Christian Ranke

The Arena World Tour of Les Misérables delivers an experience that is as powerful as it is visually arresting, showcasing a stellar cast, impressive set design, and evocative lighting. While there are some challenges in terms of the performance format and staging, the level of talent on display is undeniable, making it a show that fans of the musical, new and old, will want to experience.

This jukebox musical strikes a delicate balance between humor, drama, and emotion, making effective use of Rolf Løvland’s music to support its themes. The combination of Løvland’s stirring compositions and the show’s engaging characters ensures that the audience leaves with both laughter and tears.

Bodyguard: The Musical is real crowd-pleaser! And the most pleasing aspects are Mimmi Tamba, Anna-Lisa Kumoji and the very talented ensemble. If you’re a fan of Whitney Houston's music or looking for a night of big performances and visual flair, 'The Bodyguard' is a solid choice, though purists of the musical genre might find themselves craving more from the storytelling.

Folketeateret’s new production of Jesus Christ Superstar set out to offer a fresh take on Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved rock opera, but it felt more like a retread of concepts that had become borderline clichés. Most of the lead actors cannot handle Llloyd Webber's score amd the use of live autotune cheapens the experience. The ensemble (and the orhestra) are the only saving grace in this struggling reimagining.

ABBA's music is a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time, resonating with audiences across the globe for decades. Known for their catchy melodies, unforgettable lyrics, and vibrant performances, the Swedish pop sensation continues to captivate both long-time fans and new generations alike, even as «Abbatars» in a specially bulit concert hall in London where thay have been digitally recreated so people can get a hint of how it was during the 70s. They have next generation light show that this production clearly has been inspired by.

What did our critic think of DET BRENDET BRENNER EN ILD is a musical that brings the life of Hans Nielsen Hauge, the Norwegian lay preacher and reformer, to the stage. Set in a stunning natural environment that complements the historical narrative, the production delivers a blend of strong performances and uneven execution of the source materialNER EN ILD at Gamle Fredrikstad, Artilleriplassen?

New original musicals are a rare commodity in Norway. Especially musicals not based on books, movies, TV series and other aspects of popular culture. So when I learned that Dorina Marie Iversen and Tonga Productions had decided to develop a new musical about people who either worked with or were affected by the whaling industry in Sandefjord, I was fascinated by the prospect. Especially when they have chosen to invest in both established creative people and new talents in all aspects of the production. The result is a densely packed, character-driven musical that has both a good libretto and a wonderfully melodious score. The work is both touching and thought-provoking, and shows how the essence of musical theater is alive and well on Norwegian shores.

The newly founded dance group 'Attention' took the stage at Christiania Theatre in Oslo with their debut performance, 'What is Jazz,' and left the audience yearning for more. The show, a vibrant tribute to the art of jazz dance, featured thirteen dance numbers and seven of them were tributes legendary choreographers such as Chet Walker, Buddy Schwimmer, Frankie Manning and Molly Molloy.

Seldom does a theatrical production completely immerse its audience in a cocoon of emotions, distancing them from the complexities of their own lives for a captivating two and a half hours, as Rain Man achieved at Christiania Teater. The exceptional cast deservedly received one of the quickest standing ovations I have ever witnessed, affirming the profound impact of Rain Man's theatrical rendition.

Lene Kongsvik is back with her new solo show 'K for Kongsvik' where the talented comedian/actress has used her own written encyclopedia from elementary school as a basis to show a wide range of both new mixed with well-known characters that define both the extreme and diverse types of personalites.

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.

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.