Helen Sjöholm

The film A Music Story is something very rare as it is a Swedish musical film. It is not often a Swedish musical film is made, but this year, three musical films will run att the big screens all over Sweden. First out is Anders Widmarks A Music Story, which premieres on June 14, then comes Peter Joback's 'I come home again for Christmas' in November and at Christmas 'Part of my heart' based on Tomas Ledin's music will run. A magical movie year for any musical lover. Of these three films, I think A Music Story has the lowest budget, which occasionally is noticeable in the film but it doesn't really matter as it's a wonderful tribute to the music and really conveys the love of the music. The strength of this film is mainly in the newly written songs by Anders Widmark and some co-composers. A series of catchy pop songs, rap songs and the amazing Gravity as when I heard Helen Sjoholm sing it the first time in the film gave me shivers. Later in the film it is a duett between Helen and Victoria as well. Helen Sjoholm is one of Swedens most beloved musical artists and has a way of singing which really touches the heart. Most of the songs in the film made me think that this is a really good song, many with a positive and happy melody and feelgood. Songs I will continue to listen to.

Tonight I saw a preview on Sa som i himmelen (As if in heaven). For over 10 years, Theatre manager, Vicky von der Lancken has had a dream to transfer director Kay Pollak's amazing film 'As if in heaven' to the stage as a musical. Now it's only a few days left before it's opening night September 13th. Kay has done the musical version together with his wife Carin. Fredrik Kempe has written all music to it in addition to Gabriella's song (Stefan Nilsson and Py Backman) the lead song from the film which Helen Sjoholm made great success with. Director for the musical is Markus Virta.

Bullets Over Broadway is written by none other than Woody Allen. It has everything that a real musical should have; speed, fan, exuberance and delightful humor. In the impressive cast of characters we see among others Helen Sjoholm, Johan Rheborg, Johan Rabaeus, Shima Niavarani, Katrin Sundberg and Andreas Nilsson. The young screenwriter David Shane played by Linus Wahlgren.

Today we are celebrating the unique history and standout score of cult 1980s mega-musical CHESS.

Based on the movie with the same name, Peter Joback and Helen Sjoholm stars in the new Swedish musical LIVET ÄR EN SCHLAGER. (English title: Once In A Lifetime) It follows the schlager music (hit songs frequently represented at Eurovision Song Contest) obsessed Mona Berglund who steals and submits her employer's, a cerebral palsy sufferer's, self composed song. A song, which qualifies for the finals and leads Mona to stardom. The world premiere in Stockholm took place on Saturday 11 September starring the star duo Peter Joback and Helen Sjoholm whom are once again reunited on the theatre stage, 19 years after their roles in 'Kristina Fran Duvemala'. Let's see what the critics had to say...

Supremely gifted. Stupendously stunning. Stupefying in her ability to hold magnetic sway over an audience. Kerry Ellis simply has it all and, now, following the worldwide success of her truly awesome collaboration with Queen's Brian May on their epic rock album ANTHEMS, May and Ellis are hitting the road for a UK tour kicking off at the Royal Albert Hall later this month. Over the weekend Kerry was kind enough to take a look back at her career with me - which includes her earth-shattering turns in WICKED in both the West End and on Broadway, plus her unforgettable turns in CHESS: LIVE IN CONCERT, on CD and DVD, as well as OLIVER and more - plus, we take a look ahead to what she would like to tackle next: a one-woman-musical ala TELL ME ON A SUNDAY, perhaps? Whatever she chooses to do, judging from her track record it is clear she will knock it clear out of the park.

Directed by Lars Rudolfsson and featuring the 50 piece American Theatre Orchestra conducted by Tony Award® winner Paul Gemignani, KRISTINA will be performed in concert for two performances only at Carnegie Hall on September 23 and 24, 2009. This will mark the first presentation in English with lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Herbert Kretzmer.

Helen Sjöholm, who originated the title role in the Swedish production of KRISTINA, and internationally renowned tenor Russell Watson, will headline the concert version of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' musical at Carnegie Hall featuring a 50 piece symphony orchestra conducted by Paul Gemignani. Directed by Lars Rudolfsson, the complete 32 member company will be announced shortly.