Review: DAS MUSICAL-ISCHE WOHNZIMMER at Ankersaal Vienna

Spread some love for NESTWÄRME!

Barbara Obermeier (Jellylorum/US Grizabella) and Stefan Konrad (Chairman of Nestwärme Austria) came up with the idea about doing a charity concert as a kickstart for NESTWÄRME in Austria after they ran into each other on the street. As Mondays are OFF-Days for Musical Actors in Vienna, there might be no better day to gather together some fine voices. Spending their only day off doing a concert for a good cause is something you never can take for granted. Obermeier and Konrad brought together an A-List of Top Acts, a few of them sadly had to cancel their performance due to sickness. Instead of cutting the set-list short, others took over some songs on a very short term. Charity Events are sometimes badly rehearsed and poorly staged. It takes a lot of tact and sensitivity and the right bunch of people when you want to create a night to remember. All ingredients are brought together by Obermeier and Konrad in their "living room" the Anker Saal in Vienna. Konrad narrated through the evening with comedy and class. A first-class Conférencier who knows how to flirt with his audience in a charming way.

Anneke Brunekreeft(Bombalurina and others u/s), Denise Jastraunig (Jellylorum/ Jennyanydots u/s) and Gerben Grimmius (Skimbleshanks) surprised us with a comedic act. They performed "Der Homosexuelle an sich" ( by Pepper and Salt) not only in Dirndl but also with the (Drag) Queen of the Night, Gerben Grimmius.

It is a rare chance to witness CATS Cast members doing their thing without wigs, make-up, and costumes. Nathan Luke (Bill Bailey u/s and others) surprised with a very emotional version of PINK's DEAR MR. PRESIDENT. He also shared the stage with Lucius Wolter and Denise Jastraunig for I AM THE ONE from Next To Normal. Without any doubt, one emotional Roller Coaster ride. It felt like Obermeier not just invited colleagues, she invited friends to sing with her.

Heart-rending funny, a pure joy, when the likes of Carin Filipčić (Grizabella), Lisa Antoni (the German Voice of Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Returns), Alexander Auler (Munkustrap), André Bauer, Martin Berger, Rene Rumpold, Felix Martin (Gus/Bustopher Jones) Oliver Arno, Jakob Semotan and others raise their voice for a good cause. Not to forget the band, a shoutout to Harry Peller (guitar hero), Christian Zieglwanger( drums), Stefan Först (base) and Ronald Sedlaczek( piano), some of the finest musicians in town. Barbara Obermeier, accompanied by her guests ended the evening with a very important message. DON'T STOP BELIEVING (Rock of Ages) not only kicked the audience out of their seats, it's that kind of catchy tune that will never let you forget the night with Barbara Obermeier, Stefan Konrad and all of the other fine artists. Watch out, maybe they might do it again and invite you into their "musical-livingroom" for another one night full of laughter and joy.

All pictures by ©Diane Bauer