A Night as a Musical Star: Riccardo Simonetti (32) Fulfills This Dream with a Guest Appearance in the Hit Pop Musical “& Julia.” In the sold-out Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, and in front of his husband Steven, the entertainer and author was greeted with applause by the audience. The show “& Julia” is an emancipation story about how Julia handles her life even without Romeo.
How nervous he was before his big debut and why the musical with hits by superstar producer Max Martin (54) is especially close to his heart, Simonetti reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
Question: Your guest appearance in the pop musical “& Julia” is a true dream come true for you?
Riccardo Simonetti: Absolutely. The musical is one of my absolute favorite pieces worldwide — being able to be a part of it myself now is a really special moment for me!
You’ve already seen the show several times on Broadway and in the West End — what excites you most about “& Julia”?
I simply love musicals where you have an emotional connection to the songs. In “& Julia,” parts of the entire soundtrack feel like the soundtrack of my life, and I celebrate every song. Max Martin has written for all my favorite artists, and accordingly I was incredibly enthusiastic when I first saw the show and went wild for Britney and Céline Dion.
What went through your mind when the invitation for the guest role came? Was there a moment of doubt — or only anticipation?
But I can’t sing?! (laughs)
Did you have a lot of time for rehearsals, did you receive dance and singing lessons beforehand?
Recently I ran into Tom Francis in New York, who played the lead on the West End, and I told him I might soon step into his smaller footsteps and asked him for a few tips. With the Hamburg cast I had only two days of rehearsal — that was intense. The cast welcomed me so warmly that it wasn’t hard to settle in.
What exactly does your role look like and how often were you on stage?
Simonetti: I appeared several times in different scenarios on stage and also took on speaking roles. I didn’t take anything away from the terrific performers who do this so brilliantly. My appearance is hopefully meant to draw even more attention to this wonderful piece, which not only moves me musically but also tackles many other issues like empowerment, self-determination, or even questions of identity.
How nervous were you before your performance?
I was very excited and I hoped to do justice to the piece and the fantastic cast! At the same time I was actually pretty relaxed and full of anticipation throughout the day. But when I stood on stage and saw how enormous this theater is and how many people were in the seats, I got a touch nervous. I’m not a trained musical theater performer, but I spent 15 years on stage in theater. Still, it had been a long time since I’d stepped onto a theater stage — so I was all the more happy to be back.
Did your husband sit in the audience for your big appearance?
Yes, he’s always been a bit jealous that I watched the show without him, so of course he didn’t want to miss it this time.
What sticks with you most about the performance? What was your personal highlight?
Seeing that I could step outside my comfort zone and do things I’d never done before.
Which moment in the show do you think carries the strongest message on stage — and why?
I love that a queer love story is presented so naturally and powerfully as part of the show. That’s something I’d like to see in TV and films as well.
How important is it to you, as a public figure, to promote queer visibility — whether on stage or in everyday life?
I see it as my responsibility to use my platform — however it manifests — to champion the issues close to my heart. I pursue this through my activist projects when I’m on TV, and I hope I can also make a statement when I take part in a one-night-only musical.
Könnten Sie sich vorstellen, künftig öfter in Musicals mitzuspielen — oder war das ein einmaliger Traum?
Never say never — this was a lot of fun.
What’s next for you — is a summer vacation in the works?
Next up for me is my first wedding anniversary. We’ll celebrate it in Mallorca at the restaurant where we got married a year ago. (spot/)
