Since debuting in 1992, Elisabeth has been seen by over 10 million people across the world, worthy of its regal title as the most successful German language musical of all time. It depicts the legendary life of the Austrian Empress who was murdered as her marriage and Empire were crumbling. Bolstered by a talented crew that includes director Harry Kupger, screenwriter Michael Kunze and composer Sylvester Levay, the show will make its Mainland debut at Shanghai Culture Square. As the fourth actress to ascend to the role, Roberta Valentini gives us a preview.
You first played the Elisabeth role in 2006. What was it like?
I was in Switzerland and it was the first time that Elisabeth was staged there. I did it in the B cast, but I think I was too young for the role. I knew I wanted to do the part again when I got older and had more life experience.
Do you feel a closer bond to the role as the first Bavarian Elisabeth?
We literally grew up with Elisabeth, in every corner of Bavaria. As kids we learned about her from movies and textbooks. It’s pure fascination. I believe we all experienced, to some degree, what she had felt in life. Though she was restricted in many ways as a Queen, she managed to be herself.
Compared with other musicals, how influential would you say Elisabeth is in Germany?
Within Germany, it is THE symbol. If you want to name a musical, it is the first one on top of your mind – like Cats for American audiences.
No VPN? Watch a clip of Elisabeth on Youku.
In the show, you portray Elisabeth from 16 to 60. Is that quite a challenge?
To perform an age that I have yet to reach is challenging. Luckily, I have gathered my knowledge from my grandparents.
Apart from singing and dancing, does changing costumes and wigs from scene to scene become exhausting?
Yes, but I would say performing with heavy wigs and weighted dresses is the most exhausting. Wigs are fine, I can barely feel them. But when the dress weighs 6 kilos, and is tight at the waist…
In this version, Mark Seibert portrays Death. What chemistry do you expect from performing with a long-time friend?
Everything. I’ve never dreamed to be Elisabeth in Shanghai, and it just feels like a dream come true. I’m so happy to perform this show with him. I love him as a dear friend, and I feel much more comfortable with him around.
How would you interpret Death’s relationship with Elisabeth?
They meet several times. I especially love the part when she meets Death and loves him; but doesn’t dare to be with him due to all her responsibilities, which made her always on the edge. From my understanding, that’s why she wished for Death. But when she decides to go with him, he simply refuses to take her, because by then it was too easy to get her.
What do you expect from the role of Death?
I’ve seen many versions of Death – excellent ones and… others. To me, this role means more than a beautiful figure on stage, but something that beholds something more transparent. It’s not some character you can get from a book. I think Mark will make it easy for me, with the chemistry that is already there. He always knows my next move.
You have also performed in Broadway musicals. How different are they from German musicals?
We have one or two theaters in every city in Germany. For actors and actresses, we have to go around cities to audition, thus there are more chances for us to try new things musically. In that way, in ensures German musicals are refreshing and original.
As for this story, it has to be in German because it originated in Germany and the language is our mother tongue. It all makes sense to keep the originality. It is from that particular time. It might have less stage settings, but that’s because we focus more on character building.
// Dec 9-Jan 11, 2pm/7.15pm, RMB120-1,180, Shanghai Culture Square, tickets.
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