Himmel und Kölle - the musical for Cologne residents and everyone who loves Cologne
We have great news for you! The much-acclaimed comedy musical"Himmel und Kölle" is back! You were so enthusiastic about the performances that there was no choice but to bring the play back to the Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz. The show has already won four German Musical and Theater Awards and was named Cologne's cultural event of the year - and rightly so, we think! We were there for you at the premiere on September 2 and asked ourselves: What has changed? What has stayed the same? What can you expect in the new season?
But first of all, what is the play about?
© Thomas Brill // Show photo last season
What you can expect:
Pastor Elmar is transferred from the Swabian provinces to Cologne and experiences a real culture shock amidst Cologne's party animals, bride Kathy and lots of Kölsch. As soon as he arrives in Cologne, he finds himself in the middle of a hen party that takes him all over the city. Bride Kathy and Pastor Elmar pass bars, breweries, the Hohenzollern Bridge, Brussels Square, the cathedral and Willy Millowitsch Square and experience a turbulent cab ride - because when can you turn left in Cologne? Full of wit, charm, songs with a catchy tune guarantee and a surprising twist (which we won't spoil here, of course), the show is an absolute must-see for anyone who has taken Cologne to their hearts. The idiosyncrasies that our cathedral city has to offer are sometimes lovingly, sometimes sharp-tongued and critical, but always taken to task in just the right way.
© Thomas Brill // Show photo last season
A premiere for the heart
As befits a premiere, we put on our best outfits and gathered on the pink carpet in front of the Volksbühne on Rudolfplatz. Everything was beautifully decorated, tables and benches were set up outside, the weather was wonderfully warm and sunny and the foyer was full of expectant guests. Balloons, the bright pink carpet, drinks, canapés and the excitement that you always feel before a premiere made the whole evening something special. At the premiere, of course, the new features of the season were presented, which we don't want to withhold from you now.
© Thomas Brill // Show photo last season
Big News: Guido Cantz as a cab driver
Apart from tiny changes to the plot, the story has remained the same. However, there have been some changes to the cast - you can look forward to many new faces and voices. Audience favorites Vera Bolten as the resolute vicarage caretaker and Markus Schneider in the role of the vicar Elmar have remained and have once again cast a spell over us. But the biggest news is probably this: Comedian, presenter and author Guido Cantz can be seen in his first musical role in "Himmel und Kölle". He plays the Saxon cab driver, whose humorous rants about Cologne's road traffic have taken him straight to our hearts. Hats off to him for this strong performance! It was a terrific first premiere performance by the whole ensemble. The loud and long applause showed that it wasn't just us.
© Thomas Brill // Show photo last season
New look: the foyer shines in "Himmel und Kölle" splendor
Let's continue with the news. Because a lot has also happened around the play. If you've ever been to the Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz, you'll know what a special atmosphere awaits you in the oldest surviving theater in Cologne: high, ornate ceilings, Art Nouveau architecture, the elegant bar and the magnificent theater hall on the second floor. All this is already impressive, but there's more: the entire foyer and staircase have been redesigned to match the musical theme of "Himmel und Kölle". As the entire theater has been rented by the producers for the coming season, this redesign was made possible. And it looks great! Oversized love locks of the Hohenzollern Bridge, the cathedral, signs from Cologne and photos of the musical scenes hang everywhere. The beer fridge as a prop also finds its place in the foyer. Everything shines in the colors of love and reflects the creative and loving work behind it.
The redesign of the foyer makes the evening a complete experience - you are immersed directly in the story of the play and are part of the whole. There are also songs to sing along to and real catchy tunes! This musical really does offer everything that makes a good show: an exciting story, fabulous artists, catchy songs, pure entertainment and lovely decorations - we love it! Want to see the show now too? Then let's go - you can find all the dates here: