My greatest challenge so far is to re-create this phenomenal masterpiece in the famous Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu, Estonia. LES MISÉRABLES (Hüljatud) began rehearsals September 12th, and we will be working hard until November when this new design will be revealed to the public.

I am working with a huge cast - more than 50 members on stage every night! The main cast includes some of the most famous and talented Estonian performers, such as Koit Toome, Mikk Saar, Lauri Liiv, Kaire Vilgats, Marko Matvere, Maria Listra and Rolf Roosalu. I am extremely happy to direct by debut in Estonia with this extraordinary musical that has followed me my entire life. This production will be my 4th production - previously I’ve been involved in every Finnish production as an actor - from Gavroche to Enjolras. The pressure is high, but I am up for this challenge!

Tickets are selling fast, and Estonia seems to be quite a theatre country. To find more about the production, visit http://www.vanemuine.ee/repertuaar/huljatud/ .

I am living the dream, and my love for my profession grows stronger every minute.

Les Misérables opens November 25th, 2017. This production is also visiting the Nordea Concert Hall in Tallinn from time to time. The official Tallinn premiere is in December 8th, 2017.

From Page to Stage is a festival of new musical theatre in the United Kingdom, and it has been showcasing new writing since 2013. This creative festival is produced by Katy Lipson and Aria Entertainment.

In 2017, they have included an entirely new season within this wonderful festival - FAMILY SEASON. I am excited to lead this season this year, and direct two staged readings of two brand new family musicals. These shows are CHICKEN LITTLE by Jake Brunger & Pippa Cleary, and DINOSTORY by Erin Carter, Luke Di Somma and Mark Anderson. It is wonderful to get to work with new writing, and with such a talented bunch of writers. DINOSTORY is the very first musical written by this team, but the writers of CHICKEN LITTLE are famous for their work with JET SET GO!, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, TREASURE ISLAND, and THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE.

More information about these two shows can be found here: www.theotherpalace.co.uk

More information about FROM PAGE TO STAGE can be found here: www.frompage2stage.com

Performances take place between August 28th - 30th. The festival runs from August 14th until September 3rd.

I am thrilled to announce that I will be returning to London this summer! After the successful Finnish run of Spring Awakening, I will be directing this show at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. This will be my first musical theatre direction in a musical theatre college, and I couldn’t be more excited to meet the students.

There is no better contemporary show for educational purposes, and Spring Awakening offers multiple characters and opportunities to train one’s acting skills, and it has just enough challenge when it comes to the topics and themes.

I am honoured to join the talented staff of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and I’m looking forward to work with this timeless material again.

The rest of the creative team includes Stuart Morley as the Music Director, and Jane McMurtrie as the Choreographer.

More information about the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts here: http://www.mountview.org.uk

This show is not a public show.

Tale as old as time. This fairy tale returns back to the big screen as a live-action version in March 2017, directed by Bill Condon, and produced by - who else but - Disney. This movie was a big part of my childhood, and since the Broadway opening of the musical adaptation, I’ve been dreaming of directing the musical myself. Now I am thrilled to announce that I have been working with the Finnish version for the last 2 months - directing the Finnish voice overs to this magical film. I spent the entire December 2016, and January 2017 in a dark (but warm) studio, and I’ve had the time of my studio life. This movie musical has the total of 13 songs, including some great new songs by Alan Menken. All songs are recorded in Finnish, and the amount of talent, I’ve had the privilege to work with, has been insane. The original stellar cast includes international stars such as Emma Watson as Belle, Luke Evans as Gaston, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Ewan McGregor as Lumiére, and Sir. Ian McKellen as Cogsworth. The amazing Finnish cast includes talents such as Maaria Nuoranne as Belle, Jonas Saari as Gaston, Tuukka Leppänen as the Beast, Paavo Kerosuo as Lumiére, the Grammy-Award winner Johanna Rusanen-Kartano as Mme. de Garderobe, and Ulla Renko as Mrs. Potts.

