Theodor Storm's great-great-grandson applauds world premiere of 'Schimmelreiter' musical in Fulda
Theodor Storm's classic novella 'Der Schimmelreiter' has been adapted into a musical in Fulda, with the world premiere on June 5 drawing a sold-out crowd and the author's great-great-grandson among the impressed audience.
The premiere
The world premiere of "Schimmelreiter" took place on June 5 at the Schlosstheater in Fulda, produced by Spotlight Musicals, known for previous hits like "Bonifatius" and "Die Päpstin". Composer and author Dennis Martin transformed the classic novella into an emotional musical with Gothic novel elements, weaving between spook and reality, love and tragedy.
The family verdict
Helmuth Rieger, the great-great-grandson of Theodor Storm, attended the premiere with his wife, two children, mother, and aunt. He was enthusiastic.
However, his nearly 90-year-old mother found some sound effects, like thunder, a bit too loud. Rieger also speculated on what Storm himself might have thought.The stage design and effects are overwhelming.
I think he would have liked it. He actually always thought progressively. But it's difficult to judge; you always have to see it in the spirit of the times.
The staging
Spotlight Musicals deployed a massive LED screen for the first time, creating visuals of towering clouds, breaking dikes, and surging storm floods. Combined with wind machines, lighting effects, and a rotating stage, the show pulls the audience into the harsh world of the North Frisian coast.
Ticket demand
The premiere audience celebrated the show, and many performances in Fulda are already sold out. However, tickets remain available for the extended run until September 6, according to the producers.
