Cast

Alida Will—born in 2000—completed her musical theater studies in the spring of 2025 with a Master of Arts degree from the Bavarian August Everding Theater Academy in Munich and is a recipient of the Thomas Siedhoff Prize.*

As part of her studies, she appeared in productions including *Twelfth Night* (Illyrian Servant/understudy for Sir Toby), *Andersen—A Fairytale Life*, *Once Upon a Mattress* (Nightingale/Lady/understudy for Lady Larkin), and *Musical Crosses Opera*. In December 2022, Alida also took part in a reading of the new musical *Jugend ohne Gott* (Youth Without God), with music by Philipp Gras and lyrics by Claudio Gottschalk-WüSchmitt.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in February 2024, she appeared on stage as one of the Jesus People in *Jesus Christ Superstar* at the * Staatstheater * in Nuremberg and completed her studies—also under the direction of Andreas Gergen—as Nannerl in the musical *MOZART!* at the * Prinzregententheater * in Munich. As part of an independent project in 2024, she also directed the two-person play *The Last 5 Years* at the Bürgermeistervilla in Munich, where she also played the role of Cathy herself.

Following the Singspiel at Nockherberg in 2025, she appeared in * Festspielhaus * at Neuschwanstein and at the Luisenburg Festival in Wunsiedel (as Consuelo, soloist, and understudy for Maria) in *West Side Story*. At the end of 2025, she toured China again in the concert version of *MOZART!*, once more as Nannerl (understudy) and as part of the ensemble. Since 2026, Alida has been playing the title role in the new musical *JUDITH & the Miracle of Creation*, with which she will tour in 2027 and 2028, and she is currently appearing at the Schlosstheater Fulda as part of the ensemble and as the understudy for Elke in the world premiere of *Der Schimmelreiter*.

*The Thomas Siedhoff Prize is the world's only award for emerging talent in the field of musical theater.

Robin Reitsma, a native of the Netherlands, is a striking example of a natural talent in musical theater: As someone who came to the field from another background, he gained valuable experience in various theater groups in his home country during his youth. His extraordinary potential was officially recognized in 2016 with the “Pia Douwes Special Talent Award” for his portrayal of Melchior Gabor in *Spring Awakening*. He refined his vocal skills through singing lessons with Edward Hoepelman and Noelle Turner, as well as in masterclasses with Pia Douwes and Celinde Schoenmaker.

Robin began his professional career in the hit Dutch musical *SOLDAAT VAN ORANJE*. In 2018, he made the leap to German-language stages, where he had his breakthrough in Oberhausen as Strat in *BAT OUT OF HELL*. This was followed by roles in *ROCK OF AGES* (Drew Boley) and *DRACULA* (Arthur Holmwood). In the years that followed, Robin appeared in productions such as *MAMMA MIA!* (Sky), *DISNEY’S TARZAN* (alternate Tarzan), and *FLASHDANCE* (Nick Hurley). The year 2025 was marked by powerful emotions: He portrayed both Luigi Lucheni and Death on the major German tour of ELISABETH and moved audiences as Sam Wheat in GHOST – A MESSAGE FROM SAM. After another tour as Lucheni through China in early 2026, he made his debut at the Theater Hagen in SOULTRAIN.

In addition to his theater engagements, Robin Reitsma is a sought-after soloist at numerous concerts.

Anna Preckeler is from Münster and initially studied classical voice before completing her training in dance, voice, and acting at the Folkwang University of the Arts. She is a prize winner of the National Vocal Competition and the “Jugend kulturell” Encouragement Award. As a versatile leading actress, she has appeared as Wendla in “Spring Awakening” (Theater Heilbronn), Maria in “West Side Story” (Leipzig Opera), Mina in “Dracula” (Stadttheater Bremerhaven), and Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” (Theater Magdeburg), among other roles. At the Musikalische Komödie Leipzig, she made a lasting impression in the role of Lotte Lenya in “LoveMusik.” In Dresden, she appeared on stage at the Landesbühnen Sachsen as Martha in “Company” and as Clara Johnson in “Das Licht auf der Piazza,” as well as at the Staatsoperette as Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.” She also played Mercédès in “The Count of Monte Cristo” at the Meiningen State Theater ( Staatstheater ) and, most recently, Beth in “Merrily We Roll Along” at the Regensburg Theater.