The movie opens globally in March 2017. If you love musical theatre, this movie should not be missed.
Be our guest!

One of the most successful British musicals, Billy Elliot the musical, is coming to Tampere, Finland in 2018. I have a huge privilege to direct this new production of this emotional musical by Elton John and Lee Hall. The original production opened in London in 2005, and it ran for 11 years at the Victoria Palace Theatre. It has been seen by more than 10 million people in 5 different continents, and now it arrives to one of the biggest stages in Finland.

I couldn’t be more excited to work with this amazing material. It wasn't long ago since I saw the original film, and I had forgotten how good it is. The stage adaptation is absolutely genius, and honours the original screen play. We have been auditioning hundreds of children for the two main roles, and we start educating these young talents in March 2017. The production will open in the Autumn 2018.

Tickets go on sale in December 2017.

The musical adaptation by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater opens in Tampere, Finland this Friday (Feb 24th, 2017). This is the second production in Finland, and the cast includes raw young talent and emotions. The musical is based on the play by Frank Wedekind from 1891, and it is unfortunately current in 2017. Themes, such as abortion, suicide, teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, abuse and sexual awakening, are still big taboos in our societies all around the world.

Tickets have been selling extremely well for this production. Over 60% of the tickets are sold way before the official opening in February. Welcome to witness these young talented actors creating a brave new production of this great musical.

In 2009 I performed in the 1st Finnish production of Duncan Sheik and Steven Shater’s SPRING AWAKENING the musical. Now, 8 years later, I am honoured to direct the 2nd Finnish production to Tampereen Työväen Teatteri. This naked new production will open in February 2017, and it includes a young, brave cast.

SPRING AWAKENING is based on the 1891 play by Frank Wedekind, and it explores themes such as sexual awakening, sexuality, violence, suicide, and teenage pregnancy. The play was forbidden when it was first published, and these same themes are still more or less controversial and silenced. The musical adaptation opened on Broadway in 2006, winning 8 Tony Awards (including Best Musical in 2006), 4 Drama Desk Awards, and even the original cast album received a Grammy Award.

The Creative Team:

• Director - Samuel Harjanne
• Music Director - Niina Alitalo
• Choreography - Miika Riekkinen
• Set & Costume Design - Katri Innanmaa
• Light Design - Ville Finnilän
• Sound Design - Kyösti Kallio

The Cast:

• Wendla Bergmann - Inna Tähkänen
• Melchior Gabor - Julius Martikainen
• Moritz Stiefel - Jasper Leppänenn
• Ilse Neumann - Veera Tapanainen
• Hanschen Rilow - Petteri Loukio
• Martha Bessel - Kaisla Ollila
• Ernst Röbel - Miro Puranene
• Georg Zirschnitz - Osku Ärilä
• Otto Lämmermeier - Teemu Sytelä
• Thea - Kia Laitakari
• Anna - Sonja Pajunoja
• Male Swing - Valtteri Aaltonen
• Female Swing - Christa Vänskä
• Female Swing - Noora Koski


• Ensemble - Emilia Keskivinkka, Roosa Lehtinen, Ella Numminen, Anna Rantanen, Liisa Hytti ja Helena Puukka

After a 3-year break, I returned to direct a Finnish version of the latest live-action film by Disney - Pete’s Dragon. This wonderful remake of the famous 1977 film is officially dubbed in Finnish, and it will hit the Scandinavian movie theatres in October, 2016. The American release date was already August 12th, 2016.

The Finnish cast is filled with some major talents, including Heikki Sankari, Maria Järvenhelmi, Ilkka Villi, and introducing Vilppu Uusitalo - a bright young 9-year-old star as Pete. The original cast includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Robert Redford, and Oakes Fegley as Pete. The director of the film is David Lowery.

