Dr. Berndt Schmidt

Culture manager and doctorate holder with over ten years of theatre experience. Since November 2007, the Director-General and Managing Director at the Friedrichstadt-Palast as well as the producer responsible for all shows at the theatre for both children and adults. Totalling over nine million euros, the biggest production budget in the history of the show palace has been approved for SHOW ME.

Roland Welke

Roland Welke was born in Potsdam and studied cultural and theatrical sciences in Berlin. Before even completing his studies, he was involved in productions at both the Große Revue and the former Kleine Revue of the Friedrichstadt-Palast, initially as an intern and later as an assistant. He gained further experience at the Theater Basel and Theater des Westens in Berlin.

His first conceptual work for a show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast was the 1998 Christmas revue. Roland Welke has been a member of the venue’s creative team since 1999 and since August 2011 he is the responsible Creative Director. He has provided creative ideas for numerous Christmas revues, written the book on the Marlene – hundert gala and co-authored Wunderbar – die 2002. Nacht and Casanova. In addition, he penned articles for publications about the Friedrichstadt-Palast and the Theater des Westens and was author of the anniversary volume Sternstunden: 25 Jahre Neuer Friedrichstadt-Palast.

Together with his predecessor Jürgen Nass, Roland Welke is also joint show author and creator of the hit shows Qi, Yma and the Winter Show berlin ILLUMINATED. He is one of the two authors of SHOW ME and led staging supported by Jürgen Nass.

Jürgen Nass

Berlin-born Jürgen Nass already appeared at the Komische Oper and the Berliner Ensemble as a child and was also a child voice-over artist for the German state-owned film studio, DEFA. This experience reinforced his desire to use and develop his dancing and creative talent. Hence he left his home town and moved to Dresden to study at the Palucca University of Dance.

Upon graduating, he returned to Berlin in 1967 and subsequently appeared on the stage at the Berlin State Opera on Unter den Linden where he danced under renowned choreographers such as Sergeyev, Schilling, Cranko and Vinogradov. As a dancer he also featured in countless opera productions by Harry Kupfer, Prof. Erhard Fischer and Ruth Berghaus – also performing solo numbers.

He joined the Friedrichstadt-Palast in 1984, completing a three-year course in direction and programming at the Konrad Wolf University of Film and Television in Potsdam-Babelsberg in parallel to this. His debut on the show palace’s big stage was with Classics. Countless large revues followed – including the following as co-author: Cinema, Elements, Wunderbar – die 2002. Nacht, Casanova and Glanzlichter in addition to all of the Christmas productions. In 1994, he became the Creative Director at the Friedrichstadt-Palast. In 2011, he retired – at least as Creative Director. In recognition of his great service to the Show Palace he has been appointed an honorary member of the ensemble.

Together with Roland Welke, he is joint show author and producer of the hit shows Qi and Yma, the winter show berlin ILLUMINATED and the new production SHOW ME.

Daniel Behrens

Daniel Behrens’ career is like a piece of music played at breakneck speed. At the age of just 25, the Münster-born Behrens assumed responsibility for the musical direction of Jekyll and Hyde at the Musicaldome Köln. Commissions as the conductor for Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Aida and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as well as for Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, Oliver! and Hair followed. The versatile musician has also worked as an arranger and keyboard player for various TV shows (RTL, Sat.1, NDR and Viva) and for artistes such as Lucy Diakovska (No Angels) and Götz Alsmann. He appeared as musical director of the productions Dracula at the Graz Festival of Music and Spamalot in the Musicaldome Köln, was at the musical helm for the German tour of Elisabeth, also taking the production to Theater 11 in Zurich and the Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen.

Since the 2010/2011 season, Daniel Behrens has been Musical Director at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin. In 2012, he was the conductor for Kiss me Kate at the Komische Oper. He was able to demonstrate his talents as a composer in cinematic productions such as Männer zum Knutschen for which he also wrote the score. After embellishing the winter show berlin ILLUMINATED with some captivating numbers of his own, his versatile, often extremely poetic compositions are now also pleasing the audiences of SHOW ME.

Christian Lacroix

The name of world-renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix is synonymous with theatrical designs, Parisian nobility and excessive extravagance. After studying French literature in Montpellier, Christian Lacroix went to Paris in 1971 and worked for Hermès and Guy Paulin. He designed the haute couture collections for Jean Patou from 1981 to 1987. In 1987, he founded his own fashion house, producing and created opulent and elegant women’s fashion in light, colourful fabrics. His balloon skirt, ‘Le pouf’, made him a global icon. With the hand of a virtuoso, he broke the rules of traditional taste and created new styles at every turn, including (from 1998) as prêt-à-porter fashion. In 2002, Christian Lacroix became creative director of Pucci. In his heart, he always remained more of an artist than a businessman though, and in 2005, he sold the Christian Lacroix fashion house to the American Falic Group.