Steffen Häuser completed his training in acting and musical theater in Hamburg. His career path took him to Stuttgart’s Theater Rampe and Hamburg’s Thalia Theater before leading him to Bielefeld. There, he was a member of the resident acting ensemble for two years.

Since 2000, Steffen Häuser has been living in Cologne as a freelance actor and singer, appearing as a guest performer at various municipal and state theaters in Germany and Switzerland.  

During this time, he appeared, among other roles, as Dr. Siedler in *Das Weiße Rössl*, Mr. Utterson in *Jekyll and Hyde*, and as the bird trainer Ray in the world premiere of the musical *The Birds of Alfred Hitchcock*. One of his most important roles was that of Harry Frommermann in *The Comedian Harmonists*, a role he portrayed for more than 12 years at venues including the Theater Bielefeld, the Nationaltheater Mannheim, the * Staatstheater * in Darmstadt, and the Burgfestspiele Bad Vilbel.

For many years, he was a regular guest performer in Hanover at the Summer Theater in the Herrenhausen Gardens (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, THE TEMPEST) and at the Theater Aegi (AS YOU LIKE IT). In Switzerland, he played Father Lorenzo in ROMEO AND JULIET at the Thun Lake Festival.

In addition to his work in theater, Steffen Häuser runs a practice in Cologne as a certified pain therapist, personal trainer, and coach.

After completing his musical theater studies at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, the Berlin resident, who chose to make Berlin his home, earned a master's degree in voice and voice pedagogy at NYU in the United States with the support of the DAAD.

Since graduating in 2017, Jan Nicolas Bastel has appeared in numerous productions at theaters in Germany and across Europe, including at the Neue Flora in Hamburg (*Mamma Mia*), the Hans Otto Theater in Potsdam (*Monster*), the Comödie in Dresden (*Stripper*), the * Landestheater * in Lower Bavaria (*Me and My Girl*), the * Philharmonie * in Luxembourg (Les Explorateurs, La Princesse mystérieuse), at the Theater St. Gallen (Die Wüstenblume), at the Maag Halle in Zurich (Billy Elliot), at the Theater Bonn (Tootsie), and at festivals such as the Burgfestspiele Mayen. Most recently, he appeared as Dr. Siedler in “The White Horse Inn” at the Neue Bühne Senftenberg.

In addition to his career as an actor, Jan Nicolas Bastel works as a voice actor and choreographer, and helps nurture the next generation as a vocal coach and acting coach.

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Clara completed her training and earned her diploma as a musical theater performer at the Performing Academy in Vienna.

During her training, she appeared in productions such as *High School Musical*, *Aladdin*, *Alice in Wonderland*, and the film remake *Im Weißen Rössl – Wehe du singst*. She subsequently appeared in the revues *Es träumte der Leo von Montevideo* and *Sing, Baby, Sing!*, as well as in *Die Spinnen, die Römer!* (Vienna Volksoper), in NON(N)SENS (Theater Center Forum), THE WHO’S TOMMY, and GRAND HOTEL (Landestheater , Linz), IO SENZA TE (Theater 11, Zurich), ICH WAR NOCH NIEMALS IN NEW YORK (Theater an der Elbe, Hamburg), *FLASHDANCE* (2EntertainGermany), and in *THE BAND* as a walk-in for Young Rachel, Young Heather, and Debbie (TdW Berlin). Canceled productions such as *WAHNSINN!* on tour and *MAMMA MIA!*—in which she was the original cast member playing Ali at the new Flora—followed. At the Stadttheater Fürth, she appeared in the world premiere of *KNOCKIN ON HEAVENS DOOR*; at the Theater St. Gallen, she played Catherine of Aragon in the world premiere of *LADY BESS*. This was followed by *IO SENZA TE* at the Thunerseespiele, *CATCH ME IF YOU CAN* at the Magdeburg Cathedral Festival, and *DIE WÜSTENBLUME* at the Deutsches Theater in Munich. At the Salzburg “ Landestheater ,” Clara performed in the ensemble of *SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN* and, for several performances, as Kathy Selden, before moving on to the “ Landestheater ” in Coburg to play the role of Bianca in *KISS ME KATE*. At the Bad Hersfeld Festival, she took on the role of Val in a new production of *A CHORUS LINE*. Most recently, she appeared at the Graz Opera as Hildy in *ON THE TOWN* and as Julie Nichols in *TOOTSIE* at the Stadttheater Baden near Vienna.

