DIRECTION / PRODUCTION

Kristian Glomnes-Larsen is a singer, actor, and musician with extensive experience from both Norwegian and international stages. He was educated at Bårdar Academy in Oslo, where he first came into contact with Wallmans and immediately decided that this was what he wanted to pursue. Since then, he has worked broadly within theater, shows, and music – both as a performer and a creative.

This year’s production marks the fourth time Kristian has taken on the role of artistic director. In addition, he is also part of the production team behind the show at Golden Hits, one of Wallmans Group’s venues in Stockholm.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR / CO-PRODUCER

Christian Stähler is a Norwegian-German musician, arranger, composer, producer, and musical director from Lørenskog. With more than 15 years of experience, he has worked as a pianist, producer, and musical leader for a wide range of artists, television, and stage productions.

He made his Wallmans debut in 2018 and has since 2022 held the role of musical director and co-producer. He also works closely with artists such as Ulrikke Brandstorp, Helene Bøksle, and Bertine Zetlitz.

Christian also runs the production company More Music together with his wife, Lene Kokai Flage, delivering live music, bands, and show concepts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in performing rhythmic music from Høgskolen in Staffeldtsgate and a PPU (educational studies) from Barratt Due Institute of Music.

MUSIC

This year marks a very special moment in Wallmans Oslo’s 25-year history. For the very first time, large parts of our show’s music are being performed live by our very own band. This is a milestone we are extremely proud of.

Live music lies at the heart of everything we do – it adds nerve, energy, and presence that cannot be recreated in any other way. When our musicians breathe and play together with the singers and performers on stage, a unique connection with the audience arises. Every note, every improvisation, every moment becomes alive and authentic – created there and then, only for that evening.

With our band on stage, we take the show experience to a new level. The audience can expect an intensity and drive that makes the music truly resonate. Together with singers, dancers, and circus artists, our musicians create a whole where everything pulses in unison – and where each evening is unique.

This is not only a new element this year – it is a step forward for all of Wallmans Oslo, and a gift we look forward to sharing with our audience night after night.

Henrik Hilmersen (known from Skal vi danse, The Voice, and Beat for Beat) has been assistant musical director in this production. He has contributed as music producer and coach for our musicians, and with his experience and musicality has been an invaluable resource in shaping the show.

Ole Morten Sommer has been drum consultant and coach for the production. With his long experience as a musician, he has contributed expertise, inspiration, and valuable guidance.

Marie Pihlstrøm is a singer and certified vocal coach (Complete Vocal Technique). She has been a backing vocalist for artists including Maria Mena and has participated in TV productions such as Idol, X Factor, and Beat for Beat. She also sings with Oslo Gospel Choir and teaches at several universities.

CHOREOGRAPHY

This year’s show features choreography from some of the most experienced and talented names in the industry, each with an impressive background that brings depth and variety to the performance.

Nellie Bethel is a versatile dancer from Copenhagen with a lifelong passion for movement. At 18 she moved to the USA, where she lived and worked for many years, and today she divides her time between Europe and the US.

She has performed with some of the world’s biggest artists, including JLo, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Fergie, and Shaggy, and appeared at major arenas such as the Super Bowl Halftime Show, The Grammys, Oscars, Eurovision, America’s Got Talent, and Masked Singer. For six years she was part of MJ One by Cirque du Soleil – a tribute to Michael Jackson.

As a choreographer, Nellie has worked on musicals, music videos, commercials, and concerts, continuing to develop as an inspiring artist with a broad repertoire ranging from commercial dance to theater productions.

Kirsty Mcdonald is originally from Glasgow, Scotland, and trained in London. She has wide experience from musicals in the West End, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, with roles in We Will Rock You, Grease, Hairspray, Dirty Dancing, High School Musical, Saturday Night Fever, and Chicago.