With his company XCLX founded in 2005, he lives out his boundless creativity in a wide range of fields. He has created the uniforms for Air France personnel, designed a new interior for the TGV high-speed trains, produced a maritime-style tram line for the city of Montpellier, and designed two beautiful Parisian hotels. Lacroix has expressed his passion for dramatic, flamboyant fashion in costumes for theatre, opera and ballet. He designed the costumes for superstar Madonna’s Reinvention tour.

For the mega-production SHOW ME, the master returned with stunning costumes for several numbers, including the grand finale. It is his first foray back into the world of haute couture since 2005 – and also the first haute couture able to withstand the demands of professional dance.

Uta Loher

Uta Loher is one of the most sought-after costume designers in the German-speaking region, and has created costumes for over two hundred theatre productions to date – most of these in close cooperation with Conny Lüders. She feels equally at home in the opera, operetta and drama genres, and is considered an absolute specialist for musicals, revues and show entertainment. Uta Loher was a student of the Munich Art Academy, and now lives and works in Berlin.

Born and raised in Bayreuth, Uta Loher has worked with world-famous directors such as Volker Schlöndorff, Götz Friedrich, Philippe Arlaud and Axel Corti, and has provided professional support for stage productions in Washington D.C., Amsterdam, Basel, Berlin, Munich and Vienna. The list of productions outfitted with her costumes is truly impressive – they include the costumes for Don Giovanni, Lohengrin, Porgy and Bess, Romeo and Juliet and The Abduction from the Seraglio, amongst others. She also created original costume designs for the German-language premiere of the Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles, and for My Fair Lady and Cabaret with the world-famous star Hildegard Knef.

At the Friedrichstadt-Palast, Uta Loher and Conny Lüders have already impressed audiences with their wonderful costumes for the productions Casanova and the winter show berlin ILLUMINATED.

Conny Lüders

Costume designer Conny Lüders spent the first twelve years of her career in the theatres of her home town of Gera. In 2000, she moved to Berlin, heralding the start of her successful collaboration with costume designer, Uta Loher – a collaboration whose defining characteristic is a creative exchange of artistic ideas. Together they have created costumes for numerous productions in Vienna, Munich, Bremen and Berlin; among the most recent count La Cage aux Folles at the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz in Munich, Orpheus in the Underworld at the Viennese Volksoper and La vie parisienne at the Theater Bremen.

At the Landestheater Salzburg, Conny Lüders created the costumes for Kiss me Kate. She was also commissioned by the Grenzlandtheater Aachen with the design of the costumes for an updated version of the musical Die Drei von der Tankstelle.

Conny Lüders has been familiar with the Friedrichstadt-Palast since she in common with Uta Loher so successfully provided the costumes for Casanova and berlin ILLUMINATED.

Joe Atkins

Englishman Joe Atkins has been working in theatre, film, television, exhibitions and live events to great success for over 25 years now. He was the youngest lighting designer on Broadway, and has received countless accolades for his lighting work including from the prestigious New York Times. He soon went on to make a name for himself as a stage designer, musician, photographer, director, lighting cameraman and writer.

Today, Joe has been involved in over 40 West End productions, worked on shows in Australia and South Africa, and has toured with the renowned London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has had creative responsibility for more than 2,000 corporate events, product launches and live events. Ever the multi-talent, he produced his first film, If you ever get to heaven, in 2009, which is currently being submitted to film festivals worldwide.

The ideas for his various projects have in many cases been experienced by the artist himself during his travels, including an 18-month journey through Europe and Asia by van with his wife and four children. In 2008, he settled with his family in France, where he founded a film and media agency to continue capitalizing on his many talents and ideas.

John Stillwell

John Stillwell began his professional career in London’s West End assisting on productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express as well as for the English National Opera.

He subsequently turned his attention to company presentations – for Porsche, Fiat and SAP, among others. Here his extensive technical know-how and creative theatre insights formed the perfect symbiosis. Later John Stillwell moved with his family to the south of France, where he designed sensational sets for a whole range of fashion shows, concerts and musicals.

Over the last decade, John Stillwell’s work has not only been admired in most European capitals but also in New York, Sydney and Beijing.

