Christian Ranke

The iconic red curls and indomitable spirit of little orphan Annie once again graced the Norwegian stage in a heart-warming production that captured the essence of optimism and resilience. The latest rendition of 'Annie' at the Folketeatret proved to be a delightful and nostalgic journey for both long-time fans and newcomers to this classic musical. From the moment the overture started it was obvious we were getting a classic yet, fresh take. The solo trumpet playing the main theme before the full orchestra came in, all the while an animated movie was shown where we get the whole journey from Oslo the audience was transported to the world of 1930s New York City. The curtain lifted to reveal the dreary, massive yet charming orphanage set. The attention to detail in the set design by Petr Hlousek, from the creaky wooden floors to the vintage props, created a rich and immersive backdrop for the unfolding tale. The use of LED projection gave the each scene an extra level of theatrical magic.

For those who revel in the nightlife, take note that the Chateau Neuf has undergone a lavish transformation into a pleasure palace where indulgence reigns without the consequences of hangovers. It is within this opulent setting that the exhilarating 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' premiered on the 30th of August, showering the audience with glittering fragments reminiscent of every pop hit ever written.

In the English production I saw ‘Frozen’ it was an overwhelming spectacle with more heart, depth and darkness than the film. But in the Norwegian version I sadly felt the huge focus on the fact that the tale is grounded in several Nordic legacies got center stage, while the drama and more importantly the heart of the show got lost in the snow.

When it was announced that the next big production at Christiania theater would be a play with the nifty title 'Et dukkehjem 2 (A Doll's House, Part 2)' I didn't know what to think. I had next to no knowledge of the piece, other than it was a Broadway play which ran during the 2017 season. Was it a sequel to Ibsen's play? A Drama? A comedy? A 'social realism' post-feminist work examining the rules of society and gender? Well, as it turns out it's all those things... and more!

For many years, Miss Saigon was celebrated as a masterful work of musical theater. However, it has faced its fair share of criticism for its alleged 'political incorrectness' issues since its revival in the West End and on Broadway a few years ago. Terms like 'problematic' and 'racially stereotypical' have been used to describe it. I respectfully disagree with these criticisms, even though it is crucial the material must be presented culturally authentic, in which this production succeeds where others have failed. It remains a tragic story that has become even more relevant now, given the ongoing horrors of the Ukraine war and numerous heartbreaking situations of refugees in hazardous boats, often left unaided by political bureaucracy, resulting in tragic drownings.

What did our critic think of WE WILL ROCK YOU at Oslo Spektrum?

Read BroadwayWorld's review of 'Et glass til', the theatrical adaptation of Oscar-winning Danish film 'Druk' at Christiania Teater.

'Sister Act - The Musical' based on the 1992 movie has landed in Oslo. 'Sister Act,' which opened last night. While the original creatives is only partly successful in adapting the 1992 movie to the stage, it is a feel-good crowd-pleaser worth seeing.

'Matilda - the musical' has wit, intelligence, heart and soul. To see this again in its Norwegian incarnation is, as the opening song says 'A miracle'. Many young stars were born yesterday at Folketeatret in Oslo.

There is much to love about this show. While this is an epic set in 14th century Norway, a lot of what is depicted rings just as true today. Choosing who to love, the bonds family holds, love, hope and despair. It's all there. While this musical is far from perfect, it has beautiful melodies and lyrics, while the book struggles as it has so much story to tell, and never really allows for time to breathe. But all in all it has enough going for it that the end result is really pleasing.

Fanny & Alexander was originally slated to open a few years ago, but then the pandemic happened and put all plans on hold, but it finally opened earlier this year. I had the pleasure of witnessing a workshop in Norway back in 2018, so I was eagerly awaiting listening to the end result and it did not disappoint. It's a gripping listen.

Heidi Gjermundsen Brock gives a smashing performance as the witch in Stephen Sondheim's 'Into the Woods'. While the production is musically impressive this production is sadly underwhelming.

The Full Monty is curious musical. While being essentially a raunchy comedy about six guys who decides to become strippers to escape unemployment and economical despair, it also have the potential to be deeply moving. When done right! And this new production presented in Sarpsborg has done just that... for the most part.

Swaggering pirates, X marks the spot, a chattering parrot, 'Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum'? All present in this fun but uneven production. This production of Treasure Island is funny, if not yet quite quick, clear or sufficiently frightening. This adaptation premiered last year at Kulturværste in Stavanger and later in Sarpsborg, and now the pirates have ventured to Oslo. The cast of merry pirates shines and they are this show's strongest suit.

Season two of 'Spelet om trona' came and went last year, so fast that BroadwayWorld never got to see it. But here we are in the same venue almost two years after we saw the first season which we deemed ' Deliciously Dumb'. Well, this is just as dumb and just as delicious.

Dolly Parton's huge catalogue of music, and her larger than life personality got to shine on the stage at Christiania theatre last Thursday. But it was presented not by Dolly, but by one of Norway true talents. Hanne Sørvaag.

I fell in love with Jersey Boys when I discovered the cast recording back in 2006. That recording turned me into a fan of the group The Four Seasons which I honestly didn't know before this. Granted I knew some of the songs, but I found it fascinating that also 'my elders' didn't really know the group either. Later I learned that they never toured outside the United states. That could be a reason why the band went under the radar. I saw the musical twice in London and once in Las Vegas although my jetlag almost killed that experience. I had to drink four Red Bulls to stay awake. Luckily I did not need any Red Bull during the Norwegian premiere of this show. The show itself was energy booster enough for me.

Hanne Krogh is one of Norway's living treasures, and whatever your opinion of her music may be you can't help but become happy when she enters the stage with that big beautiful smile of hers. That smile is contagious!

When 'Next to Normal' premiered in Norway back in 2010 it was the very first production to open after the original on Broadway a year and half prior. It was not a replica production, but mimicked it in a lot of ways. It had the three floor structure, endless amount of lightbulbs in the ceilings. This revival, that opened at Lørenskog Hus last Friday, is anything but a replica.

Mamma Mia is the ultimate feel-good-show! it's best to leave your cynicism at the door, forget your worries for an hour or two, and just have a great time. If you're an ABBA fan, that is. If you are not then there is little I can write to persuade you. Read no further!