JUL
a modern Christmas story
by Cosmic Swing Orchestra
feat. Tor Haugerud
Disclaimer: May contain unexpected Christmas bangers, family arguments, and commercial breaks.
Meet the typical Norwegian family Isaksen: a miserable father, two spoiled children, and a passive-aggressive mother, all trying to get along on Christmas.
“JUL” is an alternative musical Christmas production by Cosmic Swing Orchestra that questions what modern Norwegian Christmas celebrations have become, through music, storytelling, and acting.
The show was developed and written primarily by Cosmic longtime baritone saxophonist Jenny Frøysa in collaboration with input from artistic director Petter Dalane and Tor Haugerud. The music is written by Frøysa, Dalane, and alto saxophonist Aksel Rønning.
The production was staged annually from 2021 to 2023 and partially broadcast on Norways national broadcaster, NRK, in 2024. In 2025 this live recording was released for the first time in its entirety, on all streaming platforms.
Cast
Tor Haugerud - narrator
Petter Dalane - Helena Isaksen, mother
Zakarias Meyer-Øverli - Konrad Isaksen, father
Even Brodwall - Gustav Isaksen, son
Sara Fjeldvær - Fillipa Isaksen, daughter
Jenny Frøysa - herself
Ola Lømo Ellingsen - Konrad Isaksen (2023)