Daniel Behrens

Daniel Behrens’ career is like a piece of music played at breakneck speed. At the age of just 25, the Münster-born Behrens assumed responsibility for the musical direction of Jekyll and Hyde at the Musicaldome Köln. Commissions as the conductor for Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Aida and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as well as for Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, Oliver! and Hair followed. The versatile musician has also worked as an arranger and keyboard player for various TV shows (RTL, Sat.1, NDR and Viva) and for artistes such as Lucy Diakovska (No Angels) and Götz Alsmann. He appeared as musical director of the productions Dracula at the Graz Festival of Music and Spamalot in the Musicaldome Köln, was at the musical helm for the German tour of Elisabeth, also taking the production to Theater 11 in Zurich and the Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen.

Since the 2010/2011 season, Daniel Behrens has been Musical Director at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin. In 2012, he was the conductor for Kiss me Kate at the Komische Oper. He was able to demonstrate his talents as a composer in cinematic productions such as Männer zum Knutschen for which he also wrote the score. After embellishing the winter show berlin ILLUMINATED with some captivating numbers of his own, his versatile, often extremely poetic compositions are now also pleasing the audiences of SHOW ME.

Frank Kretschmer

Frank Kretschmer had his first piano lesson at the tender age of just six. From the age of seven, he received extensive classical training while attending the boarding school for the world-famous Dresdner Kapellknaben – the boys choir of Dresden Cathedral. He was also given the opportunity to perfect his piano skills here.

In 1994, he founded the Musik-Fabrik, which was later renamed Musicago, together with his partner, Tommy Remm. In his sound studio at the heart of Berlin, he now works as a producer and songwriter for artists such as Jeanette Biedermann, Joanna Zimmer, Marc Terenzie, Frank Zander and Nina Hagen, Texas Lightning, Eisblume and Ella Endlich. Since 2003, he has also been a member of the Valicon producer forum, which has rapidly developed into one of the most successful production teams in the German-speaking region.

Anja Krabbe

Born and raised in Berlin, Anja Krabbe combines all the contrasts of her native country in a gentle and energetic personality. She does what she wants – and what she wants is unusually diverse: she initially worked as a singer, bassist and guitarist on the Berlin club scene, after which she toured the world with several big bands, and studied popular music and singing at the Academy of Music Hanns Eisler in Berlin. She also supported Udo Lindenberg and the Babelsberg Film Orchestra as a guest on the Belcanto tours, before beginning her own solo project in 1998.

Anja Krabbe has released several solo, band and project albums, and cooperated as a writer on CD and live productions for children. Multi-talented Anja has also written film score for Im Juli (directed by Fatih Akin) and Emilia – Der Film, songs and lyrics for various German pop artists such as Marlon and Luxuslärm. As a studio singer, she has lent her expressive voice to numerous productions and adverts.

Above all though, Anja Krabbe’s passion remains the stage. Hence it has been possible to experience performances with her own projects as well as cooperative projects with well-known bands and artists such as Herbert Grönemeyer, Udo Lindenberg, Silly, Barbara Schöneberger and David Bennent on countless club, theatre and festival stages all across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. At the Friedrichstadt-Palast, Anja Krabbe enthralled audiences as a soloist in the hit show Yma. She additionally showcased her talents as a composer and lyricist in the winter show berlin ILLUMINATED.

Martin Wingerath

Martin Wingerath was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, in 1973. He had his first piano lesson at the tender age of five, and was regularly accompanying the local church services as an organist by the time he was 14. Upon completing his degree in Audio Engineering, he began work as a freelancer in the film and TV industry (ZDF, SWR). In 2002, Wingerath founded the music production company MusicalNet as well as the sound studio MusicalNet Studio Berlin together with Koen Schoots. The pair released a number of successful CDs featuring musical stars such as Thomas Borchert, Yngve Gasoy Romdal and Pia Douwes, which climbed high up the German musical charts, remaining there for several weeks.

In addition to show productions for TUI Cruises GmbH, Martin Wingerath mixed the soundtrack for the film Have a Nice Day, Marie produced by Filmförderung MFG Baden-Württemberg. In 2008, he opened his own sound studio in Pankow district of Berlin. Martin Wingerath has been working as a freelance composer, music producer and arranger for the Friedrichstadt-Palast ever since. Among his projects count composition and arrangements for the shows Winter Dreams, berlin ILLUMINATED and Yma.

Anja Krabbe

Born and raised in Berlin, Anja Krabbe combines all the contrasts of her native country in a gentle and energetic personality. She does what she wants – and what she wants is unusually diverse: she initially worked as a singer, bassist and guitarist on the Berlin club scene, after which she toured the world with several big bands, and studied popular music and singing at the Academy of Music Hanns Eisler in Berlin. She also supported Udo Lindenberg and the Babelsberg Film Orchestra as a guest on the Belcanto tours, before beginning her own solo project in 1998.

