About Sven Ratzke
Over a career spanning more than two decades Sven Ratzke has become that rare thing: a cabaret superstar. The Dutch/German singer, entertainer and actor was hailed by the British newspaper The Herald as a ‘Cabaret Supernova’ and by Time Out Magazine New York ‘As one the best cabaret performers of his generation’.
He has appeared at many prestigious venues around the world including Lincoln Center NYC, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Bertolt Brecht’s Berliner Ensemble, Mexico City Opera House, Stadsaal Wien, Paradiso Amsterdam, Town Hall Auckland and Arts Center Melbourne. Ratzke’s shows Starman, Homme Fatale and Where are we now all toured internationally to critical acclaim. His show Starman, which featured the music of David Bowie, was a smash hit at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival (winner Best Festival Show), toured around the globe and was nominated for the Australian The Helpmann Award. Ratzke starred since 2013 as Hedwig in the Berlin production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and was hailed by the show’s creator, John Cameron Mitchell, as “the best Hedwig I’ve ever seen!”
His other European Musical credits are the MC in Cabaret and Dr Frank’n Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and Ratzke is yet set to play Marlene Dietrich in a upcoming Berlin production of Marlene at the Renaissance Theater Berlin. Ratzke has worked with numerous legendary performers including Nina Hagen, Rufus Wainwright, Fassbinder muse Hanna Schygulla, Grammy-nominated opera singer Claron McFadden, cult band The Tiger Lillies, NYC icons Justin Vivian Bond and Joey Arias and fashion designer like Thierry Mugler, Jan Jansen and Viktor & Rolf. He collaborated also with several Orchestra’s like Grammy Winning The Metropole Orchestra, The German WDR Funkhaus Orchester, Asko Schönberg Ensemble and the Holland Baroque Orchestra. Since 2017 Ratzke expended also his artistic horizon into Television, creating his own talk/ music show for German national Television (ARD) called „Ratzke’s Rendezvous“ and made several Music specials for National German and Dutch Television.
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Marlene
Where are we now
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march
28mar20:00Where are we now – München- Lustspielhaus
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Lustspielhaus The press and the public agree: There is hardly any other artist who comes as close to David Bowie as Sven Ratzke. Bowie himself
Event Details
Venue: Lustspielhaus
The press and the public agree: There is hardly any other artist who comes as close to David Bowie as Sven Ratzke. Bowie himself gave him permission to deal with his entire oeuvre. The tour with the STARMAN program became an international success.
Now Ratzke once again ventures into the universe of this legend: completely different, intimate; only Ratzke’s voice and a virtuoso on the piano (Jetse de Jong). In “Where Are We Now”, Ratzke looks back and ahead in Bowie’s life’s work. Whether rock ‘n’ roll, or intimate ballads, whether classics or new works – Ratzke and Jetse de Jong manage to make hits like “Heroes”, “Lazarus” or “Let’s Dance” sound new, special and yet so familiar in the intimate circle of the Spiegelzelt. In addition, there are their own songs, which fit seamlessly into Bowie’s soundscapes.
An evening – like a wonderful journey, in which the unique poetry of David Bowie and the typically crazy Ratzke stories form a special symbiosis.
On the wing: Jetse de Jong
Sven Ratzke is a must-see! -New York Press
Incredible, enchanting new interpretations of Bowie songs – Daily Mail
This stage man is absolutely uninhibited, a diva with strong vocals, disarmingly honest, brutally direct, irreverent and generally the force in glitter bags. – The world
Time
(Thursday) 20:00(GMT+01:00)
29mar20:30Marlene – Zwolle – Odeon
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Odeon The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of
Event Details
Venue: Odeon
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
Please note: this performance has been moved from February 29 to March 29. Ticket buyers have been notified in the mail!
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 21st century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit performance Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
Marlene is a co-production of the renowned Renaissance Theater (including Hedwig and the Angry Inch) in Berlin. With texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths, creative director of the world-famous fashion brand Max Mara.
Time
(Friday) 20:30(GMT+01:00)
30mar20:30Marlene – Breda – Chasse Theater
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Chasse Theater The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role
Event Details
Venue: Chasse Theater
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit performance Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Ratzke is from ‘Kopf bis Fuss auf Liebe eingestellt’ and creates something completely unique with this evening. Go see this! This will be Berlin’s theatrical hit.” – Berliner Morgenpost
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “If you want to see a great actor and singer in his element, you have to see this! Musically, it is also unique. Ovations for a Marlene the likes of which we haven’t seen before.” – Bildzeitung
Marlene is a co-production of the renowned Renaissance Theater (including Hedwig and the Angry Inch) in Berlin. With texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths, creative director of the world-famous fashion brand Max Mara.
Time
(Saturday) 20:30(GMT+01:00)
april
02apr20:00Marlene – Maastricht – Theater aan het Vrijthof
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Theater aan het Vrijthof The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in
Event Details
Venue: Theater aan het Vrijthof
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit show Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie, with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
CREDITS
Cast: Sven Ratzke, Julia Herfst, Jetse de Jong and others
Text: Pam Gems (Piaf), Connie Palmen
Director: Guntbert Warns (Hedwig and the Angry Inch)
Costumes: Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara)
Time
(Tuesday) 20:00(GMT+02:00)
03apr20:00Marlene – Deventer – Schouwburg
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Schouwburg The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of
Event Details
Venue: Schouwburg
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit show Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie, with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
Time
(Wednesday) 20:00(GMT+02:00)
04apr20:15Marlene – Spijkenisse – Theater de Stoep
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Theater de Stoep The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the
Event Details
Venue: Theater de Stoep
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit show Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie, with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
Marlene is a co-production of the renowned Renaissance Theater (including Hedwig and the Angry Inch) in Berlin. With texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths, creative director of the world-famous fashion brand Max Mara.
