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Musical stars, a large orchestra and a world premiere: the preview of the “Best of spotlight” gala gets Fulda in the mood for Hessentag on Thursday evening.
Fulda – The Hessentag in Fulda officially doesn't start until Friday with the opening and then in the evening with the musical gala “Best of spotlight”. But the preview of the show already attracts 6,500 visitors to the cathedral square on Thursday and gets in the mood for the Hessentag days.
The first long queue at the entrance on Johannes-Dyba-Allee, the first fans looking forward to an open-air event on the cathedral square: With the sold-out preview of the spotlight gala, the events in the Hessentagsarena get underway. By the way: The gala show on Friday, the “actual” start of the big Hessentag events, has long been sold out. Peter Scholz welcomed the guests to the “Hessentag soft opening”.
Musical stars open the Hessentag program on Cathedral Square
The gala preview started with the “Boniface” overture and the first notes of the Cologne Symphony Orchestra. On the piano: spotlight composer Dennis Martin. “Medicus” and “Elisabeth” followed – each after a short announcement from Scholz.
The Fulda musical company spotlight can now look back on nine productions. These include plays that became mega successes, above all “The Pope”, but also “The Medicus” and “Robin Hood”. It's no surprise that a “Best of” gala isn't a 90-minute affair. Especially over time the approximately three-hour show “The Almighty Handkäs” The program includes a musical specially commissioned by the state of Hesse.
For the project, spotlight teamed up with the Hessian comedy legend Henni Nachtsheim (Badesalz) and Ali Neander from the Rodgau Monotones. As composer Dennis Martin explains: “Our audience is practically given a world premiere in addition to the gala. This is completely extraordinary and should be unique in this form.”
However, the extremely comedic look at the “Hessian soul” with Handkäs, Bembel, Goethe and Heinz Schenk has to prove itself alongside popular songs from the musicals written by Dennis Martin, some of which have become real hits. They are presented by many singers who have grown dear to the people of Fulda over the years. There are, among others: Ethan “Bonifatius” Freeman, Sascha Kurth alias Medicus Rob Cole and now also Hauke Haien in the latest play, “Schimmelreiter”, Philipp “Robin Hood” Büttner, Chris “Friedrich” Murray and Verena Mackenberg, who was seen as Pope Johanna on the stage of the Fulda Castle Theater last summer.
Only card payment possible
Food and drinks may not be taken onto Cathedral Square. Catering partners will provide catering on the event site. This year, all partners are relying exclusively on a cashless payment system that enables both card payments and mobile payment options, explains Provinztour. This applies to all concert evenings as well as the gala.
The caterer's reasoning: This allows for faster processing of purchases and better handling, and also reduces the risk of theft. The deposit is also returned via the cards via chargeback.
She shared the role with Sandy Mölling in 2025. By the way, the gala audience doesn't have to do without the popular singer of the No Angels. In the musical “The Almighty Handkäs” Sandy Mölling will be seen as Sandiana, leader of the “Empire of Hesse”, looking for a solution to an existential problem.
Castle garden closed
As with previous Cathedral Square concerts, this year the front, i.e. the baroque part of the palace gardens will be closed a few hours before the event begins. This is done with fences and bars and of course with security service employees. The exact closing times of the area vary, as the start times of the concerts also differ.
Of course, a “Best of spotlight” program also includes signature songs such as “Einsames Gewand”, “Mein Weg” and “Salz der Erde”. Pieces from spotlight don't just come from the soloists. The ensemble, which enjoys dancing and singing, is also part of the gala evening and will liven up the stage in front of the cathedral. They will be accompanied by the Cologne Symphony Orchestra, a live band and a large concert choir.