Anja Krabbe has released several solo, band and project albums, and cooperated as a writer on CD and live productions for children. Multi-talented Anja has also written film score for Im Juli (directed by Fatih Akin) and Emilia – Der Film, songs and lyrics for various German pop artists such as Marlon and Luxuslärm. As a studio singer, she has lent her expressive voice to numerous productions and adverts.

Above all though, Anja Krabbe’s passion remains the stage. Hence it has been possible to experience performances with her own projects as well as cooperative projects with well-known bands and artists such as Herbert Grönemeyer, Udo Lindenberg, Silly, Barbara Schöneberger and David Bennent on countless club, theatre and festival stages all across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. At the Friedrichstadt-Palast, Anja Krabbe enthralled audiences as a soloist in the hit show Yma. She additionally showcased her talents as a composer and lyricist in the winter show berlin ILLUMINATED.

Kevin Schroeder

Not only does Kevin Schroeder compose musicals, he also writes songs and translates. Among others, he has penned the German version of Frank Wildhorn’s ‘Count of Monte Cristo’, which celebrated its world premiere in the Theater St. Gallen where it enjoyed three seasons. Kevin Schroeder has worked for Stage Entertainment’s creative department as a playwright and editor, and supervised successful productions such as ‘Wicked’ and ‘Der Schuh des Manitu’.

Among his own compositions count ‘RE-PLAY’ and ‘Helden von Morgen’ (‘The Heroes of Tomorrow’) in Hamburg as well as ‘Schneewittchen’ (‘Snow White’) and ‘Ali Baba’ in Hanau, which are some of the most successful pieces in the 30-year history of the Brüder Grimm Festival.

Kevin Schroeder is currently working for the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien on the German song lyrics for ‘Naturally Blonde’. He is also the founder of “schreib:maschine”, a forum for the advancement of new musical composers in Berlin.

For SHOW ME at the Friedrichstadt-Palast, Schroeder authored the moving lyrics for ‘Bis das Glas zerbricht’ (‘Until the glass breaks’).

Jens Becker

The apparent elimination of gravitational force by strength and dynamism is the speciality of Jens Becker. Contrary to what is to be expected from someone born in northern Germany, his favourite element is not water but air. He went to Berlin for his training in air acrobatics and graduated in 1995 from the State Ballet School and the School for Acrobatic Arts. There he also met his professional partner Kiki Beittel, with whom he successfully appeared as a duo in ‘Catch Me’.

Jens Becker travelled far to improve his own technique. Consequently he went to the USA to gain experience on the flying trapeze at the San Francisco School of Circus Art. Jens Becker impressed in air acrobatics with the aerial cradle, trapeze and cloth. He even had viewers under his spell without using equipment thanks to spectacular wall dancing and bungee techniques.

In 2012 Jens Becker after 25 years came back to the State Ballet School and the School for Acrobatic Arts,
this time as an Acrobatic Arts teacher. In addition Jens Becker runs the artists agency ‘die anderen’ with
Kiki Beittel.

For SHOW ME Jens Becker choreographed a breath-taking bungee number with Kiki Beittel.

Kiki Beittel

The path of Kiki Beittel, hailing from Pittsburg in the US, led her to Berlin, where she studied at the State Ballet School and the School for Acrobatic Arts. She not only received an excellent education there, but also met her professional partner Jens Becker.

The duo, aptly named ‘Catch Me’, impresses audiences with intricate numbers on the trapeze and acrobatics on the cloth or on the vertical rope. Kiki Beittel at times seems to negate the laws of gravity when dancing on a wall, or takes her audience’s breath away in a daring bungee act.

But Kiki Beittel’s versatility is not limited to acrobatics. She has a teaching diploma from the Pestalozzi-Fröbel-Haus in Berlin, and is also a trained Event Manager. With partner Jens Becker, she furthermore manages the artists’ agency ‘die anderen’.

The two have developed and choreographed a fascinating bungee act specifically for SHOW ME.

Natricia Bernard

Natricia Bernard’s appeared in her first TV spot at the age of five. From then on, nothing could stand in the way of her career in the spotlight. She began studying at the Richie Hayes Stage School in London at an early age, where she learned dance, drama and singing, while supporting herself as a successful model.

After graduation, Natricia Bernard went on for a further three years of dance studies at the renowned London Studio Centre, before starting out into the world. As a dancer, she worked with popular artists like Lionel Richie, Faith Hill and Nas around the world. She also soon began making a name for herself as a choreographer. She developed choreographies for such stars as Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Gossip, and Florence and the machine. Her unique mix of various dance styles and techniques has made her one of the most sought-after creative directors and choreographers in the world. In 2009, Natricia Bernard was awarded the ‘Companionship’ by Paul McCartney and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts of which he was a co-founder. She received the award, comparable to an honorable doctorate, in recognition of her contributions to entertainment and art.