Anna Hirzberger discovered her love of music at the age of five as a violinist.

She gained her first professional stage experience, among other things, on a tour of China performing selections from *The Sound of Music* and at the Vienna Volksoper, where she was part of the ensemble for the musical *Vivaldi—The Fifth Season*.

In 2021, she began studying musical theater at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, from which she graduated in 2025. During her studies, she participated in various projects, including as a member of the ensemble for the musical *TITANIC* at the Theater Solingen.

There, she also appeared on stage in the role of “Ann Egermann” in *A Midsummer Night’s Smile*.

At the Dortmund Opera, she appeared in *La Bohème* and, among other roles, as the understudy for “Johanna” in *Sweeney Todd*.

During the 2025–26 season, she played the role of “Anne Dindon” in *La Cage aux Folles* at the * Staatstheater * in Nuremberg. At the same time, she appeared at the Oldenburg Staatstheater , as “Nathalie” in *NEXT TO NORMAL*, and at the Theater Hagen as “Anybodys” in *WEST SIDE STORY*. Most recently, she played “Chava” in *ANATEVKA* at the Open Air Summer Festival at the Theater Trier.

Sophia Riedl graduated from the Folkwang University of the Arts with a degree in musical theater. Even while she was still a student, she appeared on stage in roles such as Luisa in “West Side Story” (Theater Dortmund), Thea in “Spring Awakening,” Raffaela in “Grand Hotel,” and as the understudy for Lisa Carew in “Jekyll & Hyde” (Theater Dortmund).

Immediately after graduating, she landed her first leading role in a musical production, playing Luisa in “The Fantasticks.”

Following that, Sophia appeared as the understudy for Monika and the understudy for Eva in “Ku’damm 56” on the stage of the Theater des Westens and starred as Reza in the play “Once,” in which she was able to showcase her violin skills, among other things.

This was followed by roles such as “Mamma Mia!” at the Seefestspiele Mörbisch, “Oberaffengeil” at the Schmidt Theater in Hamburg, and most recently “Rudolf” at the “ Festspielhaus ” in Neuschwanstein, Füssen, where she appeared on stage as the understudy for Mary Vetsera. 

Sophia now also works regularly as a voice actress for dubbing and audiobooks. For example, she lent her voice to Ariel and Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptations of “The Little Mermaid” and “Snow White,” as well as to Glinda in the film adaptation of “Wicked.” 

Albert Gaßmann began his artistic career as a child at the Drei-Sparten-Haus Landestheater in Coburg, where he gained a wealth of experience, ranging from singing in the children’s choir in *The Nutcracker* to performing solo roles such as Sam in *Shakespeare in Love* and Nikolio in *The Greek Passion*.

In 2026, Albert completed his musical theater degree at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. During his studies, he appeared as Ben Lindquist in “A Midsummer Night’s Smile” and Enoch Snow in “Carousel” at the Theater und Konzerthaus Solingen, as well as Gordon in “Rent,” a member of the ensemble in “Sweeney Todd,” and Eugene Florczyk in “Grease” at the Theater Dortmund.

Immediately after graduating, he performed in “On the Town” at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein as an ensemble member and understudy for the role of Chip. Albert appeared as Christoph Probst in the 2026 German tour of Vera Bolten’s “Die Weiße Rose.”

Amber studied at the Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts, where she developed into a versatile performer with a great passion for musical theater. 

During her training, she completed an internship with *Mamma Mia!* by De Graaf & Cornelissen Entertainment. She was also part of the ensemble for *Tien om te Zien* by Studio 100 in Belgium in 2024. During the 2025–2026 season, she will be touring Switzerland and Austria with * Pretty Woman – Das Musical * by Martin Flohr Productions, where she will perform as part of the ensemble and serve as the understudy for Scarlett.

She is now thrilled to be performing on stage at the Die Schöne und das Biest , sharing her passion for theater with the audience.

