Sandra Leitner: She is the new Monika at “Ku’damm 56”

interview

Sandra Leitner
She is the new Monika

She is only 1.60 cm short, but the footsteps she follows are big. At least symbolically. Sandra Leitner, 25, plays the role in the new musical “Ku’damm 56” that made Sonja Gerhardt, 32, famous five years ago in the TV original: Monika Schöllack, a daughter of the dance school, and her transformation from a brave wallflower to a self-determined boy Mrs. When GALA meets the actress shortly before the premiere, it quickly becomes clear: Sandra Leitner is perfect for this role.

Sandra Leitner in the GALA interview: “Women still have to fight for their rights far too often”

Gala: What do you have in common with Monika?
Sandra Leitner: Monika is a woman like all of us here. But: She lives in a completely wrong time. She made such bold decisions in the 1950s. Back then it was a huge thing that she raised her child on her own, for example. Her story is not that far removed from the challenges women still face in 2021.

What do you mean by that?
The social problems have hardly changed. Too often women still have to fight and assert themselves for their rights and self-determination. The role of Monika actually comes closest to me of all the roles I’ve played so far.

“Ku’damm 56” was a TV hit. What is the secret of success?
I think it is the strong women who are emancipated and stubborn in their lives. It’s about self-discovery, self-love and rebellion.

From that moment Sandra knew: “I want to do that too!”

Although you are only 25 years old, you can already look back on a successful musical career. How did you get into this genre?
I’ve always loved dancing and singing, played theater at the age of six and sang in three different bands as a teenager. At some point there was a TV show in which musical actors were cast for “Tarzan”. You could call for the candidates – like “DSDS”.

So the spark jumped over?
I had a crush on the Tarzan actor back then, who later also won. My mother then gave me tickets for this musical, and when I finally saw it on stage I was so impressed and fascinated that I knew: I want to do that too! That’s how it all started.

“Ku’damm 56” will be a world premiere

Do you have a happiness ritual before a premiere?
I try to really enjoy the anticipation and excitement. Sometimes I also have a nice bath. After that I always think to myself, “Hey, I want to be on stage right now!” We’re even celebrating a world premiere with “Ku’damm 56”, which is really something very special.

Are people who are close to you in the audience?
My boyfriend is coming and my best friend. And of course the family also keeps their fingers crossed.

Gala