One Touch of Venus

This is an interview Jörn conducted with Ethan after the opening show of One Touch of Venus.

Ethan, best wishes to the great premiere. Are you satisfied with yourself and with the whole show?
Yes, very - we were very suprised that the audience liked it that much and that there was so much laughter. We are very happy about that.

What are your wishes for the following shows?
I hope it will be as good as today. Maybe we can become better, but with today's opening night energy, I think we already presented it well. For myself, I'm glad that I haven't mixed up the lines too often but sure, I hope we can improve.

Do you like to play in a small show like this after you've appeared in big productions for such a long time?
Yes, I do - my colleagues are great. It´s a good show to do in a situation like this. I like to have this close contact with the audience for the show is so funny. You really see a wave of humourous energy sweeping the stage and that gave me a lot of support onstage tonight.

You've spent two months without Jekyll & Hyde now. How do you feel?
Yeah, I feel quite relaxed. Sure, I´ve become fat...well, fatter than before because I don't have the daily shows anymore but it's okay. As an artist, this change and the little pause were very good and important to me so I can develop new creativity.

It's the first time for you to stand on a West End stage after 2 and a half years. What do you think about the delevopments in Londons musicals (a lot of shows have closed, some new shows opened)?
A lot of new shows have opened. Things are changing like they should in today's commercial theatre world. I think the times of long-running successful shows might be over. What happened in the times of Les Miz, Cats and the Phantom won't be possible again any time soon. There are reasons. Sure, maybe one super hit is just about to come to run for 10 years as well, maybe it's "One touch of Venus" (laughing). No, not really, but maybe another show is coming which is perfect for each audience. But I honestly don't think so, not in today's commercial theatre world.

Do you think that's why German musicals are in trouble?
No clue - I guess maybe they've tried to do shows that are too big in places that are too small. In my opinion, musicals are cultural events which fit into the big cities. But you can also find those cities in the German-speaking areas. I think in the coming years the musical has to be re-developed. In cities like Vienna, Hamburg and Berlin, also with small shows, funny plays, original productions and new stuff dealing with the locations.

Finally, what are your wishes for 2001?
Simply just to stay healthy. The rest is in the hands of God and just in my faith. I can only do my best, and if I can't, I'll try not be too frustrated.