As a choreographer, she has worked on Dirty Dancing, Jersey Boys, Moulin Rouge (where she also played Nini), as well as a number of shows onboard Color Fantasy and Color Magic. She has also choreographed and performed in productions such as Starworkers, Idrettsgallaen, and Melodi Grand Prix.

Sara Einbu is from Bergen and started her career at 17 on the TV show Dansefeber. She studied dance at Langhaugen High School and graduated from Bårdar Academy in Oslo.

Sara has performed as a dancer and choreographer in numerous productions, including Melodi Grand Prix, Eurovision Song Contest, Spellemannprisen, Maskorama, Stjernekamp, Gullruten, P3 Gull, and the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Concert (directed/choreographed by Benke Rydman). She has also appeared at Bergen International Festival, VG-lista Tour, Dansenett Norge with Catherine Michelet’s Boxism, and a DKS tour with Belinda Braza’s Fear Infection.

She directed and choreographed NRK1’s charity telethon (Freedom), and in spring 2023 was one of the choreographers behind We Will Rock You at Oslo Spektrum.

Sarah Kitson, with a background from both Norway and international stages such as the West End, choreographed this year’s Christmas number. Sarah has previously appeared in productions like Footloose and Dirty Dancing, and has also choreographed for Melodi Grand Prix, including KEiiNO’s Eurovision entry in 2019.

VIDEO CONTENT

Green Wall Designs, based in Stockholm, provides video content for Wallmans. The company has extensive experience in the entertainment industry and has worked with everything from major international artists to local productions. With us, they contribute visual elements that add an extra layer and make the experience more complete for the audience.

COSTUME

The costumes in the production are designed by the talented Mary Myntti and Sebastian Löjdkvist. With many years of experience from Wallmans productions in Sweden and Denmark, they have in 2024 also created costumes for Melodifestivalen and Eurovision, held in Malmö in May. They have dressed both Swedish and international superstars such as Carola, Alcazar, Danny Saucedo, Jonas Gardell, Magnus Uggla, and many more.

SOUND, LIGHT & STAGE

Ulrik Lysebo was responsible for sound design. He regularly tours with artists such as Eva Weel Skram and Mezzoforte.

Anders Skinstad created the lighting design. He tours with artists including Kurt Nilsen, Hellbillies, and Seigmen.

Bjørn Grønnerød is the show’s scenographer, with solid experience from both stage and television. Together with stage manager Pernille Arenholdt Pedersen, he has tackled the challenge of fitting large scenic elements into the limited space behind the Wallmans stage. For over 20 years, Pernille has been responsible for stage technology at Wallmans Oslo.

Dekorverkstedet delivered and produced key parts of the scenography. With their long experience in decor and custom builds for theater, TV, and entertainment, they have helped bring the creative visions to life on stage.

ASSISTANT PRODUCERS

Sara Bergström Hem is a dancer, choreographer, and project manager – and has been an invaluable resource in this production. She is a versatile all-rounder with an eye for detail and long experience as a dancer both in Norway and abroad, including on several of Wallmans’ stages and in other productions.

Sara is employed by the Norwegian Actors’ and Dancers’ Alliance and is currently performing as a dancer in Dirty Dancing at Chateau Neuf.

Alicia Widlund began her dance career with disco at Lidingö Dance Center before expanding into jazz, hip hop, commercial, and contemporary dance. She trained at Danscenter Fryshuset in Stockholm and Bårdar Academy in Oslo, and during her studies appeared as a backing dancer in shows such as Stjernekamp and Melodi Grand Prix. She worked two seasons at Wallmans Oslo, where she also served as dance captain.

Kristian & Christian, together with a large team of music producers, choreographers, musicians, technicians, visual designers, and costume creators, have developed this year’s show. The work has taken place over many months, with idea development, rehearsals, and countless hours on and behind the stage.

The result is a full evening’s entertainment where music, dance, scenography, lighting, and costumes merge into a unified experience. Our goal is to create an evening that surprises, entertains, and invites the audience to be part of the atmosphere.