New Musical ‘Nietzsche’ to Debut Off-Broadway, Celebrating Life

A new musical titled ‘Nietzsche’, inspired by the life and philosophy of the renowned thinker Friedrich Nietzsche, is set to debut Off-Broadway from October 10 to 12, 2023. Created by Kimerer LaMothe and Geoffrey Gee, the production reflects their journey of artistic collaboration and personal growth since relocating to a dairy farm in Hebron, New York, in 2005.

LaMothe, a scholar with a PhD in the study of religion, writes the book and lyrics for the musical, while Gee composes the music. Their first work together, ‘Happy If, Happy When’, showcased their family dynamics and aspirations. This new venture, however, marks a significant evolution, drawing parallels between Nietzsche’s philosophical struggles and contemporary societal issues.

Geoffrey Gee describes the musical as a comprehensive portrayal of Nietzsche’s life, akin to how the musical ‘Hamilton’ presents its titular character. The production will feature a cast of 30 professional opera singers from New York City and is staged at the A.R.T. New York Mezzanine Theater, located at 502 West 53rd Street.

In ‘Nietzsche’, the narrative explores the tension between personal relationships and ideological beliefs. Nietzsche’s interactions with significant figures in his life, including the composer Richard Wagner and his love interest Lou Salomé, are central to the storyline. Salomé, portrayed as a proto-feminist philosopher, played a crucial role in Nietzsche’s intellectual development, despite the challenges posed by their relationship.

LaMothe emphasizes that Nietzsche’s philosophy addresses themes of love and hate, particularly relevant in today’s sociopolitical climate. She points out that he grappled with issues such as Christian nationalism and antisemitism, urging individuals to examine their own values. LaMothe states, “If people could be really honest with themselves… they could start to overcome their tendency to blame and hate one another.”

The musical’s content is both historically accurate and thematically resonant. It delves into Nietzsche’s decline into madness and the manipulation of his legacy by his sister, Elisabeth Nietzsche, who aligned herself with nationalist ideologies. This essential aspect of his life adds depth to the narrative, revealing the tragic dimensions of his philosophy.

Gee, who draws musical influences from jazz and classical genres, highlights the collaborative nature of the creative process with LaMothe. Their iterative approach has resulted in a score that captures the emotional complexity of Nietzsche’s story.

With 500 applicants vying for roles in the production, the team is excited about the talent assembled for the show. Among the cast is Gee’s daughter, Kyra, who will portray Lou Salomé.

As the opening night approaches, preparations intensify for the ensemble. “There’s 1,800 pages of written music between all the different parts,” Gee explains, detailing the intricate work involved in rehearsals.

The debut of ‘Nietzsche’ comes at a time when its themes resonate deeply within society. LaMothe believes that the musical encapsulates Nietzsche’s core mission: to evoke a “radical capacity to love life.”

Tickets and additional information about the performances can be found at ci.ovationtix.com/36969/production/1247824.