“…All the Way to Bethlehem” at Kilden 2021

This year’s major Christmas production atperforming arts centre Kilden performing arts centre , “…like to Bethlehem,” is already sold out. Now, a major campaign is being launched for the well-known and beloved “…like to Bethlehem" in 2021.  
 
For 35 years, Asbjørn Arntsen’s Christmas musical “…Just to Bethlehem" has been performed on stages in Kristiansand and throughout Norway. In 2021, it will be staged in its full version for the very first time at Sørlandet’s premier venue,performing arts centre Kilden performing arts centre. This is being done by Ivar Kirkhus, executive director of the Like til Bethlehem, both proud and happy. 
 
“It has been a dream of ours to stage this full-scale production at Kilden, and I think many people will be very happy to hear this news,” says Kirkhus.  

Co-production

The production will be a co-production between the aforementioned foundation, Kilden , and Kilden . Daniel Stamnes, director of Kilden , is delighted to present a production that has meant so much to four generations of people in Southern Norway, and is confident that it will be warmly received by the audience.  
 
“I’m not from the Kristiansand region myself, but it didn’t take long before I realized there was a Christmas musical here that so many people really cherish. That’s why it feels wonderful to be able to offer this particular production to the local community, and I wouldn’t be surprised if people come from far and wide to experience this with us,” says Stamnes.

From the Christmas party to the musical

“…just to Bethlehem” began as a simple Christmas celebration at Lovisenlund School in 1985, and has evolved into a full-length musical performance that has become a crowd favorite in Southern Norway. It features child actors, teenage actors, soloists, professional singers, dancers, and an orchestra. Together, they create a grand pre-Christmas experience for the whole family.  
 
Text: Kjetil Nordhus
Photo: Kristin Søvik (from the 2009 production)