For the Friedrichstadt-Palast ballet ensemble, Natricia Bernard provided the choreography for Yma – The Christmas Edition and for berlin ERLEUCHTET. The latest production SHOW ME will of course also bear her very own stamp in terms of original choreography.

Jonathan Buckels

Jonathan Buckels is working as choreographer, freelance artist and project manager in Berlin and in Perth, Australia. He received his dance education at the Victorian College of the Arts and the Diana Waldron Ballet Academy in his native Australia.

His previous work experience includes, inter alia, dance and choreography for STRUT dance, Buzz Dance Theatre and the Perth City Ballet. Before long, however, Jonathan Buckels made his way to Germany. Here he danced with the Oldenburg State Theatre, the Dance Theatre Hagen and with the Mark Sieczkarek Company.

In addition to dance, Jonathan Buckels developed impressive skills as an aerialist. In conjunction with the troupe battleROYAL, he has since impressed audiences with his considerable abilities at numerous live events, including the Ferrari World Grand Opening in Abu Dhabi. He worked as a director’s assistant at the official opening ceremony of the FIS Alpine SKI World Cup in Garmisch-Patenkirchen.

The Berliner-by-choice Jonathan Buckels will be showcasing his aerobatic choreographies at SHOW ME.

Maik Damboldt

Maik Damboldt discovered his passion for dance at a very early age. At the age of ten the boy from Weimar went to the renowned PaluccaSchool in Dresden and completed a classical ballet education. He also extended his repertoire with courses in Modern Dance and Jazz Dance. With success as it turned out: In 1982 he was signed by the German Television ballet company in East Berlin and was soon dancing there as a soloist.

As a result he was able to shine on the Saturday evening shows on GDR television alongside Dagmar Frederic, Helga Hahnemann and Karel Gott. From 1992 he also appeared in the television shows of ARD, MDR and ZDF and danced as a soloist in shows such as ‘Festen der Volksmusik’, ‘Melodien für Millionen’ and the ‘Jose Carreras Gala’.

After his active dancing career he was signed by the Friedrichstadt-Palast as a choreograph and in 2003 was appointed as the new ballet master. He has already successfully choreographed for countless shows at Friedrichstraße 107, including Glanzlichter, Qi, WinterTräume, berlin ERLEUCHTET and the sensational girl dance of Yma. Maik Damboldt was also present as a choreograph on SHOW ME.

Nadia Espiritu

Hip hop, soul dance, punkin’, wackin, electric boogaloo, lockin’, poppin’ or house – name any fast moving dance and Nadia Espiritu has mastered it to a level that is virtually unmatched in Germany. Her passion for the widest possible array of urban dance styles was aroused by a long stay in the US just under 20 years ago. It was there that Nadia Espiritu had her first contact with hip-hop culture, which kindled a great enthusiasm for hip-hop dance.

And this enthusiasm has continued to the present day. That’s why, alongside her successful career as a dancer, Nadia Espiritu has also made a real name for herself as a choreographer and teacher. And because helping young people is very close to her heart, since 2003 she has been teaching at Tanzhaus NRW. Alongside this permanent teaching job, Nadia Espiritu has also conducted numerous workshops and been a jury member for competitions in Germany, the Netherlands and the Philippines. At the Funkin Stylez Worldteam Battle 2006, Nadia Espiritu, who has made Berlin her home, came first in her own right; she was also responsible for the dramaturgy of the hugely successful Red Bull Flying Bach.

This phenomenal success as a dancer, choreographer and teacher is all the more impressive once you realise that Nadia Espiritu never had the benefit of classical dance training and that her impressive moves are all completely self-taught. As she explains, when you’re a dancer it’s vitally important to revive your passion for your art every single day.

For SHOW ME, Nadia Espiritu used her choreographic skills as a vehicle to transfer this passion to the unique ballet ensemble of the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin.

Alexandra Georgieva

Alexandra Georgieva began her dance career at the age of six in her hometown of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. At the age of nine, she joined the National Ballet and Choreography School in Sofia, where she completed her professional dance training in 1985. She was taught by the world’s best dance teachers such as Maris Liepa, Fea Balabina and Kalina Bogoeva.

In 1985, she completed her residence at the National Opera in Sofia and started working at the National Musical Theatre, Sofia. She joined Friedrichstadt-Palast as a dancer in 1990 and danced solo for the first time after only six months.

