Chanelle Wyrsch (21) started her career as a backing singer at the age of 14. Now the pop girl is on stage as Marti in the Grease musical and is breathless.
You come from the world of pop music. What is it like for you to be on a musical stage?
Chanelle Wyrsch: I've never been in a musical before. It's fun to be on stage and I've already learned a lot. Be it dancing, acting or how to behave on stage.
Don't you get bored?
I thought the same thing at the beginning: "The same show, the same music and the same lyrics for a whole year - won't that get boring?" But the music is just fun. And the musical puts you in a good mood. Even if you're sitting in the audience in a bad mood: Everyone was still in good spirits again after the performance. I also try to do something a little different with every show, to emphasize details extremely or less extremely. The others do the same. That makes a big difference and brings variety.
How did you prepare for the rehearsals as a career changer?
I was lucky enough to fly to New York with my friend Alexander Jahnke. There we learned the choreography for two or three songs and were taught how to emphasize sentences. First we performed everything with a script and then without. In the evening in bed, we always had time to memorize what we had learned during the day.
That sounds exhausting. Were there moments when you wanted to give up?
Not giving up. Of course there were moments when I simply needed a break. But I wasn't the only one. At some point you reach your limit. Then you have to sleep on it and try again the next day.
"The role of Marti suits me very well: I like to be the center of attention. "
In the Grease musical, you have the role of Marti.
Exactly. But I alternate with the main role of Sandy. That means in Switzerland - and probably in a few other places too - I'll be taking on the role of Sandy.
Which role suits you better?
Definitely Marti. She reminds me of Marilyn Monroe: she's self-confident. Sandy is a shy convent girl. Alexander always laughs when we rehearse the role of Sandy together. He doesn't buy it.
Can you identify with the values of "Grease"?
I actually think everything about this musical is cool. The clothes from back then are of course very different. Because people didn't have cell phones back then, I also had to occupy myself differently during rehearsals. For example, I looked in my mirror or checked my nails.
What is the biggest difference between then and now?
The topic of "boys and girls" was completely different. You had to get to know each other in person and couldn't just send each other a nice WhatsApp message.
Could you imagine living in those days?
Yes, I think the rock 'n' roll dancing and the clothes are very cool. But I feel comfortable in the time I'm living in.
Do you now use the dance steps you've learned in your private life?
Rather less. The music in the musical is based on rock 'n' roll, so it doesn't really fit in with the music of today. But I will certainly keep the dance steps in mind.
Do you have a favorite moment in the Grease musical?
I like to play the "Bedroom Scene". Marti has her big solo there and I get to sing my own song. It's not a very demanding song, but it's a Marti moment.
You've already played a few shows now. Are you still nervous?
Not at all with the role of Marti. I've got over that. I'm always a bit nervous with Sandy. But as soon as you're in the scene and you've said the first sentence, everything is forgotten. Then I just think: "What's my next line?" and play it.
How do you relax after the show?
As I usually don't have time to eat before the show, I go out to eat straight afterwards. Sometimes we all have a drink together in the hotel bar. Otherwise I relax in my room.
What does a normal day look like?
I don't sleep in late. We usually all go out for breakfast together. I practiced a bit before the first few shows, but now everything is much easier. I can go into town, have a coffee or just laze around in my hotel room.
Do you like going out?
I used to go out a lot. Now, on tour, we go to bars with real dance music. With the whole Grease group, a bar like that fills up quickly.
