, 2026, with rehearsals beginning already in February 2026.

The cast will be revealed in early 2026, and we can hardly wait for this journey to begin. The road to Oz is just around the corner, and the excitement is already building.

Get ready to defy gravity!

Diving into the world of farce!

Director Samuel Harjanne is taking on a new kind of challenge, his very first comedy!
Comedy About A Bank Robbery by Mischief Comedy will premiere at Helsingin Kaupunginteatteri on February 5th, 2026.

Known for his bold and heartfelt musical direction, Harjanne now steps into the fast-paced world of farce with great excitement. This new production promises laughter, chaos, and pure joy from start to finish, brought to life by a brilliant creative team and a cast filled with top Finnish comedy talent.

The production is based on the hit comedy by Mischief Comedy, the same creative minds behind The Play That Goes Wrong. This Finnish premiere marks an exciting new chapter in Harjanne’s directing career, combining his signature energy, precision, and humor in a fresh and wildly entertaining setting.

Pure Disney Magic!

On October 22, 2025, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast had its grand opening on the Main Stage of Tampereen Työväen Teatteri, and the magic was undeniable. ✨

Directed by Samuel Harjanne, this beloved Disney classic came to life in a breathtaking new production that has already enchanted its opening night audience. The premiere concluded with a standing ovation, as both audiences and early reviewers praised the production’s stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and captivating stagecraft.

Harjanne Company extends its deepest gratitude to the extraordinary cast, ensemble, artistic team, and the entire Tampereen Työväen Teatteri staff for their remarkable work and dedication. Together, they have created a production that radiates creativity, emotion, and pure theatrical magic.

Harjanne Company is proud to collaborate once again with Tampereen Työväen Teatteri in bringing Disney’s timeless “tale as old as time” to Finnish audiences, a story that continues to inspire, move, and delight. 🌹

Let the magic continue!

The creative team, cast and the whole crew have been hard at work for several weeks now, and rehearsals for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast are progressing beautifully.

With such a strong ensemble and artistic team, this production marks TTT-Theatre of Tampere’s largest musical to date.

Director Samuel Harjanne is excited to bring fresh ideas and vision to this beloved classic, guiding this magical production toward a spectacular premiere.

Stay tuned, this journey is only just beginning, and something truly spectacular is on its way. Soon, the tale as old as time will come to life on stage in Tampere!

The beloved holiday musical Annie is making its triumphant return to the Folketeateret stage in Oslo! Following multiple successful seasons, audiences can once again look forward to a heartwarming blend of music, laughter, and touching moments — all wrapped in true theatrical magic.

Ingrid Gjessing Linhave reprises her acclaimed role as the (very reluctantly) responsible Miss Hannigan, promising sharp wit and unforgettable stage presence.

Directed by Samuel Harjanne, this production continues to capture the spirit of hope and joy that makes Annie the perfect family tradition for the holiday season in Norway!