Anna Hiemetsberger graduated in June 2026 with a degree in Musical Entertainment Theater from the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna. A native of Vienna, she appeared on stage during her training in productions including *The Threepenny Opera*, *Hammer!* (MUK.theater), and *The Next Generation Gala* (Ronacher & Raimund Theater). In 2025, she was also part of the ensemble for *Sweeney Todd* at the Landestheater n Linz.

Antonello Papagno, who was born in Italy, began dancing at the age of 10, which shaped his career aspirations from an early age. He later trained at the “S.P.I.D. Dance Academy” in Milan, where he earned a diploma as a professional dancer. He then worked as a dancer on the “Mein Schiff” cruise ships, where he discovered his love for the sea, learned new languages, and traveled the world.

Contracts followed, ranging from “Gardaland Park” in Italy to the fantastic “Disneyland Paris” in France for the show “Mickey and the Magician,” as well as engagements as a dancer for events, TV appearances, dinner shows, and cabaret performances.

Following the major productions “Hercules—The Musical” and “Malle Olé,” in which he appeared as a swing, he’s next up in “Der Schimmelreiter” as a member of the ensemble and a horse puppeteer! 

I'm looking forward to being part of this new production—a show I loved as a child—as a member of the ensemble!

Born in Waldkirchen, Bavaria, Christoph Gründinger earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg before pursuing his studies in musical theater at the Institute of Music at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. During his training, he appeared in numerous productions. He reached the finals of the National Singing Competition twice. In 2025, he was cast in the cult musical “Grease” at the Theater Dortmund. In 2026, he played the role of “Rabanus Heistermann” in “1648 – The Musical” (including at the Theater Meppen). In Bad Gandersheim that summer, he appeared on stage as Cornelius Hackl (Hello, Dolly!) and George Harrison (Come Together – The Great Beatles Show).

A native of Erfurt, he completed his training as a musical theater performer at the Stage School in Hamburg with honors in 2016.

After completing his training, Enrico Treuse appeared, among other roles, as Abner Dillon in “42nd Street” (First Stage Theater Hamburg), in “ROCKY—The Musical” as an ensemble member and Buddy (Stage Palladium Stuttgart), as a singer on the anniversary tour of “The 12 Tenors,” in “Hinterm Horizont” as Peter Kremer and an ensemble member (Stage Operettenhaus Hamburg), in “Fack ju Göhte—The Musical” as Gundlach, Attila, Paco, ensemble member and understudy for Burak, in “Zucker – The Musical” as Richters (Luisenburg Festival, Wunsiedel), in “Ghost – The Musical” as the Subway Ghost (Stage Palladium, Stuttgart), and in “Flashdance” as C.C. / Andy.

In 2022, he was part of the cast for the world premiere of “Robin Hood—The Musical” (Spotlight Musicals) in Fulda and Hamelin, playing roles including the Sheriff of Nottingham, Brother Tuck, and Will Scarlett.

From 2023 to 2025, Enrico was a member of the resident ensemble at the “Landestheater n Linz,” where he played, among other roles, the lead role of Dewey Finn in the musical “School of Rock.”

During his time in Linz, he appeared in numerous plays, including “Tootsie” (Ron Carlisle), “The Queens” (Walsingham/Ensemble), “The Light on the Piazza” (Giuseppe Naccarelli), “Strike Up the Band” (George Spelvin), “Wonderland” (Morris the March Hare/Mo/Chaz), “Something Rotten” (Fiddler/Robin/Ensemble), “Sweeney Todd” (Bamford the Bailiff), and “RENT” (Mark Cohen).

In addition, Enrico took on the role of Emperor Lothar in the 2024 musical *Die Päpstin* (Spotlight Musicals) and also appeared on stage at the Fulda Castle Theater in 2025 as a musician and understudy for Arsenius and Fulgentius.

In the 2025–26 revival of “We Will Rock You” (Stage Palladium Stuttgart), he was part of the ensemble and served as the understudy for Pop and Tazer.

