Sandy Mölling inspires as the new Pope in the Fulda Castle Theater!

Sandy Mölling inspires as the new Pope in the Fulda Castle Theater!

In Fulda, the stage becomes the setting for a story that has played its way into people's hearts across generations. On May 13, 2025, the eagerly awaited musical “The Pope” celebrated its premiere in the Palace Theater. The show was already sold out in advance and ensured a lavish champagne reception where the atmosphere was great. Sandy Mölling, known from the pop band No Angels, plays the lead role of Johanna, and she describes this role as her “absolute favorite role”.

“The Pope” is based on the captivating life story of Johanna, a woman who fights against the social norms of her time and ultimately becomes the most powerful figure in the Christian world. Mölling, who has been appearing in various musicals since 2010, brings a breath of fresh air into the production directed by Gil Mehmert with her performance. Her path leads from her birthplace in 814 to a monastery in Fulda and on to the court of Rome.

A piece with depth and history

The plot is based on the historical novel by Donna Woolfolk Cross, which tells the legend of Pope Joan. Although there is no historical evidence for such an extraordinary figure, the novel, which was also made into a film in 2009, has attracted millions of readers worldwide. More than 500,000 people have already seen the musical and it continues to be performed with enthusiasm.

The role of Margrave Gerold, Johanna's great love, is played by Dennis Henschel, while Christian Schöne takes the stage as Anastasius, a power-obsessed adversary. New to the ensemble are Ethan Freeman as Rabanus and Yngve Gasoy-Romdal in a dual role as Arsenius and Fulgentius. The production not only shows the struggles of a thousand-year-old tradition, but also the challenges that women in the church have to face.

Outlook on the future of musicals

The performances of “The Pope” will run until July 20, 2025, before the second piece of the Fulda musical summer, “Robin Hood”, starts in August. For Sandy Mölling, however, there are a few dates on which she will not be on stage: She will not be in Fulda on June 20th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and July 6th, 12th, 18th and 19th. City priest Stefan Buß was enthusiastic about the production and the important role it ascribes to women in the church, and hopes that many spectators will experience the performance.

The magic of the musical continues to work and has been attracting audiences for years. Anyone who has not yet experienced the story of Joan, who fought for her education and independence and ultimately became pope, should definitely not miss the opportunity. The anticipation is high and hearts beat faster when the story returns to the stage.

For further information, background information and ticket details, those interested can visit the pages of Fuldaer Zeitung, Osthessen News and Musical mit Hotel to find out more and maybe even enter the magical world of the musical “Die Popess”.