In his role as Tony in “West Side Story, he delights the audience at the Bregenz Festival. In the WANN & WO-conversation, the Swedish singer/actor talks about his success, his biggest passion and of course about the numerous happenings at the festival.

WANN & WO: What fascinates you about your role as Tony?
Jesper Tydén: Tony is the lead character in the middle of this wonderful Romeo and Juliet story. He lives this “American Dream”: He’s more mature than the other gang-members, he has a job and earns money. It’s a fantastic part, because Tony has to be the hard gang-leader later in the piece, but on the other hand, he’s the sentimental lover who sings the most beautiful songs – it’s great, as if you were doing a Shakespeare play.

WANN & WO: In which moment of the show do you really connect, which is your favourite scene?
Jesper Tydén: Everything’s amazing, but the balcony scene is special. In this scene, I totally identify with Tony and enjoy this moment with Maria.

WANN & WO: You have to sing, dance and act in “West Side Story” – in which discipline do you feel in your element?
Jesper Tydén: Everything just belongs together, it’s the mixture that makes it so much fun. I love the songs, but I’m having a damn good time with the acting.

WANN & WO: What makes the piece so popular?
Jesper Tyden: “West Side Story” is always current. The times never become more peaceful - on the contrary, nowadays we all grow up with gangs and violence. But this impossible love of Tony and Maria is a wonderful idea and can be felt by everyone.

WANN & WO: On Bavarian television the singing was praised, but the production was criticized. What’s your opinion about it?
Jesper Tyden: Sure, it would have been easier to produce the piece in a small setting. But with all this extravaganza and this huge cast, it has succeeded in a fantastic way.

WANN & WO: I know, this next question is a little worn-out, but I ask it again: How do you like Bregenz?
Jesper Tyden: Hey, Bregenz is great, a real summer city. I have already seen a lot of it on our tours.

WANN & WO: Do you have any time left at all to check out the nightlife in Bregenz, or at least to eat out a few times?
Jesper Tyden: After the performances, we usually go out in a large group and roam through the streets. Here a drink, there something to eat – it gives you diversion.

WANN & WO: With your looks you would almost fit better into a boyband than a musical – have you never had different plans?
Jesper Tyden: Oh, those days are gone. I’m originally a pop singer and have already been in various bands. We would even write our own lyrics and songs in the boyband-style, but that’s all over now.

WANN & WO: The women of the world simply need to know: Is there a woman in your life?
Jesper Tyden: (laughs) yes, okay, I admit it: I have a girlfirend, honestly!

WANN & WO: Seriously again: You are young and successful – what does your future career look like?
Jesper Tyden: I want to have the courage to follow my instincts. I will act in many musicals, since I’m just made for the part of the young lover, and I really want to release my own CD. I think that will keep me busy for some time!