The storms over Lake Neusiedl were so severe that the ORF had to stop the show for safety reasons. While the guests fled into the dry, the recording of the dress rehearsal continued on ORF for the TV audience.
Less than half an hour later, the thunderstorm had passed and the spectators were able to return to the Mörbischer Seebühne – the live spectacle continued.
By the way, Alfon Haider, who moderated his last Star Night on Saturday evening, gave us a detailed interview before the final performance:
With what feelings do you go into your last “star night” as a presenter tonight?
ALFONS HAIDER: Being on a hit show for 15 years is a quarter of my life. Leaving this family is not easy and this evening will be one of strong feelings for me. But one door closes – and two others open.
Do you know your successor Hans Sigl personally? What advice do you give him along the way?
I got to know him once while filming. He’s an excellent actor and I can only give him one tip: he should enjoy the job, he’s one of the most beautiful.
In autumn, a new musical format will start on ORF with you as the host, which will in future run four times a year on Saturdays. What can you reveal?
A focus is planned on the 30th anniversary of the most successful Austrian musical “Elisabeth” with the most important people who made this success possible. Then the program should also offer an overview of the currently most worth seeing musical productions in German-speaking countries and also give the next generation a chance to show their talent. Gladly in a duet with stars of the genre.
Your vision as general music director of Burgenland with the Mörbisch Lake Festival? When will it push you onto the stage yourself?
Every evening when greeting the audience (smiles). Until I can be seen as an actor, a lot of water will flow into the lake.
How can you win a new, young audience for the musical? Or is it there anyway?
In the cultural sector you always have to fight for young audiences. It doesn’t matter what genre it is. Getting people interested in music, theatre, dance and art in general has to start in childhood. If you were able to experience good children’s theater as an eight-year-old, it is easier to lure you into a musical or a play as a 25-year-old. And musicals are often ideal as a family program. “The King and I” has always fascinated children in particular.
Do you see managing Mörbisch as the high point and conclusion of your career? How are you as a boss?
I’m handling myself fantastically. Even on bad days! But joking aside: It is an enormous responsibility that I was able to take on for the Lake Festival in Mörbisch and at Tabor Castle. In terms of cultural management, it’s definitely my peak, as an actor I’m still hoping for my third act.
Your best memory of all “star nights”? Do you remember how many you moderated?
It was regarding 32 shows, but that doesn’t matter. The best thing regarding this format is that from Andreas Gabalier to Anastacia, from Gloria Gaynor to Chris de Burgh, from Helene Fischer to Ina Regen, everything has its place and it manages to overcome apparent musical boundaries. For me, Barbara’s “Starnacht” premiere at Wörthersee, where a hurricane first blew away various hair pieces and later even stage elements, was my “all time favorite” moment.
