The Hessen comedy special for the 80th birthday of the federal state:
„The almighty hand cheese“
Fulda. As part of the gala „Best of spotlight musicals“ on Fulda Cathedral Square awaits the public on June 11 and 12, 2026 an exclusive highlight: To celebrate the 80th birthday of the state of Hesse to celebrate, a Forty-minute Hessen highlight in musical format which stages the Hessian story in a humorous and visually stunning way. The play is part of a top-class musical gala lasting around three hours. The regular gala part, consisting of well-known spotlight hits, will last around 110 minutes (plus interval).
The World premiere will be embedded in the greatest successes from spotlight musicals productions on both evenings.
Prominent ensemble and large musical contingent
For the project with the title „The almighty hand cheese“ the Hessian comedy legend Henni Nachtsheim (Badesalz) with Ali Neander from the Rodgau Monotones and our creative team. Together, we developed an entertaining, comedic Hessen highlight in musical format. „When the guys from spotlight explained the concept to me, I agreed straight away. Something like this can only be good,“ says Henni Nachtsheim.
In addition to Nachtsheim, the line-up includes Radio presenter Johannes Scherer, No-Angels-Star Sandy Mölling as well as numerous musical performers on stage. The live band is led by Rodgau Monotones guitarist Ali Neander. The artists are accompanied by the Cologne Symphony Orchestra and a large concert choir.
The impetus for this extraordinary project was provided by State Secretary Benedikt Kuhn, Head of the Hessian State Chancellery. Kuhn says: „Hesse belongs on the big stage. As a state government under the leadership of our Minister President Boris Rhein, we are therefore particularly pleased that Hesse will be the star of a musical with some of its most influential personalities in the anniversary year 2026. The Hesse musical as part of the spotlight gala is sure to be an absolute highlight of the Hesse Day in Fulda. Our state has a rich history and has always stood for incredible diversity. Hessen uniquely combines identity and innovation, Bembel and Bitcoin, Ahle Wurscht and AI - but also, as the Hessen musical will impressively demonstrate, humor and history. We are already looking forward to a musical from Hessen and at the highest level.“
Also Mayor of Fulda Dr. Heiko Wingenfeld looks forward to the event with anticipation:
„We are used to big events in Fulda. But the combination of a short musical world premiere, spotlight gala, Hessentag opening and state anniversary in one evening is really something special. Where should something like this take place if not on the beautiful Domplatz Fulda?“
A Hessian mission to save the world
The play entitled „Der Allmächtige Handkäs“ is set in the year 2126, when humanity is facing an existential threat. Hesse, of all places, has an almost inexhaustible source of energy that supplies the whole world. But the new reactor suddenly loses power.
The last hope is the equally eccentric and ingenious Doc Bembel, embodied by Henni Nachtsheim. Using a newly developed time machine, he travels back in time and gathers an illustrious group of world-famous Hessians. Together they are to rekindle the mysterious energy of the power station and help the „Almighty Handkäs“ regain its former strength.
Producer Peter Scholz explains: „Above all, we want to give the audience a great feeling and entertain them as positively as possible. What sets us in Hesse apart? We always find a solution - and like to think unconventionally. As many of our characters are world-famous Hessians, the many guests from outside the region will also get their money's worth.“
Also Dennis Martin, artistic project manager of spotlight musicals, emphasizes the special nature of the format: „Our gala audience practically gets a world premiere in addition to the gala. This is completely out of the ordinary and is probably unique in this form.“
Top-class creative team
For the Hessen highlight „The almighty hand cheese“ a top-class creative team with extensive experience in musicals and shows. The Direction takes over Christoph Drewitz, who has already staged numerous major musical productions - including for Stage Entertainment - and is known for his dynamic, audience-oriented productions.
The Book comes from Christoph Jilo and Henni Nachtsheim, who together have developed a story that is as humorous as it is fast-paced, combining Hessian wit with musical entertainment. Ali Neander, guitarist with the Rodgau Monotones, is responsible for the music. He is supported by Dennis Martin, artistic director of spotlight musicals and successful musical composer.
The Choreography takes over David Hartland, who is known for his work at the Bad Hersfeld Festival, among other things. For Stage design and costumes is the British designer Adam Nee who lends the piece an independent visual signature. The Video design comes from Annie Bracken from Manchester, which sets additional visual accents with modern projections and atmospherically supports the futuristic plot. The lighting design was created by Norwegian Pia Virolainen with. Elke Quirmbach, who has worked on all spotlight productions to date, is responsible for the make-up.
Dates and tickets
The Gala „Best of spotlight musicals“ takes place on June 11 and 12, 2026, in each case from 20.30 hrs, on the cathedral square in Fulda.
- Thursday, June 11: Preview; remaining tickets still available (from 25 euros)
- Friday, June 12: few remaining ticktes available