Ben Blümel in “The Passion”: No long hair wig as Jesus

The live event “The Passion” is taking place for the second time, with many stars taking part again. It starts on March 27th at 8:15 p.m. in Kassel – and will be broadcast on both RTL and RTL+. This time the singer and presenter Ben Blümel (42) is on the stage at Friedrichsplatz as Jesus of Nazareth. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he reveals what he attaches particular importance to in his presentation, why he won’t put on a long-hair wig and what special experience he had in the big city in northern Hesse.

What are you most looking forward to in “The Passion”?

Ben Blümel: I’m really looking forward to it and I think it’s so great that the whole team is focused on delivering a really big show. Being a part of being a cogwheel of “passion” makes me really proud. And of course I’m most looking forward to being live on stage.

What relationship do you personally have with Jesus?

Blümel: I was raised Catholic and went through the entire career from altar boy to altar boy. You are born into a religion. But as a child you don’t understand a lot of things and at some point in puberty you start to wonder whether it can all be that way. Everyone has to define faith for themselves. Jesus may no longer be as translatable to our world today, but he can still be a brilliant role model.

Are you still a member of the Catholic Church?

Blümel: I started asking myself questions about meaning at a relatively young age because I lost a friend early on. Especially in such drastic events, you need something to give you support. I have now found a definition of God for myself, but it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the institution of the church. Every now and then I look briefly at the sky and not only say please, but also thank you. By the way, I would like to thank not only God, but also people who are good to me.

What particularly appeals to you about playing Jesus?

Blümel: Yes, the role is just awesome. What I think is cool about “The Passion” is that everything is presented in such a modern way. It’s not like I’m going to put on a long hair wig and put on a white robe. We do not perform a nativity play. I’m just trying to bring Jesus into 2024. And the whole thing is still very current: almost all the songs in the world are about love and longing. And this love always fits the story of Jesus.

How did you prepare for the role?

Blümel: Well, I haven’t read the Bible specifically (laughs). I’ve been able to play an incredible number of concerts and know what it’s like on a live stage. In the last few years, however, I’ve mainly been moderating and pursuing music more as a hobby. The fact that I can now sing on the big stage again is simply amazing. My main concern is to convey the great music and do justice to the demands and professionalism of the production. It’s going to be an incredible show, the stage alone is 350 square meters, and we’re also singing from completely different places that perhaps no one would think possible. I just make sure I don’t mess it up, my voice is stable and I’m fit.

What do you do for your fitness?

Blümel: I’m 42 and, to be honest, I’m not as fit as many of my colleagues. But I have to say, I love my tummy now. For me, being fit simply means opening your eyes and being focused.

Did you also get inspiration from Alexanders Klaws, who played Jesus in the premiere two years ago?

Blümel: I have huge respect for him as a person and as a professional. I have also worked with him several times. He did really well back then in Essen. But of course I’m keen to create the role myself. Our voices are different too, as is our appearance. This year Jesus will have a lot less hair than last time and won’t be doing as much gymnastics on stage (laughs). But I really like this break. Humanizing such a divine role is difficult – and can look very different.

How did the rehearsals actually go? There are a lot of prominent faces who live all over Germany.

Blümel: We met a few times to rehearse. It was a bit like a school trip. And it was also really interesting to see the others in their roles. Francis Fulton-Smith, for example, is such a professional actor that when he just reads out his lines, you get goosebumps. It was also important to see everything on site in Kassel, what it looks like and what exactly is planned. When we were there for the first time, I think many people only really became aware of the dimensions. When I imagine that there will be 8,000 people standing in front of the stage, that’s crazy.

Did you know Kassel before?

Blümel: Yes, I’ve been there a few times. For example, with my show “Kika Live” at the opening of the documenta. I think it’s important to make art tangible for children. When I was in Kassel for “The Passion,” I had a really great experience that has given me a very warm relationship with the city.

What has happened there?

Blümel: It was the day that Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht and I were announced as actors. This was also in the media everywhere in Kassel. That was the first time I had a stye and had to go to the hospital. They recognized me straight away because of the reporting and helped me so sweetly. “Oh, there’s Jesus,” they said and did everything they could to ensure that I could go back to rehearsals after two hours. That was so loving and kind and I was helped unconditionally. I will forever be grateful for that.

They have two small sons. Will they be in Kassel on March 27th?

Blümel: That will be decided in the short term. It would be great if they could see what dad is doing live and not just on TV. But they’re still very young, so maybe it’s all a bit too much. That’s the beauty of life, that everything can always be open. This drives many others crazy. But it makes me totally happy.

And what do you have planned after the big show? Treat yourself to a vacation first?

Blümel: No, I don’t have time for vacation. “The Passion” is just an additional project, so to speak. My show is still running and there is a lot to do. I’m also in the studio a lot at the moment, planning some projects. But I also just love working and it makes me fulfilled. By the way, I think summer in Germany is so great that I really don’t have to travel there.