Freeman: Absolutely! Dracula is one of those big transforming roles where you can go through all faces of emotion as an actor. From a violent cruel murderer to a tender lover to a creature torn apart by immortality, this part uses all the elements of a dramatic antihero. It's a feast for a musical performer.

More then 3.5 Million visitors have been fascinated by Dracula The Musical since 1995. It was shown in Prague, Moscow and Seoul. Tecklenburg, with its natural castle setting is surely a good place for the German premiere. 25 solo singers, achoir of 80 singers, a big orchestra – how do you feel two weeks before the premiere?

Freeman: We are moving forward towards the premiere pretty well. It´s not a easy piece to play and stage, but my instinct is telling me that we might be on the way to staging a real smash hit over here.

On first sight, Tecklenburg looks as far from the Broadway as a Vampire is from donating blood. Yet with its professional productions based on volunteer work it's surely a phenomenon in the musical industry. Is it a very special charm, a special atmosphere?

Freeman: Beside the bad weather conditions at the moment, the atmosphere is much like I already expierienced with "JCS". Very focused and professional. But since many artists here have known each other for some years now, it's also very easy and relaxed as well. It's a great cast and crew. It can be compared to any other ensemble production in Germany.

Myth, blood, love and passion – you are already related to Dracula since you already done it in the Basel Production. Dean Welterlen directs in Tecklenburg. A new way to present the show or a copy?

Freeman: A new way for sure! The book allows many different interpretations. In Basel, the east European crew saw a mystic psychological drama, even with an opera-like heaviness. In Tecklenburg we go back, closer to the original idea. We want to show the Musical as a romantic and creepy fairy tale. The plot and the hidden comedy shall become more obvious over here. Of course Tecklenburg gives us a very special atmosphere and magic. A kind of natural dramatic intension.

A bloody and beautiful rock opera: Compared to more known and popular musicals like those of Andrew Lloyd Webber, how do you see the Czech musical?

Freeman: Dracula has relations to shows like "The Phantom of the Opera" as well as to modern musical dramas like "Elisabeth", for example. The author used typical elements of both, anglo American musical theatre and classical European operetta. And spiced it with modern rock and pop elements.

The plot works through 3 acts, from the 16th century to the present. Does it tell us about vampires in today's world? About the abuse of power, robbery and dishonesty?

Freeman: The piece offers you a lot of topics to think about: It's about egoism, wrong ideals, being tired of life, being lonely, of hope, addiction and love. All this is reflected on in an entertaining way, so anybody can find himself in it.

A New York native, since 1986 on a successful run through Europe. Which are the roles you prefer to look back on, and what are your future goals?

Freeman: Looking back, the Phantom, Jekyll and Hyde and Lucheni are probably the most important roles in my career so far. But still all the other roles like the Beast, Javert, Gus and Leopold brought me a lot as an artist. I look forward to reviving the role of Che in Evita at the end of this year in Bremen.

Radulf Beuleke, responsible for the stage in Tecklenburg, is actually playing the Beast in this year's childrens show. You sang the part in the Disney version 10 years ago. Did you gave him any tips and what do you think of the version in Tecklenburg?

Freeman: Sorry, these days I am totally dedicated to Dracula and the upcoming premiere. But of course it's marked in my note block to see. I've heard a lot of good stuff about it. Many colleagues like Sascha Krebs, Sven Olaf Denkinger or Doris Marlis saw it and were very enthusiastic about it. The spectacular mask of the Beast would surely suit me well but Dracula is coming along even more demonic.

You appear very relaxed although life must be stressful with so many roles. You are newly married to Monika Julia Dehnert, she is performing here in Tecklenburg as well. Are you a family guy or a confirmed, homeless globetrotter?

Freeman: I have some elements of both within me. The strong partnership with my wife Monika is most important in all ways of life. We both have that gypsy blood and long for adventures – perfectly suited for a theatre life.

Do you have any hobbyies? What trick do you used to get relaxed? A glass red wine intead of blood?

Freeman: A glass of red wine is always perfect and more healthy then blood. Beside that I can relax by reading, talking, cooking and hanging out in front of the TV. In other words I'm a quite normal vampire.