Ann Christin took on Alina, one of the female leads, in the Norwegian musical "Tonight" in Oslo in September 2002. They performed it as a kind of concert version together with an orchestra and a big choir.
She acted so convincing that the audience as well as the critics were both filled with enthusiasm for Ann Christin and the musical.
She herself really likes "Tonight" and thinks that Alina is a strong part to play and especially to sing. "Just a few come home and perform together with the Krinkastingsorchester in the Concert House in Oslo, this is a dream that came true. Singing 'Through open sky' remains a fantastic event." (Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad)
For Ann Christin, Alina was the most difficult part she had ever played because "it was a world premiere, I had to create the part on my own. It was veeery high to sing."
Ann Christin about the musical:
"Worldpremiere, a 'stunt', that nearly 'broke' me. Rehearsing 15 hours per day and still trying to hit the high C... Even more great friends, Steven Weller etc."
© Ann Christin Elverum
Ann Christin with Stephen Weller (Max)
Ann Christin with Sara Williams
How Ann Christin became "Alina"...
Actress Natasha Seale was supposed to play Alina but in June 2002 she was offered a part in Les Misérables at the West End.
Composer and producer Kjell-Ole Haune: "I than started to search for a new Alina. I wanted a charming, good looking girl, not too tall, dark hair, a strong stage present and of course - lungs of steel! I heard about Ann Christin through a friend of mine, Stig Krogstad, who had just been on audtions for the part of Thomas Bridge." The first step to the new Alina was taken. "I got in touch with her by phone and presented the project for her." Ann Christin was also available in September... "Then it came to the fun part....I needed to hear her sing. So she got her mother, who lives in Norway, to send me a CD recording of her, and she also posted her CV, and other articles for me to look at. She sounded great on the CD, but I also wanted to hear her sing one of my songs from TONIGHT, so I called her up a Sunday morning, and then I auditioned her over the phone, while she was in Berlin and I was in Oslo, by my piano.
She picked up the melody very quickly, and than sang to me down through the phone! I wonder what her neighbours where thinking....? But I heard what I wanted to hear and a couple of weeks later, we met in Norway. When the rehearsals started I knew that I had chosen the right person for the job. She was great and perfect for the part,...she was Alina!"
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