She was on stage for 23 years, including 18 years at the largest theatre stage in the world. In spring 2008 she ended her dance career, but remained loyal to the Friedrichstadt-Palast and the dance world. Since the summer of 2008, Alexandra Georgieva has been the ballet director of the incomparable ballet ensemble at Friedrichstraße 107. She has also choreographed the winter shows WinterTräume and berlin ERLEUCHTET, the hit show Yma and now, SHOW ME.

Ronald Savkovic

Born in Croatia, Ronald Savkovic began his career as a professional dancer by studying at the Ballet School of the Croatian National Theatre. After his school education he joined the Hungarian Dance Academy in Budapest, which he graduated from with distinction. in 1992 he signed up with the National Theatre of Slovenia in Maribor, appearing on stage as a solo dancer there until 1997. In the same year he moved to the Croatian National Theatre before leaving his native country in 1998 to take up a position as solo dancer in the world-renowned Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin. In his successful dancing career he performed across the world with artists such as Polina Semionova and Vladimir Malakhov.

Since 2008 Roland Savkovic has been working as a freelance dancer and choreographer. In this capacity he has choreographed pieces such as Guillotine and Symphony of Sorrowful Songs for the Staatsballett Berlin, Gotterdämmerung for the Teatro Español in Madrid and Romeo und Juliet for the National Theatre of Sarajevo.

For the Friedrichstadt-Palast Ronald Savkovic has choreographed the sensational pas-de-deux for men in Qi and for the hit show Yma. His fascinating choreography is also on show for the whole world to admire in the new production SHOW ME.

Nikeata Thompson

“Jamaican heart, British style, German education” – this is how dancer and choreographer Nikeata Thompson likes to describe herself. An apt description of this multi-talented whirlwind of energy. Born in Birmingham, the half-Jamaican came to Germany at the age of six and was a passionate and successful athlete until the age of 19.

In 2001, her unusual dynamics of movement and feeling for rhythm led to her appointment as a backing dancer for an American rapper. Her excursion into this hitherto unknown sector enchanted Nikeata Thompson. She then began a more intense involvement with dance. This led to a range of diverse engagements. In 2003, well-known Berlin band SEEED made her and her crew a permanent fixture of their stage performance on tour. This was a close collaboration which lasted for five successful years. At the same time, Nikeata Thompson’s numerous video shoots, stage coaching engagements and live performances generated intense interest amongst artists such as Jan Delay, Peter Fox, Udo Lindenberg, Madcon, Cassandra Steen, Beatsteaks, Frida Gold and Lena Meyer-Landrut. She choreographed the latter’s performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011.

In 2011 Nikeata Thompson established her own agency for dance. As an established and sought-after choreographer and coach, her creativity and professionalism are greatly appreciated wherever she works – and the Friedrichstadt-Palast is no exception. Her energetic and dynamic style is showcased in five fascinating pieces of choreography for SHOW ME.

Aliaksei Uvarau

Dancer and choreographer Aliaksei Uvarau, within a very short time, has become not just an impressive and widely-travelled artist but also one in demand. He was born in Minsk, Belarus, in 1978 and there began his training as a choreographer and dance teacher at the age of 17. Subsequently he gained experience in studios in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo. Following that he worked for three years for the “Star Cruises” cruise ship as a dancer and Creative Director and as a choreographer for the “Aida” club ship.

Between 1998 and 2006 Aliaksei Uvarau, also known as Aleks Uvarov, in addition taught and choreographed worldwide for countless ensembles such as, for example, ‘CCRhytms Oregon’ (USA), ‘Seoul Tap Dance Compagnie’ (South Korea), ‘RWDS & Studio AX’ in Osaka (Japan) and the ‘Pozdance Theater’ in Seoul (South Korea).

Aliaksei Uvarau has been a member of the ballet ensemble at the Friedrichstadt-Palast since 2005 and has also choreographed there for the children’s shows Die Schneekönigin and Träume brauchen Anlauf, für the Gala ’25 years of the New Friedrichstadt-Palast’, for the Christmas shows WinterTräume and berlin ERLEUCHTET as well as for the mega hit Yma. Aliaksei Uvarau also uses his energy-laden, thrilling choreographies in the new production SHOW ME.

Elizabeth Williams

Hailing from the United States, Elizabeth Williams studied dance at the State University of New York Conservatory of Dance. In addition to classical dance, she also studied modern dance, choreography, music, singing and theater.
In New York, she danced under leading choreographers like, David Grenke and Howard Katz. In 2003, she also began working as an aerialist, an area in which she soon gained a strong reputation. She has performed on stage in Germany in a number of shows, including the musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Williams continues to work as a trainer and performer for a number of companies, including Berlin-based battleROYAL. For the SHOW ME ensemble, she choreographed the beautiful aerial acrobatics performed high above the imposing stage.