I will direct my first show in Estonia in the autumn of 2017. And not just any musical, the mega-musical of mega-musicals - Les Misérables. This completely new production of this hit musical will open at the Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu in November 2017. The same production will open in Tallinn in December 2017.

Les Misérables has been playing in London’s West End since 1985, and it is the longest running musical in the West End’s history. It has been produced in over 40 countries around the world, and in more than 20 languages.

In 1999, I was part of the Helsinki City Theatre production of Les Misérables as Gavroche. Since then, I have been part of every production of this musical in Finland - as an actor. It seems that this show is not gonna let go of me easily. I am overwhelmed, humble, and honoured to direct this masterpiece of storytelling in Estonia, and in the biggest theatre in the country. I cannot express my excitement enough to create a fresh new non-replica production of this world-famous musical by permission of Sir Cameron Mackintosh himself. I dreamed a dream, and this is that dream coming true.

The production is in Estonia. More information coming soon.

On March 31st, Club Capital in Helsinki, Finland, will fill with love and happiness. ‘I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE!’ by Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts has a Press Night, and our wonderful production is ready to fly. This is my second time I direct this clever musical, this time in Finnish. The cast is superb, and the Creative Team could not be more right for this show. I have had so much fun with the text, cast, crew, and my crazy imagination, that I feel very sentimental to let this show live it’s own life without the director from now on.

If you love comedy, stand-up, emotional roller coaster rides, awkward situations, great music, talented actors, multitasking, or just a fun night out - this show is for you. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster Finland, or by visiting www.suomenkomediateatteri.fi.

To see the trailer please follow this link www.youtube.com

Suomen Komediateatteri’s production of I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE! started rehearsals in Helsinki on Monday 22nd February, 2016. This is the second time I get my hands on this clever musical about relationships and love - this time in Finnish. The cast includes some of the most famous actors in Finland, and I get to re-unite with the talented Jari Saarelainen (Choreography) and Risto Kupiainen (Music Director). The atmosphere is hilarious, filled with talent, excitement, laughter, emotions - and love. This production ('Käyttöohje kahdelle' in Finnish) - will open in Club Capital on March 31st, 2016.

Book your tickets from

http://www.ticketmaster.fi/artist/kayttoohje-kahdelle-lippuja/966821

The Creative Team:

• Director - Samuel Harjanne
• Choreography - Jari Saarelainen
• Music Director - Risto Kupiainen
• Costume Design - Leena Honkasalo
• Set and Light Design - Janne Teivainen
• Make-up and Wigs - Pirjo Leino
• Production - Anni Widing
• Translation - Tiina Puumalainen

The Cast:

• Kaisa Hela
• Ushma Karnani
• Riku Nieminen
• Heikki Ranta

One of the most popular European musicals, Tanz der Vampire (Dance of the Vampires), opens in Helsinki on the 3rd of February. This spectacular production is produced by Helsinki City Theatre, and it’s booking until the end of April 2016. This time I’ll appear on stage - I will be portraying the colourful son of Count von Krolock, Herbert von Krolock. It is important for every director to remember (or know) what it is like to be on stage, perform in front of a live audience night after night, and give a full-out performance every day. I am happy to share the stage with some of the most talented actors and musical theatre talents in Finland.

To see the performance calendar, and to book your tickets, please visit:

http://www.hkt.fi/ohjelmisto/play.php?name=vamp&lang=fi

To watch the teaser trailer of the show, please follow this link:

https://youtu.be/ofJnSBFAzXA

To watch the trailer of the show, please follow this link:

http://youtu.be/K_C2mE14d1o

Here is the Finnish cast list:

• Alfred Petrus Kähkönen/ Miiko Toiviainen
• Abronsius Antti Timonen / Tuukka Leppänen
• Kreivi von Krolock Jonas Saari / Mikko Vihma
• Chagal Kari Mattila / Risto Kaskilahti
• Rebecca Vuokko Hovatta / Leenamari Unho
• Sarah Raili Raitala/ Anna Victoria Eriksson
• Magda Sanna Majuri / Laura Alajääski
• Koukol Juha Jokela
• Herbert Samuel Harjanne