Jakob has already performed as an actor and musical theater performer on the stages of the Salzburg Festival, Ensemble Porcia, the Vienna Konzerthaus, Theater der Jugend, MUTH Vienna, Dschungel Vienna, the Vienna Music Theater Days, Jeunesse, and Theater Akzent. Even while still in training, he appeared on camera for networks such as Netflix, ARD, and ORF, and in 2022 he landed his first leading role in a feature film. On musical theater stages, Jakob has appeared as Jonathan in *TICK, TICK...*BOOM, as Ares in LUNA (Theatercouch Vienna), as Pyotr/cover for Severin in the new adaptation of the operetta CAGLIOSTRO, and as the Man from Hartberg/cover for the Garbage Man in the new production of MY FAIR LADY at the Seefestspiele Mörbisch.

In 2023/2024, he toured Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the principal swing and cover for Nick Hurley in the musical *FLASHDANCE*. With the musical *ANNE OF GREEN GABLES*, Jakob returned to the Theater der Jugend in Vienna, and the production received four nominations for the Musical Theater Prize. Jakob created the role of Hahn in *FRAU HOLLE—WETTER IST*, WAS MAN DRAUS MACHT at the Herbsttage Blindenmarkt and the Theater Akzent; he performed at the Theater an der Wien in the plays BRAVISSIMO and AMBLETO; and he played the role of Leon in the world premiere of Peter Lund’s MITTEN IM GESICHT at the Theater der Jugend. Most recently, Jakob appeared in the hit musical *ELISABETH* on a major tour of China, as well as on the stage of the * Festspielhaus * at Neuschwanstein Castle in *RUDOLF—THE LAST KISS*, based on the life of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Julia Taschler, a native of South Tyrol, completed her studies in musical theater at the August Everding Theater Academy in Munich.

Her engagements have included appearances at the Vereinigte Bühnen Bozen (*West Side Story*), the Tiroler * Landestheater * (*American Idiot*, *Sunset Boulevard*), the Stadttheater Fürth (*The Famous Door on Swing Street*), the Deutsches Theater München, the * Festspielhaus * Neuschwanstein (*Der Brandner Kaspar*), the Isarphilharmonie München, and the Stadttheater Bruneck (*Shockheaded Peter*).

In 2023, she appeared at the Tiroler Landestheater as Betty Schaefer in *Sunset Boulevard* and took the stage as Sherrie Christian in the German-language touring production of *Rock of Ages*. At the theater in Kempten, she played, among other roles, Lucy in *The Threepenny Opera* and the title role in *Snow White – A New Dwarf Tale*.

Since December 2025, she has been appearing as a Kit Kat Girl in the production *Cabaret* at the Residenztheater in Munich.

Born in Middle Franconia, Jürgen Brehm was one of the first students to study musical theater vocal pedagogy at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences from 2010 to 2014.

His first productions while in college included *Rent* (Mark), *Working* (Mason), and *Spring Awakening* (Melchior). Toward the end of his college years, he landed his first roles at the Stadttheater Hagen, the Theater Osnabrück, and the Freilichtbühne Tecklenburg.

From 2014 to 2018 and again from 2023 to 2025, Jürgen was a member of Germany’s only musical theater company at the Theater für Niedersachsen in Hildesheim. As a permanent member of the ensemble, he appeared in numerous productions and has now performed in over 50 musicals. For his role in *Letterland* (Oliver Konopcke), he was nominated in 2018 by the German Musical Academy for “Best Supporting Actor.”

Guest appearances have taken him to venues including the Schmidt Theater in Hamburg, the “ Staatstheater ” in Schwerin, the Comödie in Dresden, the Burgfestspiele in Bad Vilbel, and the Theaterschiff in Bremen. Most recently, Jürgen appeared at the Freilichtbühne Tecklenburg, where he served as the understudy for Rocky Balboa in *Rocky—The Musical*.

Lena Poppe grew up in Siegen and studied musical theater at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna in Vienna.

Since graduating, she has appeared in numerous productions: as Marie in the operetta *Frau Luna* at the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl in Bad Ischl, as Mina Murray in *Dracula* at the Harztheater, and as Ottilie in *Im weißen Rössl* at the Schlossfestival Weitra in Weitra (Lower Austria) and at the Metropol in Vienna.

