PHOTO CALL: English-Language Kristina Debuts at Carnegie Hall

By Matthew Blank
24 Sep 2009

The English-language version of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' hit Swedish musical Kristina debuted in a concert staging Sept. 23 at Carnegie Hall.

Helen Sjöholm, who originated the title role in 1995, reprised her performance as the Swedish immigrant at the center of the story. She was joined by tenor Russell Watson in the role of Karl Oskar, original Mamma Mia! star Louise Pitre as Ulrika and Kevin Odekirk as Robert.

The company also features Derin Altay, Chris Bohannon, Jane Brockman, Walter Charles, Rebecca Eichenberger, Osborn Focht, Blythe Gruda, Liz Griffith, Joy Hermlyn, David Hess, Michael James Leslie, T. Doyle Leverett, Rob Lorey, Frank Mastrone, Raymond Jaramillo McLeod, Linda Mugleston, Jan Neuberger, Robert Ousley, Sal Sabella, Greg Stone, Jessica Vosk and Kathy Voytko.

Lars Rudolfsson directed, with Paul Gemignani leading the 50-piece American Theatre Orchestra.

An enthusiastic packed house gave Sjöholm a lengthy mid-performance standing ovation following "You Have to Be There." The cast and creative team were brought out for multiple curtain calls following the Finale.

At a post-show reception, Commissioner Brian G. Andersson read a proclamation from Mayor Bloomberg. Of Swedish descent himself, Andersson - a genealogist specializing in 19th-century immigration records - presented the songwriters with a document listing all of the Swedish passengers on an 1850 ship that docked in America at the same time as the show's principle characters.

Here is a look at the performance and after-show festivities:

View the Entire Photo Gallery
Russell Watson and Helen Sjöholm
Photo by Matthew Blank



Kristina will play a second performance Sept. 24. Tickets for the concert are available by visiting the Carnegie Hall Box Office (57th Street and Seventh Avenue), by calling (212) 247-7800 or by logging on to www.carnegiehall.org.

For more information visit www.kristinathemusical.com.