Heikki “Hector” Harma’s songs will form the basis of a new musical at Suomen Kesäteatteri in Valkeakoski, Finland in summer 2027. The production premieres on 10 June 2027 and is presented by the theater as a tribute to his 60-year career as an artist. It follows his music through the decades while also portraying the transformation of Finnish society.
The Finnish title, Musikaali Hector – tarinoita laulajan maailmasta, means The Musical Hector – Stories from a Singer’s World. The focus is on the songwriter’s artistic world rather than his private life. With a timeline from the 1960s to today, the musical is based on significant stages in his career and the characters behind the songs, in order to explore humanity, love, and dreams.
This approach gives the project a broader frame than a strictly biographical portrait. Hector’s work, with roots in Finnish-language rock and folk music, contributes both musical material and a perspective on social change. The production places particular emphasis on the importance of preserving human kindness in a world marked by uncertainty and polarization. In this way, the journey through past decades is linked to questions relevant today.
The Songs Come to Life Through Actors and Live Band
In the provided press release, Hector describes how the theater’s proposal was a pleasant surprise. He refers to a treasure trove of more than 500 songs that have developed over several decades. It includes many kinds of stories, including reflections of his own life in a changing world. For the stage version, this extensive material offers perspectives that go beyond the public figure at the center.
Three actors portray Hector during different decades: Lauri Mikkola, Ilkka Koivula, and Rasmus Koskinen. In other roles are Heidi Kirves, Mira Luoti, Ushma Olava, Joni Leponiemi, Leea Lepistö, and Nomi Enckell. The production is described as a combination of rock energy, Hector’s characteristic irony, dance numbers, and professional actors’ vocal performances.
Heikki Paavilainen directs and writes the script together with Tuomas Marjamäki. In the press release, Paavilainen describes a personal connection to Hector’s songs that dates back to the 1970s. The music has accompanied him at important moments in life, including on his wedding day. That connection helps to explain his pronounced interest in telling a story through the songs from the 1960s up to today.
Among the songs are Asfalttiprinssi, Lumi teki enkelin eteiseen, Kuunnellaan vain taivasta, Jos sä tahdot niin, and Ake, Make, Pera ja mää. The program also includes songs for which Hector wrote lyrics for other artists. Thus, the musical’s perspective stretches beyond his own recordings to yet another part of his songwriting.
Ali Ahmaniemi is the conductor and Katri Riihilahti is responsible for the choreography. In the band’s musician lineup are Ahmaniemi and Kalle Ruusukallio on keyboards, Teemu Broman on bass, Sampsa Rättääri on guitar, Jimi Hautamäki on drums, and Antti Hynninen on wind instruments. Live music thus takes a central place in the stage presentation, side by side with the drama and choreographed numbers.
The announced performance period and booking information are:
- Performance period: 8 June–8 August 2027, Suomen Kesäteatteri, Valkeakoski.
- Premiere: 10 June 2027.
- Tickets available: via Ticketmaster from 1 December 2026 at 09:00.
- Group bookings: ryhmat@suomenkesateatteri.fi.
- Information about the production: Suomen Kesäteatteri's official website.
By bringing together songs, figures, and different eras of Finnish society, the musical approaches Hector’s jubilee via the world his writing has created. Its central theme is not only the singer’s journey through time, but also the human experiences to which his songs have given a voice.
