Riccardo Simonetti
He becomes a musical star for an evening
Riccardo Simonetti celebrated his musical debut on Thursday – even though he says of himself: “I can’t sing.”
Musical star for an evening: Riccardo Simonetti (32) fulfilled this dream yesterday evening with a guest role in the successful pop musical “& Julia”. In the sold -out Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg and in front of his husband Steven, the entertainer and author were cheered by the audience. In an interview, he reveals how nervous he was before his big appearance and why the musical with the hits by star producer Max Martin (54) is particularly important to him.
With your guest role in the pop musical “& Julia”, a real dream came true for you?
Riccardo Simonetti: absolutely. The musical is one of my absolute favorite pieces worldwide – now being part of it is really a special moment for me!
You have already seen the piece on Broadway and in the west end several times, what inspires you “& Julia”?
Simonetti: I just love musicals where you have an emotional bond with the songs. At “& Julia” the whole soundtrack of my life is played and I celebrate every song. Max Martin wrote for all my favorite artists and accordingly enthusiastically I was when I saw the play for the first time and went to Britney and Celine Dion.
What did you get through your head when the request came to a guest role? Was there a moment of doubt – or just anticipation?
Simonetti: But I can’t sing?! (laughs)
Did you have a lot of time for the rehearsals, did you get dance and singing lessons beforehand?
Simonetti: The other day I met Tom Francis in New York, who played the leading role on the Westend and I told him that I will soon be in his smaller footsteps and asked him for a few tips. I just rehearsed with the Hamburger Cast for two days, which was intense. I was taken so warmly in the cast, it was not difficult for me to find myself.
What exactly does your role look like and how often could you see on stage?
Simonetti: I was on stage several times in different situations and also took over speaking roles. I didn’t take anything away from the great players who do it great. Hopefully my appearance will serve to draw even more attention to this great piece, which not only picks me up musically, but also takes up so many other topics as empowerment, self -determination or even identity issues.
How nervous were you before your appearance?
Simonetti: I was very excited and hoped to do justice to the piece and the great cast! At the same time, I was actually very relaxed and full of anticipation all day. But when I stood on stage and saw how huge this theater is and how many people sit there, I got nervous for a short time. I am not a trained musical actor, but I played theater for 15 years. Nevertheless, I haven’t been on a theater stage for a long time – I was all the more pleased to return.
Did your husband also be in the audience during her big appearance?
Simonetti: Yes, he was always very jealous that I saw the piece without him, so of course he didn’t want to miss it this time.
What is particularly remembered by the performance? What was your personal highlight?
Simonetti: To see that I can get out of my comfort zone and do things that I have never done before.
In your opinion, which moment in the play brings the strongest message to the stage – and why?
Simonetti: I think it’s great that even a queer love story is so natural and empowering part of the piece. I would like that from series and films.
How important is it to promote queer visibility as a public person – be it on stage or in everyday life?
Simonetti: I understand it as my responsibility, my stage – no matter, in which form – also to use for the things that are close to my heart. I do this with my activist projects when I’m on TV and hopefully I will also set an example when I’m part of a musical for One Night Only.
Could you imagine playing in musicals more often in the future – or was that a unique dream?
Simonetti: Never say never – that was definitely a lot of fun.
What is next for you – will you soon go on a summer vacation?
Simonetti: The next thing is my first wedding day for me. We will celebrate it in Mallorca in the restaurant where we married a year ago.
Spotonnews
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
