Starlight Express the Musical Wiki
Starlight Express the Musical Wiki
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The German representative in the Championship Race is the InterCity Express (ICE).

Personality[]

Weltschaft is presented as cold, proud, and determined, a racer to be fearful of in the great tournament.

Ruhrgold is generally portrayed as focused on the race and determined to win. He's less interested in the politics and bickering, he just wants to prove he's the best.

Tickovers: He can be seen screaming a fierce battle cry, or pointing his finger in the air.

Story[]

In the original London production, Weltschaft raced with Joule in Heat 2, losing to Electra and Pearl. Originally, the German engine was named Weltschaft. He was later renamed Ruhrgold. In the London production, Ruhrgold collapsed on the floor when he lost his heat. His partner Joule hauled him up by his couplings, and spanked him as they left the stage.

In Germany he swapped roles with The French Engine, so that he wins the 2nd Heat and takes Joule to the final, but gets damaged, preventing him from taking part in the rerun.

In the Japan/Australia tours, Weltschaft had a double named the "Flying Hamburger". The Flying Hamburger raced in Heat 1 with Joule 2, Joule's double. Weltschaft racing in Heat 2 and Final with Joule 1, before crashing and unable to participate for the re-run.

In the UK and 2nd US tours, Ruhrgold raced with Caboose.

In the 2017 workshop, he was named Rhinegold, racing with Joule in Heat 2.

In 2018, for the German production's 30th anniversary, the show was re-written and Ruhrgold now races with the new Luggage Van, Carrie.

Appearance[]

Costume design

Gallery[]

Photo gallery

Role[]

Bochum 2020

  • Male. Legit Character Baritone Range: A2 – Eb4.
Audition Notices


History[]

The German engine has gone through a few name changes: Weltschaft, Ruhrgold, and also holding the name Rhinegold for the 2017 Workshop.

Although for simplicity's sake the character in the original green costume is often referred to as Weltschaft, and the modern ICE costume is known as Ruhrgold, the productions actually staggered the changes.

  • The London production changed the character's name in 1992, to Ruhrgold, as part of "The New Starlight Express", but kept the green costume all throughout the run.
  • Bochum changed the character's name to Ruhrgold in 1992, keeping the green costume until the following year in 1993 when he recieved his new 'ICE' design.
  • Las Vegas, like London, used the name "Ruhrgold" with the green costume. The modern "ICE" costume was introduced during the filming of the 3D race segments.


Cast[]

London

as Weltschaft

1984 - 1985 Mark Davis
1985 - 1986 Simon Caine
1986 - 1987 Nils Seibaek
1987 - 1988 Eamon Geoghegan
1988 - 1989 ?
1989 - 1990 ?
1990 - 1992 Scott Pattison

as Ruhrgold

1992 - 1994 Kevyn Waby
1994 - 1996 Dale Branston
1996 - 1998 Dennis Silkwood
1998 - 1999 Mark Pollard
1999 - 2000 Matt Raynor
2000 - 2001 Jamie Capewell
2001 - 2002 Craig Scott

Broadway

1987 - 1989 Michael Berglund

Japan / Australia Tours

1987 as Weltschaft Christopher Lipari
as Flying Hamburger Scott Austin
1990 as Weltschaft Rod McCune
as Flying Hamburger Shaun Fernandes

Bochum, Germany

1988 - 1989 Jens Klarskov
1989 - 1990 David P. Swan / Preston Simpson
1990 - 1991 Jaymes Hodges
1991 - 1992 Preston Simpson

as Ruhrgold

1992 - 1993 Freddy Moretine
1993 - 1996 Jan Apel
1996 - 1997 Ray Strachan
1997 - 1999 Paul Ramsay
1999 - 2000 Jason Jones
2000 - 2001 Andrew Millar
2001 - 2002 Chris Barron
2002 - 2007 Jan Apel
2007 - 2008 Graham Harvey
2008 - 2009 Nick Bower
2009 - 2010 Gareth Bailey
2010 - 2011 Jos Hoetjes
2011 - 2012 Chris Southgate
2012 - 2013 Adam Sheffield
2013 - 2015 Graham Harvey
2015 - 2018 Karl Seal
2018 - 2019 Will Luckett
2019 - 2020 Kristian Jacobs
2020 - 2021 Cole Dunn (Cancelled due to Covid)
2021 - 2023 Cole Dunn
2023 - 2025 Owen Broughton

US Tour 1989 - 1991

as Weltschaft

1989 - 1991 Fred Tallaksen

Las Vegas 1993 - 1997

as Ruhrgold

1993 - 1994 Danny Metcalfe
1994 - 1995 Freddy Moretine
1995 - 1996 ?
1996 - 1997 Scott Carlyle

US Tour 2003 - 2004

2003 - 2004 Kristopher Stock

UK Tours 2004 - 2008

2004 - 2005 Chris Thatcher
2006 - 2007 Ryan Dixon
2007 - 2008 Kris Manuel

NZ Tour 2009

2009 Jos Hoetjes

UK Tour 2012-2013

2012 - 2013 Kris Manuel
Asia 2013 Paul Shipp


Fan Theories[]

See Here for Fan theories about Weltschaft / Ruhrgold.

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