Kuorossa:

• Emilia Nyman
• Kirsi Karlenius
• Sofia Hilli
• Tiina Peltonen
• Inka Tiitinen
• Kaisa Torkkel
• Kai Lähdesmäki
• Sampo Kerola
• Ilkka Kokkonen
• Unto Nuora
• Hanna Mönkäre
• Tuukka Raitala
• Sami Paasila

I have been working as a voice over talent since 1998, and I have been involved with numerous entertaining and challenging animations and live-action movies as a voice talent and director. 'Alvin and the Chipmunks’ is a phenomenon I have been very fortunate to get involved in, and I am happy to announce that the 4th motion picture is out. The Finnish version will be released in Finland on the 5th of February 2016, and I have given my voice to Theodore, the youngest of the Chipmunks. These movies are exceptionally challenging for the voices are faster than usual human voices - that means that the original sound files are slower than ’normal’ human voice.

It is my great pleasure to work with this movie by 20th Century Fox, and the talented people at Werne Oy in Finland.

Here you can see the Finnish trailer of the film: https://youtu.be/DtoLM3FqPaU

In 2014 I directed the Swedish production of I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE!, and now - 2 years later - I have a wonderful opportunity to direct this clever, romantic musical in Finnish as well. This musical by Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts explores the difficult, hysterical, romantic and embarrassing moments of human relationships. It is a timeless visit to the mysterious world of love and romance.

This production (translated into Finnish - Käyttöohje Kahdelle) is produced by Komediateatteri Arena (www.komediateatteriarena.fi) and it will open in March 2016 in Helsinki, Finland. My creative team is amazing, and the cast includes some of the biggest names of the Finnish entertainment business today. The opening night is on March 31st, 2016 at Club Capital (Fredrikinkatu 51, 00100 Helsinki), and tickets can be booked from http://www.lippupalvelu.fi/search/?keyword=käyttöohje+kahdelle .

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! (Käyttöohje Kahdelle)

CREATIVE TEAM

• Direction by Samuel Harjanne
• Music Direction by Risto Kupiainen
• Choreography by Jari Saarelainen
• Stage & Light Design by Janne Teivainen
• Costumes by Leena Honkasalo
• Make-up & Hair by Pirjo Leino
• Translation by Tiina Puumalainen

CAST

• Kaisa Hela
• Ushma Karnani
• Riku Nieminen
• Heikki Ranta

I am excited to announce that from now on I will be professionally represented by ‘The Production Exchange' agency, based in London. This very friendly and professional agency is a nice small family, and I feel very welcome and happy to join them. This collaboration might bring some exciting plans for the future, and I truly hope we can help one another. So, if you are interested in contacting me - you can either contact me via ‘Contact form’ or you can get in touch with my fantastic agents. Here we go!

I will direct the first London production of Don’t Run – A New Musical this November. Performances take place at Waterloo East Theatre in London, and the musical will open on November 5th.

Don’t Run is a story about the Thompson family, and the personal struggles we all are fighting with. Michael Thompson, the father of the family, is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he realises his life is not complete. He is not ready to die. He leaves on a journey to learn to love and treasure his life, and the little that is left of it. His brave wife Lindsay takes her family with her to find their father across Europe, and this emotional trip reveals scars and hidden secrets from the Thompson family.

This is my very first time working with an original material that has not been performed anywhere before. The script is exceptionally strong to be a piece of new writing, and I am very excited to be part of developing it. This musical explores the humanity in us, and what it means to love yourself, and one another. Don’t miss Don’t Run.

