Trolle – From Book to Stage
While Alexander Rybak was touring with *Fairytale*, he began writing the fairy tale *Trolle*. Ten years later, he is ready to work his magic on the musical stage. When Kilden its doors for the world premiere in November, it will be a sensory and visual feast featuring spectacular costumes and grand set design.
2009–2017
In the spring of 2009, Alexander Rybak began writing the story of Trolle. He wanted to create a children’s book with music, and wrote the songs while touring Norway following the smash hit “Fairytale” at Eurovision.
We’re going to create a visual feast
Jostein Kirkeby-Garstad, director
In the summer of 2014, Jostein Kirkeby-Garstad is sitting in a café in Oslo. He is in the final stages of directing the Disney musical *Beauty and the Beast*. During a coffee break, he reads an article about Alexander Rybak writing a children’s book about a little troll. He thinks this definitely has the potential to become a great musical. Kirkeby-Garstad finishes his coffee and heads back to rehearsals at Christiania Theater. A week later, a text message pops up on his phone: “Hi! We don’t know each other, but I was wondering if you’d be interested in creating a musical with me? Best regards, Alexander Rybak.” They meet for a quick chat and decide to write a family musical. The first synopsis is ready that fall, but it isn’t until four years later that the two artists can present a script they’re satisfied with.
In October 2015, Dagbladet published a review of the book *Trolle*: “Musicians seem to fare better as children’s book authors than many other cultural figures. Alexander Rybak is no exception.”
2018
In June,performing arts centre Kilden performing arts centre the project proposal for the musical, and by December, the creative team—including the director, set designer, costume designer, and lighting designer—will be in place
2019
In January, 71 young women show up for auditions for the role of Alva. Ingeborg Walther gets the part. The 19-year-old is known, among other things, for having appeared on TV2’s The Voice. Ingeborg buys a blue notebook. In it, she writes about Alva.
“I’m trying to describe what she’s like and how she thinks. I’m really curious to see what the director thinks when I present it,” says Walther.