During the 2024–25 season, Lena was engaged at the “ Staatstheater ” in Kassel. There, she appeared on stage as Cagelle and as an understudy for Anne Dindon in *La Cage aux Folles*. She also took on the role of Snow White in the Christmas fairy tale *Snow White & Rose Red* at the Theater in der Grünen Zitadelle in Magdeburg.

In 2025, a role brought her back to the Harztheater, where she appeared as Mary Berry in *The Man Who Was Sherlock Holmes*.

In January and February 2026, she went on tour in China with * Elisabeth – Das Musical * and appeared on stage as Elisabeth and Fräulein Windisch in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Suzhou.

At the Bad Vilbel Castle Festival in the summer of 2026, she appeared as Mary Magdalene in *Jesus Christ Superstar* and as Lena in *Like Heaven*.

Madleen Dederding received her early training through classes and participation in productions at Studio W.M. and the Fritz Theater in Chemnitz. In 2019, she hosted the Saxon State Garden Show and presented a solo performance as part of the event. In March 2021, she began her studies at the August Everding Theater Academy in Munich and appeared in *Twelfth Night* (C. Sir Andrew/Ensemble), *Andersen – A Fairytale Life* (Kaiser/Ingrid), and *Once Upon a Mattress* (C. Winnifred/Ensemble).

In 2024, she was one of the “Jesus People” in *Jesus Christ Superstar* at the * Staatstheater * in Nuremberg. In May 2024, she directed her self-written one-woman show “On Air,” which was revived in December 2025 at the Pasinger Fabrik in Munich. In her final production, “Mozart!,” she played the Baroness von Waldstätten and also served as dance captain and assistant choreographer.

In February 2025, she completed her studies with a Master of Arts degree. She then played Helene von Wittelsbach in the touring production of “Elisabeth—The Musical”—first in Germany and Switzerland, and in January 2025, the show made a guest appearance in China. There, she also took on the role of Empress Elisabeth as a student performer. Most recently, she appeared at the Stadttheater Klagenfurt as Ermengarde in “Hello, Dolly!”

Sophie discovered her passion for the stage at a very young age. She grew up in the world of opera and, at the age of 5, was already performing on the stages of the Theater am Aegi and the Hanover State Opera.

After graduating from high school, Sophie began her musical theater training in Hamburg, which she successfully completed in 2017. Even while still in training, Sophie appeared in various productions on stages throughout German-speaking countries, including the *FOOTLOOSE* tour and *Herrscher der Träume* at the Theater Arnstadt. After completing her training, Sophie seamlessly moved on to roles such as “ Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel ” at the Metropoltheater in Bremen, a revival of “FOOTLOOSE,” and “Evita” at the Theater Kiel, before she ultimately found her true passion on the high seas.

In July 2019, Sophie joined the MS AMADEA, known as the "Traumschiff" (Dream Ship) from television, where she performed on stage as the lead soloist in the show ensemble for 9 months.

In 2021, Sophie toured the German-speaking world as a vocal soloist with *Die Nacht Der Musicals* and then traveled around the world once again aboard the MS AMERA and MS ARTANIA.

In December 2023, Sophie took on the role of the enchanting Tammy in the 1960s musical SIXTIES GIRLS at the Capitol Theater in Düsseldorf. In the summer of 2024, audiences were on the edge of their seats watching her in the cult musical A Chorus Line, where she had to take her place on the “line” every night as the swing/cover for Cassie and Sheila.

That following winter, Sophie appeared at the Komödie Bielefeld and at the Theaterschiff in Bremen in the pop comedy *Traumschöff—Seekrank vor Glück*.

In May 2025, Sophie was part of the world premiere of *Freischütz—Seele für Seele* at the Neuschwanstein “ Festspielhaus ”; she then went directly to the Luisenburg Festival, where she appeared in both *Freischütz—Seele für Seele* and the classic *West Side Story*.

Most recently, Sophie toured the German-speaking world as Kit de Luca and Vivian Ward’s understudy in *Pretty Woman—The Musical*. She is very excited to return to the stage at the Metronomtheater Oberhausen for an extended run in * Die Schöne und das Biest *.

