Gessle ahead of the premiere: "Tough musical"

The director Guy Unsworth wants to convey the joy that Roxette spread, but also the pain that many associate with the classic "break-up ballads". The result became a musical that builds on a love triangle drama – and for the first time, Per Gessle is satisfied. He believes it will be a great musical, says Unsworth.

» Published: September 04 2024

Gessle ahead of the premiere: "Tough musical"
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Share this article

The twists and turns surrounding a musical based on Roxette's music have been many. Gessle has rejected previous offers because the script was not good enough, including one that focused on cancer during a period when his partner Marie Fredriksson was ill.

When Unsworth came in as director, it was about one thing: preserving the Roxette spirit.

It was one of the first conversations I had with Per, about capturing the Roxette feeling, what would that feeling be? For Per, it's a lot about having fun at concerts. At the same time, they've made songs that evoke incredibly strong emotions.

Full of drama

The result was a musical that builds on both parts.

We wanted the audience to laugh while also acknowledging the fact that Roxette is associated with some of the biggest "break-up ballads" of all time. The atmosphere is "feel-good" from the early 90s when they had their heyday, says Unsworth.

The script is based on bestselling author Jane Fallon's novel "Got you back" from 2008 – a dramatic love triangle.

The danger with musicals is that many people only come to listen to the music. That's why we wanted a story that would balance out the music.

Surprises for fans

Another challenge has been to attract both die-hard Roxette fans and musical enthusiasts.

We want to reach out to everyone, regardless of whether you like Roxette or not, but we'll also offer a little extra to all fans. We've woven in some of the lesser-known songs. So, if you're a real fan, there are some surprises in both costumes and melodies. It's also a small tribute to Marie.

With two days to go until the premiere at Malmö Opera, Unsworth believes they will succeed in conveying the Roxette spirit. The tickets are almost sold out until December, and Gessle has expressed his satisfaction.

He's been an important part of the process. He's been very present, but also trusted us a lot. He realized that musicals aren't his area of interest and turned to others instead. I was fascinated by the idea of creating something he would appreciate.

Has he said anything about the result?

He's said he thinks it's going to be a great musical.

The world premiere of the musical "Joyride" is on September 6, 2024.

Klas Abrahamsson wrote the original script based on bestselling author Jane Fallon's novel "Got you back" and Roxette's songs. Guy Unsworth then wrote a new script based on this.

Guy Unsworth is the director, and David Woodhead is the set designer.

Jessica Marberger, Marsha Songcome, and Alexander Lycke play the lead roles.

Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle formed Roxette together in 1986 and a few years later became world-famous with songs like "The Look" and "It Must Have Been Love". Marie Fredriksson passed away in 2019 after a long illness due to cancer.

Source: Malmö Opera

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

SVT Dominates Kristallen Gala with Nine Awards
4 MIN READ

SVT Dominates Kristallen Gala with Nine Awards

Swedish Film "Without Kelly" Debuts at Venice Festival
3 MIN READ

Swedish Film "Without Kelly" Debuts at Venice Festival

Justin Bieber Teases New Album Swag II Release
1 MIN READ

Justin Bieber Teases New Album Swag II Release

The Weeknd Returns to Sweden for 2024 Concert at Strawberry Arena
1 MIN READ

The Weeknd Returns to Sweden for 2024 Concert at Strawberry Arena

South Park Episode Features Trump and Satan's Surprising Relationship
1 MIN READ

South Park Episode Features Trump and Satan's Surprising Relationship

New Bond Game 007 First Light Set for March Release
1 MIN READ

New Bond Game 007 First Light Set for March Release

Government to Abolish Cost Rent for Major Cultural Institutions
2 MIN READ

Government to Abolish Cost Rent for Major Cultural Institutions

Swedish Cultural Canon Surprises by Excluding Abba
1 MIN READ

Swedish Cultural Canon Surprises by Excluding Abba

Sophie Turner Cast as Lara Croft in New Tomb Raider Series
1 MIN READ

Sophie Turner Cast as Lara Croft in New Tomb Raider Series

Cultural Canon Initiative to Cost Over 60 Million from Culture Budget
2 MIN READ

Cultural Canon Initiative to Cost Over 60 Million from Culture Budget

Paris Jackson Criticizes Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic
1 MIN READ

Paris Jackson Criticizes Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic

Charli XCX Composes Music for New Wuthering Heights Film
1 MIN READ

Charli XCX Composes Music for New Wuthering Heights Film

Julia Dufvenius and Christopher Wollter Share Journey Through Sex Addiction in New Book
1 MIN READ

Julia Dufvenius and Christopher Wollter Share Journey Through Sex Addiction in New Book

The Police Bandmates Sue Sting Over Royalties Dispute
1 MIN READ

The Police Bandmates Sue Sting Over Royalties Dispute

Carola Returns for Christmas with Five Concerts in Sweden
1 MIN READ

Carola Returns for Christmas with Five Concerts in Sweden

Lady Gaga Cancels Miami Concert Due to Vocal Cord Risk
1 MIN READ

Lady Gaga Cancels Miami Concert Due to Vocal Cord Risk

Meet the Diverse Cast Competing in This Autumn's Robinson
2 MIN READ

Meet the Diverse Cast Competing in This Autumn's Robinson

Patrick Hemingway, Son of Ernest Hemingway, Dies at 97
1 MIN READ

Patrick Hemingway, Son of Ernest Hemingway, Dies at 97

Radiohead Announces First Tour in Seven Years Starting November
1 MIN READ

Radiohead Announces First Tour in Seven Years Starting November

Ketamine Supplier Admits to Providing Drug to Matthew Perry
1 MIN READ

Ketamine Supplier Admits to Providing Drug to Matthew Perry