Marcus Krömer

Marcus Krömer was raised in Hamburg and began his career as a lighting technician in 1995 as part of the German production of Les Miserables in Duisburg. From 1997 onwards, he was involved in the programming of numerous projects, including Disney‘s Beauty and the Beast in Stuttgart, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Dance of the Vampires in Berlin, Cats in Stuttgart and Berlin, Sweeney Todd in Mannheim, 42nd Street in Stuttgart, Spamalot in Cologne, Mary Poppins in Holland and Australia, followed by various productions of Mamma Mia! across Europe.

He was in charge of the programming for the light shows at the European opening of the Blue Man Group in Berlin, Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung at the Mannheim Opera, Lulu and The Magic Flute at the Athens Concert Hall, as well as Robert Wilson’s The Temptation of St. Anthony. Marcus Krömer contributed his professional expertise to numerous TV productions, shows, and events such as the Eurovision Song Contest in Athens in 2006 and in Helsinki in 2007, and created lighting designs for high-profile events in Germany.

Among his most recent projects as lighting designer and programmer were the production of Cabaret in Bozen, Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet world tour, Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball world tour, and Rihanna’s concerts in London and Abu Dhabi, as well as her current world tour Last Girl on Earth.

Marcus Krömer has had previous experience in his role as lighting designer at the Friedrichstadt-Palast, where he was responsible for the projects berlin ERLEUCHTET and Yma. For SHOW ME, Marcus Krömer once again shines with his innovative lighting work.

Andreas Stübler

A Berlin native, Andreas Stübler started his career as a lighting technician on television and soon became a light operator on shows like Ein Kessel Buntes and the youth company’s show Rund. After joining the Friedrichstadt-Palast in 1983, he worked as programmer for various shows while completing his Master’s degree in lighting, after which he was lighting designer for many events in the Friedrichstadt-Palast. Today, Andreas Stüblers’ lighting design skills are in demand even beyond Friedrichstraße, and he performs services for a number of corporate clients such as Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

At the Friedrichstadt-Palast, Andreas Stübler’s work has included the lighting design for Jingle Bells, Hexen and Glanzlichter. He was also responsible for the design and programming of the LED walls for the hit show Qi. Other shows to his credit include the young ensemble’s Träume brauchen Anlauf and the revival of Die Schneekönigin. Now, he will be bringing his signature lighting touch to SHOW ME.

Marcus Bossdorf

Marcus Bossdorf studied Social and Business Communications specialising in Audiovisual Design and Media Planning at the Technical University (TU) in Berlin.

He already began working as a light designer during this time – at over 500 concerts of rock band ‘Blind Passengers’. Marcus Bossdorf was responsible for the light design at the concerts of artists of the likes of Chris de Burgh, Seal, Ronan Keating and Sugababes, among many others. Moreover, he designed the light show for Samsung’s presence at the IFA 2003 as well as for the ARD’s 2004 Olympic gala in Athens. He also ensured the perfect lighting for the European tour of Stage Entertainment with the highlights from their musicals. Since 2009, he has additionally showcased his expertise during the Swiss Art on Ice gala.

Marcus Bossdorf was responsible for the video content for Yma – Too beautiful to be true as well as for berlin ILLUMINATED – The heart-warming Christmas show.

Besides contributing his expertise to these two shows, Marcus Bossdorf was involved in the young ensemble’s show, Dreams need a chance – A journey through Berlin as well as The Snow Queen revival at the Friedrichstadt-Palast. SHOW ME will also showcase some of his innovative video content.

Cedric Beatty

Cedric Beatty was born in Great Britain. Upon completing his degree in English Literature, he was drawn to music. After several projects in his home country, he went on tour to Germany with Lou Reed.

In Munich he worked in various studios for La Bionda and Donna Summer, among others. Up until the late 1990s, he was responsible for the WDR show ‘Rockpalast’ with Dierks Recording Mobile, which featured countless international artists such as Keith Richards and BB King. He also recorded concerts with the Bee Gees, Joe Cocker, Bryan Adams, Paul Simon and Herbert Grönemeyer; Cedric Beatty was responsible for recording of the Rolling Stones’ Imax Movie Soundtracks ‘Live at the Max’ and ‘Flashpoint’ in the early 1990s.

Since withdrawing from studio business 15 years ago, he has pursued a successful career in musical and theatre production, working on the musicals Grease, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats and Chicago, among others. He was also the Sound Designer for Elisabeth, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Saturday Night Fever, Miami Nights, Das Mädchen Rosemarie and Jekyll & Hyde. Among his greatest successes count a Grammy nomination for the ‘World Tour’ live album of jazz pianist, Joe Zawinul.