Cast: Sven Ratzke, Julia Herfst, Jetse de Jong and others
“Ratzke is from ‘Kopf bis Fuss auf Liebe eingestellt’ and creates something completely unique with this evening. Go see this! This will be Berlin’s theatrical hit.” – Berliner Morgenpost*****
“.. the songs sound surprisingly new to Ratzke and are stripped of any false pathos: he is pure, honest, touches you and creates something completely authentic. The audience showered him with standing ovations. A new ‘Marlene’ has risen in Berlin.” – Der Tagesspiegel*****
“Ratzke is the worthy successor to the legend Marlene. He shows in all her glamour and fragility. Ratzke does a great job. The Berlin audience embraces this show with enormous enthusiasm and undivided ovations.” – Die Welt*****
“Marlene would have loved this night.” – Kulturblog****
“If you want to see a great actor and singer in his element, you have to see this! It is also unique musically. Ovations for a Marlene like we haven’t seen her before.” – Bildzeitung*****
“Ratzke is perfect as Marlene. The costumes are pure art.” – Berliner Zeitung****
“Ratzke breathes a new soul into Marlene’s songs.” – ARD / Kulturradio****
Time
(Thursday) 20:15(GMT+02:00)
06apr20:15Marlene – Leiden – Leidse SchouwburgLast tickets
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Leidse Schouwburg The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role
Event Details
Venue: Leidse Schouwburg
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit show Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie, with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
Time
(Saturday) 20:15(GMT+02:00)
07apr14:30Marlene – Roosendaal – Theater de Kring
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Theater de Kring The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the
Event Details
Venue: Theater de Kring
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit performance Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
Marlene is a co-production of the renowned Renaissance Theater (including Hedwig and the Angry Inch) in Berlin. With texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths, creative director of the world-famous fashion brand Max Mara.
Time
(Sunday) 14:30(GMT+02:00)
11apr20:15Marlene – Alphen a/d Rijn – Castellum
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Castellum The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of
Event Details
Venue: Castellum
The international theatre hit Marlene is coming to the Netherlands. A dazzling musical theatre piece with international star Sven Ratzke in the role of legend Marlene Dietrich: film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who experienced a second world career as a chansonnière and preferred the last years of her life completely withdrawn in her Parisian apartment the isolation.
It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She’s in the locker room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva is preparing for her first show since the war. What follows is a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. A glimpse into the madness, the showbiz, her memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight was the concert as she gave it then, in 1960 in Berlin.
After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including international hit performance Where are we now about the life and work of David Bowie with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the dream interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and bend the work of icons to his will.
Marlene is a performance about fame and mystification and gives an insight into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), Marlene balances between grand theatre and intimate one-woman show, full of villainous humour and big emotions. Marlene leaves no one untouched.
Marlene is a co-production of the renowned Renaissance Theater (including Hedwig and the Angry Inch) in Berlin. With texts by top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths, creative director of the world-famous fashion brand Max Mara.
CREDITS
Cast: Sven Ratzke, Julia Herfst, Jetse de Jong and others
Text: Pam Gems (Piaf), Connie Palmen
Director: Guntbert Warns (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) Costumes: Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara)
PHOTOGRAPHER
Alek Bruessing (Included with royalty-free photo)
Ann-Marie Schwanke Siegersbusch / Brigitte Dummer (Included with the scene photos)
Time
(Thursday) 20:15(GMT+02:00)
12apr20:30Marlene – Arnhem – Musis & StadstheaterLast tickets
Event Details
Buy tickets Venue: Musis & Stadstheater Fame and mystification. That’s what it’s about. The psyche of a myth. Sight into her soul. Sven Ratzke plays Marlene. Is Marlene.
Event Details
Venue: Musis & Stadstheater
Fame and mystification. That’s what it’s about. The psyche of a myth. Sight into her soul. Sven Ratzke plays Marlene. Is Marlene. The dream interpreter of the film goddess. The world-famous singer. The German diva. Marlene Dietrich. The woman of the big emotions and the intimate shows. Of the villainity and the humour. The woman of whom Bomans once said: ‘If only my wife had one leg like that.’ Marlene is mystery and glamour. Madness and desire. A dazzling co-production with the renowned Renaissance Theatre in Berlin. With costume designer Ian Griffiths. And beautiful music. About the woman who was adored and reviled. Marlene is “a moving celebration of the woman behind the myth,” sighed The New York Times. Thanks to Sven Ratzke. The man about whom our programmer Floor once said: ‘If only I had one buttock like that.’)
Time
(Friday) 20:30(GMT+02:00)
Shows
News
Ratzke impresses Dutch audience with a stunning and compelling Marlene
Ratzke impresses the Dutch audience with his stunning and compelling portrayal of Marlene On Tuesday, March 5, the Dutch version of the performance Marlene, which
New album Marlene out now!
Sven Ratzke released his new album of the original Berlin Stage Production Marlene. The versatile singer and performing artist of international stature, takes on the
Marlene opens to rave reviews and standing ovations in Berlin
After a sensational run at the Renaissance Theater in Berlin, with the cast receiving standing ovations, the show received a flood of glowing reviews, with
Ratzke as Marlene in Berlin
Sven Ratzke will play legendary actress and singer Marlene Dietrich in the production of MARLENE at the Renassaince Theater Berlin. The show will open on
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Impact Entertainment BV
Sjoerd Schouten