Interview with Musical Performers
Marcella Adema and Jonas Hein have taken on the roles of Satine and Christian in the Cologne musical „Moulin Rouge“ since the beginning of April. We met both of them in the blue tent by the Rhine and talked to them about their first experiences and impressions.
Jonas Hein: My first encounter with „Moulin Rouge“ was the movie in 2001. I was completely overwhelmed by what Baz Luhrmann had created on the screen. It’s a timeless film and a milestone for musical movies. I almost played Christian on stage in 2004 at my high school in Siegerland. The opportunity to start my career as a professional musical performer at the Folkwang University came up, so I couldn’t take on the role back then. It makes me even happier now that it worked out in Cologne 15 years later. When I saw the film, I knew this piece had to be on stage.
Marcella Adema: The film was overwhelming for me as well. It was like a rollercoaster ride with many goosebumps moments. During my training, everyone talked about how great it would be if this film was adapted into a stage production. Taking on the role of Satine was a unique opportunity for me.
Adema: Stepping into this venue feels like entering a different world. It’s like being in Paris and forgetting everything that’s happening in the world. I was very impressed during my first visit to Cologne and still am.
Hein: I was grinning like a child on my first visit to the venue, even though it wasn’t in show mode yet. I already knew the Musical Dome from other shows like „Hairspray“ or „We Will Rock You“. It’s incredible how much this house has transformed.
Hein: It’s the Parisian artist feeling in the risqué world of the Moulin Rouge that excites both the performers and the audience. The time in which the piece is set is also fascinating. Everything was changing back then, and a lot was happening. All of this is reflected in this magnificent musical production that visually takes your breath away. A show of this scale is only found in „Moulin Rouge“.
Adema: We had a relatively short time for rehearsals. We spent five weeks at the MMC Studios and another week at the Musical Dome. I rewatched the film and delved into the role of Satine. Having Jonas as a partner who already knew the piece well was very helpful in preparation.
Hein: The first audition for „Moulin Rouge“ was two years ago before the German premiere of the show. It didn’t work out then. About nine months later, I was asked if I could consider coming in as a cover for Christian in the production. Everything happened quickly, rehearsals began after three days, and I stepped on stage after three weeks. Initially, I didn’t have my own costumes and was provided by colleagues. When the question came if I wanted to take on the main role, I didn’t hesitate. With the cast change, the major rehearsals began, almost like before the big premiere. Marcella, an incredibly experienced performer, joined, which made everything easier.
Hein: Christian is a young artist who still believes in the good and especially in love. He encounters the risqué world of the Moulin Rouge quite naively. There, the allure of love is played out and the illusion of love is built. Satine is paid in the nightclub for exactly that. Christian is initially overwhelmed by this confrontation. But he grows and by the end of the piece, he is a completely different person, matured into a man. His unwavering belief in true love remains.
Adema: Satine is very passionate, but behind her show facade is a person who has endured a lot in life. She was sent to the streets at the age of 13. Her personality is like an onion with many layers. She tries to protect herself by not letting anyone get too close to her personally. Only Zidler and Toulouse-Lautrec know her secret. But she is also a fighter and loves being in the spotlight.
Hein: I am more realistic personally than Christian. But I also have a positive outlook on life and believe in the good in people and situations, trying to approach others without prejudice.
Adema: I love being in the spotlight like Satine during the show. But as a person, I am warmer and more relaxed than Satine, who can also be very tough. I would love to have her incredible strength. In life, I get easily unsettled compared to her.
Adema: It’s a truly magical moment for me. I look forward to it every evening. It’s a dream come true for me with such a grand entrance, where the audience eagerly looks up, and the magnificent music plays. Luckily, I don’t have a fear of heights and can truly enjoy the moment.
Adema: My day is currently geared towards the evening. I warm up my voice in the morning, do some gymnastics, and then enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Later, I head to the Musical Dome where further preparations are underway. It’s important to be in top shape in the evening.
Hein: My day also starts with voice and body exercises. When I arrive at the theater from my apartment in Wuppertal, everything is well-scheduled there. As a performer, this provides security and a certain routine.
Hein: I grew up in Siegen, and Cologne was the city where I went with my parents for major shopping trips. So the city is not entirely unfamiliar to me. My sister has been living in Cologne for several years now. It’s a luxury for me to live in Wuppertal, close to the theater, and not have to travel constantly. At the moment, I don’t experience much of the city, but in the summer, there should be opportunities to meet with colleagues for ice cream or coffee.
Adema: I had no contact with the city before my role in „Moulin Rouge“. But now, I’m taking the time to explore Cologne. I love the Belgian Quarter and enjoy the Neptunbad in Ehrenfeld. I also love sitting by the Rhine in the sun.
Tickets for the musical „Moulin Rouge“ are available starting at 59.90 euros. Performances at the Cologne Musical Dome: Tue 19, Wed-Sun 19:30, Sat+Sun also at 14:30. Further information about the musical and tickets can be found online.