Visitors to the Friedrichstadt-Palast have already been able to experience Cedric Beatty’s sound design in the Christmas show berlin ILLUMINATED. He will once again captivate audiences with his unmistakeable sound design in the new production, SHOW ME.

Jens Brück

Jens Brück already laid the foundation stone for his musical career with classical piano lessons at the tender age of seven. He later learned to play the acoustic guitar, electric guitar and electronic keyboard.

In 2005, he began his studies at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim where he was able develop his musical talents under the auspices of renowned lecturers and artists of the likes of Mathias Leber, Florian Sitzmann, Michael Koschorrek, Frank Itt, Smudo, Xavier Naidoo and Heinz-Rudolf Kunze.

He has already performed in rock bands, big bands and various orchestras as a guitarist, keyboard player and trombonist. Jens Brück has also worked across Europe as a solo artist and arranger in addition to as the keyboard player for the Justin Nova Band with whom he has released a DVD and album. Studio sessions with producer and drummer Tommy Baldu and guitarist Stephan Zobeley followed. In 2009 and 2010, he was the keyboard player and technical support for keyboard equipment on the tour production of the musical Elisabeth – The true story of Sisi.

His degree in ICT begun in 2000 and his interest in technology and electronics make him an expert in the technical side of modern music and music production. Since 2010, Jens Brück has worked as a keyboard player, arranger, producer and sound designer at the Friedrichstadt-Palast. He is also responsible for programming and maintenance of the keyboards and computers for the shows.

Frank Buohler

Frank Buohler was already able to earn himself a reputation as a talented pianist in his youth, winning countless awards in the ‘Jugend musiziert’ and ‘Jugend jazzt’ music contests. He went on to study Music at the Musikhochschule Köln and has worked freelance as a keyboard player, pianist, organist, percussionist, vocalist, composer and arranger since 1991.

His career has taken him to countless stages and continents with international stars of the likes of Joe Cocker, Phil Collins, Ronan Keating and Zucchero. He has additionally accompanied German greats such as Nina Hagen, Udo Jürgens and Hape Kerkeling as a pianist and keyboard player. Frank Buohler has been the Musical Director of Matthias Reim since 2000 and of Germany’s most successful singer, Andrea Berg, since 2008.

He was rapidly able to make a name for himself as a composer and arranger. Indeed, Frank Buohler has not only worked for countless artists but also for a whole host of television shows on RTL, Pro7, Sat.1, ARD and ZDF. Furthermore, he has contributed to compositions and arrangements for Volkswagen and Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Siemens product presentations.

As an arranger, Frank Buohler not only helped create the music for the hit show Yma – Too beautiful to be true and Christmas production berlin ILLUMINATED – The heart-warming Christmas show. He will also showcase his expertise in the sophisticated new production, SHOW ME.

Peter Lambert

Peter Lambert already took piano lessons as a child and, as a youth, additionally learned the bassoon and saxophone. During this time, he also began arranging and transcribing music for the jazz and rock bands in which he played. He later studied orchestra music and subsequently spent several years working as a bassoonist at the city theatre in Gera.

After being hired as the keyboard player and conductor for the musical Tommy, he decided to devote himself entirely to musicals. He has since been involved in countless renowned productions including Cats, Dance of the Vampires and The Lion King. He has also performed with the Friedrichstadt-Palast show band.

In parallel to this, Peter Lambert prepares the score and arrangements for big bands, symphony and musical orchestras for productions such as the Phantom of the Opera Gala in Berlin and The Little Mermaid in the Netherlands.

In SHOW ME, Peter Lambert will work at the Friedrichstadt-Palast as an arranger for the first time.

Friedemann Matzeit

Upon completing his training as an industrial mechanic, Friedemann Matzeit studied jazz saxophone in Berlin and film composition in Potsdam-Babelsberg. In addition to countless performances as a saxophonist with concerts in Mexico, South Korea and many other European countries, he was also involved in the release of a great many CDs. Since 2007, he has also worked as musical director and arranger for Danish singer Gitte Haenning. He is the composer and producer of the music for German film Sonja and Chinese children’s film Dream Team, as well as for countless television productions including ZDF’s Terra X.

As an arranger, Friedemann Matzeit has composed for the orchestra of the Komische Oper Berlin, the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg, Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin and Paul van Dyk, among many others. He remains an active writer and producer to this very day, and has composed a number of pop songs and music for the theatre and television together with his brother, Hagen Matzeit.

Friedemann Matzeit was involved in the berlin ILLUMINATED – The heart-warming Christmas show production as a composer. He also impressed with his arrangements for Yma – Too beautiful to be true, and the latest production, SHOW ME, is also set to benefit from Friedemann Matzeit’s arrangement talents.