Olivia Stevens Productions
Olivia Stevens Productions (OSP) is a free theater group based in Stockholm, that together with The Kabarett Kollektif and Internationella Musikteatern create engaging theater and music inspired by the world of cabaret and musicals. Our goal is to promote and spread knowledge about the Jewish experience, history, and culture. We preserve the Swedish cabaret tradition from Karl Gerhard and combine it with the humorous style of Théâtre du Soleil. Inclusion, the Jewish experience, power, and resistance are central themes in our performances. We mix personal and current stories with catchy chansons and 1930s songs on piano and accordion.
It’s about dreams, belonging, and cultural differences. The stories are enhanced by songs in Yiddish, French, and Romani, in a cocktail of joy, poetry, and profound seriousness. We involve our audience through interaction and sing-alongs, creating a spontaneous and captivating atmosphere where the audience alternates between laughter and tears. We strive to reach a broad and diversified audience to spread our message of inclusion and understanding.
Our History
OSP was founded in 2007 in New York, when in collaboration with the Kabarett Kollektif group, it produced and wrote the show Pleasure and Peril – The Story of Zarah Leander. Since then, the group has created five additional productions: Passion, Romance, Dream a Little Dream of Me, Kabaret Verboten and The Amish Project, all performed in Swedish, English, and French.
Olivia Stevens Productions’ Achievements Include:
- Regular tours with Riksteaterföreningarna in Sweden.
- Performances at Orionteatern, Stadsteatern, the theater festival in Avignon, London West End, Off Broadway, and Carnegie Hall in New York.
- Opening of the Stockholm Cultural Festival.
- Participation in Allsång på Skansen.
- Performances at festivals and embassies around the world.
Our Productions
Olivia Stevens Productions’ shows are about dreams. About ups and downs. You can recognize yourself in the stories – even if we wear stage costumes and you wear your own clothes – because dreams and passions are something we all share. So come, let us share our dreams to the tunes of the best song in the world! Click any show to learn more.
- Dream a Little Dream of Me
A musical love letter to the golden age of Hollywood. Memories of film legends come to life in this personal and warm story about Olivia Stevens’ life as an artist. We follow her from a loft in New York, through Carnegie Hall, to the bohemian city of Paris. It’s about the adventure in New York, the security in Sweden, and the love in Paris. A lively show with incredible stories and a string of unforgettable songs by Sinatra, Piaf, and Fred Astaire.
- Romance
A personal and charming musical theater production that takes you on a journey through the roller coaster of romance, through the illuminated streets of Paris and with songs by the most popular French artists ever. The journey goes from Aznavour via Édith Piaf and Jacques Brel to Barbara’s famous chansons. A love letter to everything French: Crazy, tumultuous, and heavenly beautiful!
- Passion
A musical theater production about an artist’s gripping journey into the spotlight, in search of harmony and redemption. Join us on a turbulent journey that begins at a small theater in Stockholm, continues to Théâtre du Soleil in Paris, and ends at Carnegie Hall in New York. Passion is a personal and humorous show filled with comedy with many tragic undertones, and with a string of songs from Broadway musicals like Cabaret, Chess, West Side Story, and gems from Leonard Cohen’s repertoire.
- Zarah Leander
1930s. Berlin. The sparkling actress Zarah Leander is discovered and becomes the biggest star in Nazi Germany. Her films are box office hits and her records bring in millions. But in the end, she faces a crucial choice. A funny and profoundly deep show about a woman torn between artistry and politics; adored and hated – with songs that still live on today.
- Kabaret Verboten
Kabaret Katakombe in 1930s Berlin. Goebbels has issued an order banning the decadent cabarets, and the artists can only survive as long as they manage to entertain the officers in the audience. How much are they willing to compromise to save their own skins? A funny and profoundly deep show based on real events, and with the Jewish songs that Goebbels forbade: cheeky, challenging, and always relevant.
- The Amish Project
This award-winning Off-Broadway play is based on a true event: the hostage drama at an Amish school in Pennsylvania – where two schoolgirls were shot dead. The event divides the nation, unites a city, and leaves behind an unexpected bridge of compassion and forgiveness. The stories of seven characters are woven together. With poetry and unexpected humor, the attempts of city dwellers to reconcile when faith is tested in a sea of cultural differences are depicted. A deep but also hopeful portrayal of how morality like compassion and forgiveness can survive violence and barbarism.
Meet the Team
OSP’s artistic and administrative team in Sweden also includes pianist Gunnar Åkerhielm, arranger Anders Holtz, copywriter and designer Annika Skoog, photographer Patrick Miller, agent Leni Arenskogh, producer Nils Erik Björk, accountant Maria Veem, as well as photographers, technicians, producers, and organizers across the country. In New York, the team includes pianist Erik Rausch, and James Followell, director Eric Michael Gillett, voice coach Lisbeth Lloyd, and web designer Saranya Designs.
- Nils Soloveynik Harning
Singer, musician, and costume designer.
Singer in the Klezmer group Sternfall and the Yiddish group Kum Zing mit Uns. Educated at Beckmans. Works at the Stockholm University of the Arts. Has worked as a costume designer at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, as an exhibition scenographer at the Jewish Museum in Stockholm, as a leader at the Stockholm Jewish Community, and has worked at Södermalms Snörmakeri.
- Olivia Stevens
Actress and singer. Artistic director.
A true cosmopolitan who has played leading roles in theater and musical productions in Stockholm, London, and New York, including Cabaret, West Side Story, and My Fair Lady. She has performed OSP’s shows at Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Room in New York, and notably at Orion Theatre and Stockholm City Theatre. She has also acted in film and television.
- Samuel Skönberg
Pianist and actor.
A frequently engaged soloist and accompanist, both in Sweden and abroad. Moves effortlessly across all genres, from classical and opera to operetta and musicals. He performs with many of Sweden’s renowned singers and works as a pianist and répétiteur at Folkoperan, Gothenburg Opera, Confidencen, and the Royal Swedish Opera.
- Judit Hollander
Director and playwright.
Has directed Lysistrata at Pistolteatern, the TV series Tjejerna gör uppror, the film Det stora barnkalaset in collaboration with Barbro Lindgren, Änglasug, and Vivagina with Kim Anderzon at Mosebacke Etablissement. Recently, she directed Show Bizniz with Sara Sommerfeld at the Royal Dramatic Theatre.
- Rebecca Joy Fletcher
Playwright, Actress, Singer, and Educator
One of the most innovative voices in today’s Jewish theater world. Rebecca produces theater performances, concerts, and workshops in Tel Aviv, Paris, and Chicago. Rebecca is one of the most innovative and important voices in today’s Jewish performance world. An internationally recognized playwright, actress, singer, and Jewish educator, Rebecca, create shows, concerts, and educational programs.
- Sternfall
A klezmer orchestra that regularly performs on major stages around Sweden. Their repertoire includes klezmer, Balkan music, pop, and songs in various languages.
- Kabarett Kollektif
European artists group.
based in New York, that spreads and preserves the European cabaret tradition through performances around the world. Awarded the Backstage Bistro Award for the show Kabarett Fete in NY.
For More Information
Björnhuvudvägen 69, 184 92 Åkersberga