Follow Don’t Run on twitter: @DontRunOfficial

I am proud to announce that I will be joining the cast of Tanz der Vampire (Dance of the Vampires / Vampyyrien tanssi), produced by Helsinki City Theatre. This time I will return to stage, playing Herbert, the son of Count von Krolock. This production is directed and choreographed by Markku Nenonen, and I am looking forward to work with him again. Last time we worked together in Disney’s Aladdin in 2012, where he played Jafar under my direction. The cast includes some of the best musical theatre performers in Finland, and I could not be happier to join forces with them again.

Performances will begin in February at the Peacock Theatre in Helsinki, and the show will run until the end of April 2016. I am excited to sink my shiny vampire teeth into this sinister, but fabulous, musical.

More information here: http://www.hkt.fi/ohjelmisto/play.php?name=vamp&tab=2&lang=fi

This month I have been working with DUSTY the musical. It is currently playing at the Charing Cross Theatre in London’s West End. This musical is about Dusty Springfield and her exciting life, celebrating her unforgettable music. The show includes some of her most famous songs, such as ‘I Only Want To Be With You’, ’Son Of A Preacher Man’ and ‘Wishin’ And Hopin’’, and includes some impressive multimedia technology. I was brought in to help the new cast members to step in to the show, and work with the wonderful creative team of this unique multimedia musical. This is a huge privilege to me, and I am happy to see the excitement, commitment and creative vision this talented team has. I am looking forward to this show to shine bright.

You can find more information about the show from

http://www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

and

http://www.thedustyshow.com.

I could not be happier to be part of this creative family!

I will be directing and creating a special adaptation of LOSERVILLE the musical at Guildford School of Acting this July. The performances will take place at Ivy Arts Centre in Guildford, UK. I have an honour to work closely with the authors of the show, Elliot Davis and James Bourne, as well as my talented music director, Sean Mayes. The international cast includes some of the best young talents in the UK, and this fresh production will bring youthful positivity and energy to Guildford. More information about the process will be announced soon.

Loserville the musical at GSA

• Book, Music & Lyrics:
  Elliot Davis and James Bourne


• Adaptation:
  Samuel Harjanne and Sean Mayes


• Direction:
  Samuel Harjanne


• Music Direction:
  Sean Mayes


• Choreography:
  Mitchell Harper


• Light & Sound Design:
  Julian Bruton


• Costume Design:
  Leto Marin


• Assistant Director:
  Ryan Bennett


• Assistant MD:
  Daniel Cartwright


• CAST


• Michael Dork:
  Cameron Potts


• Lucas Lloyd:
  Bradley Judge


• Francis Wier:
  Matt McCallion


• Marvin Camden:
  Jed Berry


• Holly Manson:
  Leto Marin


• Eddie Arch:
  Josh Wichard


• Huey Phillips:
  James Nicholson


• Wayne Pagoda:
  Troy LePage


• Leia Dawkins:
  Francesca Pim


• Elaine Friend:
  Drou Constantinou


• Samantha Powden:
  Stefanie Stone


• Ensemble:
  Ryan Bennett
  Javier Cáberiz
  Daniel Cartwright
  Jodee Conrad
  Matthew Navin
  Katy Stokes

This past month I have been working as an assistant director in the UK tour of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS the musical. This is a big part of my education at GSA, and a huge experience for me. This particular musical has been one of my favourite shows since it opened on Broadway in 2004, and I couldn’ t be more proud to be part of this talented creative team. One of my all time wishes came true when I got a chance to work with Jerry Mitchell during the rehearsal process in London. He has been a huge influence to me, and I can’t admire his work more.

The talented cast is led by Michael Praed, Noel Sullivan, Mark Benton, Carley Stenson and Geraldine Fitzgerald. The tour will open in Birmingham in early May, and this cunning show will tour around the UK and Ireland for a year. Book your tickets through atgtickets.co.uk.

My professional website finally got live! Welcome to explore my exciting website, my history as an artist, my production history, my photo & video gallery, and much more. If you experience problems / bugs, please let us know so that we can fix the issue as soon as possible. Feel free to contact me. I hope you will enjoy my website!