10 performances in the Netherlands that you must see
Boom: suddenly there was that three-week lockdown. Thank goodness the theaters can stay open this time, and that's for the better, otherwise we would be incredibly bored again by now. Because let's be honest: binge-watching on the couch makes us a bit weary of life, doesn't it? Luckily, there's plenty to do during this lockdown and especially plenty to see. Many new performances have been created this year, and there are also many fun ones planned for 2022. And what could be better than forgetting all the corona misery in a different environment? That feeling is really not something that terrible Christmas movie on Netflix will give you. That's why it's high time for a list of performances in the Netherlands. So take off those workout leggings, dress nicely, and go enjoy.
1. Snowponies
Last week I had the pleasure of admiring Alex Klaasen's new Christmas show, called Snowponies. This Christmas show is the remedy to get through the dark winter days. From funny and recognizable sketches to musical highlights: everything in a Christmas atmosphere. His show features various contemporary themes (including corona, yes) that are hilariously addressed, and I found myself laughing out loud. Highly recommended.
2. Tina
The life story of Tina Turner: from a little girl from Tennessee to her transformation into the Queen of Rock ’n Roll. This is the first musical about her life, produced in collaboration with Tina herself. That sounds promising. I haven't been yet, but this is high on my list. Already looking forward to hearing her big hits.
3. Amélie the musical
This musical is based on the French film Amélie. The story is about Amélie Poulain, who has hidden herself from the outside world her entire life. She lives in her own fantasy world and leads a quiet life as a waitress in Paris. But when she falls in love, Amélie can no longer hide for the first time in her life. So prepare for a lot of romance. And if you don't know the film? That's just even more fun.
4. Aladdin
The world-famous story from One Thousand and One Nights. As a child, I watched this Disney movie hundreds of times, so I'm really looking forward to this. I've seen some images and spotted beautiful costumes and lovely sets, exactly what you expect from Disney. This is undoubtedly going to be a spectacle.
5. Boys & Girls
This one-woman show is presented by actress Hadewych Minis. The story is about an unexpected encounter at an airport that leads to an intense and passionate love affair. They build a happy life together that seems fantastic, but gradually unrest sets in. Sounds quite exciting, right? I found Hadewych's previous performance fantastic, so I'm definitely going to this one.
6. Diana & Sons
Since I've seen The Crown, I've been completely into the British royal family (just like all of you). What an interesting story this is. I just can't get enough of this family and immediately click on the news pop-ups that appear on my phone almost daily about them. This musical switches back and forth between the stormy love story of Diana and Charles and the romance between Harry and Meghan that is followed everywhere on social media. Another performance to add to my to-do list.
7. Rundfunk
This hilarious duo is going to put on a new show, and I'm very happy about that. During the previous performance, I was just laughing the whole time. These guys are incredibly funny, and their humor is delightfully edgy: I love it.
8. Mamma Medea
The renewed version of the Greek tragedy Medea, which we all probably know or at least have heard of. The play is about princess Medea who betrays her family and leaves her homeland for love. If you don't know the story yet, it's definitely worth getting to know through this modern (and less dusty) version.
9. Igone
For dance lovers (myself included), I have good news: ballerina Igone de Jongh is going to the theater, and during her performance, she will dance various choreographies from her extensive repertoire. Sometimes she is alone on stage, sometimes with a partner, all accompanied by live music. Through dance, she will tell her own life story: from dining with a leaf of lettuce to broken feet. In short: a realistic story with beautiful and dark sides.
10. De Speld theater
If there is one ‘newspaper’ that always makes me laugh, it's De Speld. That's why I can't wait for this first theater show. For those who have never heard of it: De Speld is a satirical news platform that has been reporting on what's happening in the world for fifteen years, doing so in a rather sarcastic but hilarious way. I expect a lot of satirical scenes and endless dilemmas, and most likely: news flashes.
