The stage is set for a comedic exploration of faith, love, and questionable choices as the Theaterlust ensemble embarks on a tour with “Jesus liebt mich,” a play adapted from the bestselling novel by David Safier. The production, described as a “temporeiche, schrille Komödie” – a fast-paced, shrill comedy – promises a lighthearted yet thought-provoking experience for audiences across Germany. The tour began in September 2025 and continues through early 2027, bringing a touch of divine chaos to venues like the Stadttheater Landsberg am Lech and the Stadthalle Singen.
Safier’s novel, published in 2016, quickly gained popularity for its humorous take on modern life and the search for meaning. The story centers on Marie, a woman with a knack for picking the wrong partners, who finds herself once again seeking refuge with her father after a near-disastrous wedding. The play, adapted for the stage by Jan Bordinus and Florian Battermann, aims to capture the novel’s comedic spirit and relatable themes. The production explores the challenges of finding love and the often-unexpected paths life takes, all while playfully engaging with religious iconography.
A Touring Production with a Dedicated Ensemble
The Theaterlust production features a talented cast including Marget Flach, Gabriele Graf, Wowo Habdank (and Dirk Wäger), Lesley Higl (and Anja Klawun), Oliver Mirwaldt (and Sven Hussock), and Daron Yates. The play is directed by Thomas Luft, with stage design by Raymond Gantner and Thomas Luft, costume design by Sarah Silbermann, and lighting design by Miguel Muñoz. Sound design is handled by Simon Kummer, and illustrations and animation are provided by Grenzfarben – Agentur für Gestaltung. The production’s tour schedule is extensive, with performances planned through December 2026 and January 2027, followed by a second tour from November to December 2026 and January to January 2027.
The production’s logistical details are carefully managed, with an honorarium of €9,950 plus a 10% royalty, Gema, AVA, PTA, and overnight accommodation costs. Theaterlust also offers a “climate discount” of up to 5% for bookings of consecutive performances within 100 kilometers of each other, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable touring practices. The play’s rights are handled by Vertriebsstelle und Verlag GmbH (Vvb) in Norderstedt.
Critical Reception and Thematic Resonance
Early reviews of the stage adaptation have been positive, with one publication, BamS, calling it “eine göttliche, liebreizende, durchgeknallte Komödie mit allem, was dazu gehört” – a divine, lovely, crazy comedy with everything that belongs to it. A report from the Südkurier noted that audiences at the Singener Stadthalle found the play explored the difficulties even holy figures would face upon returning to Earth. The Südkurier reported on a performance on December 1, 2025.
The play’s appeal lies in its ability to blend humor with relatable human experiences. As the Allgäuer Zeitung noted in a January 24, 2026 article, director Thomas Luft found the material a “großes Vergnügen” – a great pleasure – to work with. The Allgäuer Zeitung highlighted the play’s exploration of a “rätselhafte Mann auf dem Dach” – a mysterious man on the roof – hinting at the quirky and unpredictable nature of the story. The play’s themes of love, faith, and self-discovery resonate with audiences seeking both entertainment and a moment of reflection.
David Safier, born in 1966, is a highly successful author whose novels, including “Mieses Karma,” “Jesus liebt mich,” “Happy Family,” and “MUH!,” have achieved millions of copies sold both domestically, and internationally. Theaterlust’s website provides further details about the production and Safier’s work.
The Theaterlust production of “Jesus liebt mich” is scheduled to continue its tour through January 30, 2027, with performances planned in various locations. For those interested in experiencing this comedic take on faith and relationships, further information about tour dates and ticket availability can be found on the Theaterlust website.
As the tour progresses, audiences can anticipate a lively and engaging performance that tackles universal themes with wit and charm. The production’s continued success demonstrates the enduring appeal of Safier’s novel and the Theaterlust ensemble’s ability to bring compelling stories to the stage.
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