Born in Austria near Lake Neusiedl, he completed his training as a musical theater performer at the PERFORMING ACADEMY in Vienna in 2022. Since then, he has appeared in numerous productions throughout the German-speaking world, including the multi-award-winning musical *Spring Awakening*, *Dracula* at the Deutsches Theater in Munich, and *Ghost* – A MESSAGE FROM SAM as a swing on tour, BONIFATIUS on the largest German-speaking musical stage at Domplatz in Fulda, MY FAIR LADY at the Musiktheater Liechtenstein, DIE PÄPSTIN in the role of Johannes, and WALPURGA – The Musical in his first major leading role. In the summer of 2026, he also appeared in HELLO, DOLLY! at the Schlossspiele Langenlois.

Since 2010, he has been touring the world as a rock 'n' roll acrobat and, in addition to winning numerous national championship titles, has danced his way into the top 10 of the world rankings.

Today, he’s thrilled to be part of the team at DIE SCHÖNE UND DAS BIEST– The German Original—and hopes you enjoy the show!

Aniek Mommers was born in the Netherlands in 1995. In 2013, she began a preparatory program at the Fontys Academy of the Arts, which she completed in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in musical theater. During her studies, she played the role of Rosemary Pilkington in *How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying* and Alice Beineke in *The Addams Family*.  

In 2017–2018, she was part of the Dutch tour of the thriller musical *Shock*. Afterward, in 2019, she appeared as a singer in the TUI Cruises ensemble aboard the *Meinschiff5*. In late 2022, Aniek made her German debut in *Frozen*, the musical on ice, where she played the role of Queen Elsa. After that, in the summer of 2024, she was part of the ensemble for *Jesus Christ Superstar* at the Eutin Festival, and in 2024–2025 she played the role of Peppa Wutz on the German tour of *Peppa Pig Live! On an Adventure*.

Last season, she appeared in *Pretty Woman*, the musical, as a swing, Kit de Luca's understudy, and Violetta's understudy.

Marta Di Giulio completed an interdisciplinary program in Rome, which was featured on the TV documentary series “Amici.”

Since then, she has appeared in a wide variety of musical productions: in “Footloose” (Italy tour), “Dirty Dancing,” and as a cross-swing in Disney’s “Tarzan” (Stage Theater Neue Flora, Hamburg), in “Musical Rocks” (tour), “Aida” (Thun), “The Addams Family” (Bremen), “Flashdance” (St. Gallen), “Zorro,” and as Maria in “Saturday Night Fever” (Tecklenburg), in “Evita” (Ronacher, Vienna), “Cats” (Thun), as Teresita and Rosalia’s understudy in “West Side Story” (Hanover State Opera), as dance captain and swing in Disney’s “Aladdin” (Stage Theater Neue Flora, Hamburg, and Stage Apollo Theater, Stuttgart), and most recently as Hera in the world premiere of Disney’s “Hercules.”

Offstage, she worked as an associate choreographer on “Dällebach Kari” (Thun) and on the world premiere of “Der Schimmelreiter” in Fulda, as well as a choreographer on “Sherlock Holmes—Next Generation” (Hamburg and Munich) and on “Rent” (Theater Lüneburg). 

Even before he began his training as a musical theater performer at the International College of Musical Theatre in Italy, Stefano Francabandiera was hired as a dancer for Laura Pausini’s concert at the Arena della Vittoria in Bari.

After training in dance, singing, and acting, he made a name for himself on international musical theater stages. He played the title role of Jesus in *Godspell* at the Teatro Cometa Off in Rome and appeared for several seasons in Disney’s *Aladdin* at the Stage Apollo Theater in Stuttgart, first as a member of the ensemble and later as a swing, Babkak’s understudy, and assistant fight captain.

In 2023, he will tour Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with *Dirty Dancing – The Original Live on Tour*, combining his stage work with the official recording of the iconic song “Hungry Eyes.”

The world premiere of Disney's *HERCULES* at the Theater Neue Flora in Hamburg in 2024 marks another milestone: He will first appear on stage as Zeus, and later take on the role of Phil.

Another world premiere project will take him to the Schlosstheater Fulda in 2026, where he will appear in *Der Schimmelreiter* as the swing and Puppet Captain.

Stefano Francabandiera is currently on stage at the Metronom Theater in Oberhausen in * DIE SCHÖNE UND DAS BIEST *—the German original—playing the roles of Swing and Cover Biest.