Linde Rieu (16) makes her debut in the spectacular musical Bokkenrijders. 'I want to show that I'm not in it because of my last name' March 2, 2026 De Limburger, by Ivar Hoekstra Photos: Bjorn Frins. It will be her debut in a major musical: Linde Rieu (16) plays the youngest daughter of Suzan Seegers in Bokkenrijders (Goat Riders: a Limburg legend). Linde is the daughter of Pierre Rieu and Eefje, and granddaughter of André. "I want to show that I'm not in it because of my last name. Musical theatre is my passion, and I consider it a great honor to play Suzan Seegers' daughter." In the musical Bokkenrijders, Linde Rieu plays Johanna Fransen, the youngest daughter of Anna Fransen, played by lead actress Suzan Seegers. "Johanna is a very smart person who doesn't let anyone fool her," Linde says. To be fair, "smart" isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you first meet her. Linde is very friendly, but also a bit shy, like so many 16-year-old girls. But that shyness disappears when she's on stage. "Then I go into acting mode and I can easily play a smart girl." Joyce Lenssen of Theater group Maastricht, who was present for the interview, fully agrees. "We shot the publicity photos this week, and then you see a complete transformation: chin forward, tough look: that's when Linde truly becomes Johanna." She's certainly not new to this role; Linde has been playing with 't Mestreechs Volleks Tejater (Maastricht theater group) for several years under the direction of Peter Noten. "I share the role of Johanna with Peter's daughter Belle. At the theater group, I've performed in the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, first in the children's ensemble and now in the adult ensemble. So, I've performed in musicals before, but never in such a large production. This is a dream come true for me." Preparatory Training She was impressed by musicals from a young age. "As a child, I saw The Sound of Music at Christmas—it's quite possible it was at my grandfather's house. It made a huge impression on me, and I've seen it dozens of times now. I also regularly go to musicals, and after graduating from pre-university education (VWO) next year, I also want to enroll in a musical theater program. I'm just not sure yet whether I'll do it in Tilburg or Amsterdam. I can do a preparatory program in Tilburg, which involves taking classes on a few Saturdays, so I might apply for that next year. However, that doesn't mean you'll have priority admission to the program afterward. The fact that I'm currently performing in Bokkenrijders doesn't count for the audition committee; you have to demonstrate it during the entrance audition." And Linde is looking forward to showcasing herself as a musical actress. "Also to prove that I wasn't chosen because of my last name. Yes, I might attract more attention because I'm André's granddaughter and Pierre's daughter. People will be more likely to form opinions about me. That's exciting on the one hand, but also a challenge on the other." Naturally, Grandpa André is incredibly proud of his granddaughter, but he doesn't overload Linde with advice. "If I need advice, I can always turn to him, but he doesn't put pressure on me like, 'You have to do it this way or that.' And my parents don't either; they're protectively present in the background, but I'm free to chart my own course." Villa Volta (An attraction in the amusement park Efteling in the Netherlands. It is a rare type of ride known as a madhouse, a variation of a haunted house). When she was asked to appear in this musical, she didn't know much about the Goat Riders. "I only knew them from the Villa Volta attraction at Efteling, but now that I've delved deeper, I'm impressed by the story. What do you do when everything is taken from you and you can no longer even feed your children? Anna, played by Suzan Seegers, joins the Goat Riders purely to save her children. She didn't do it for herself or anyone else, but for her children. Her only option was to join the gang." A gang that was rumored to fly through the air on goats at all times of the day and night. "The mystique surrounding the Goat Riders really appeals to me. I'm also a real fan of mysterious films, the Harry Potter series, for example. I've seen them so often; I can practically eat those movies." Playing your first musical role alongside Suzan Seegers isn't something many aspiring musical talents are given. "I haven't met her yet; that will be at the first rehearsal in May. I'm really looking forward to it; I can learn so much from her! Just like from Milan van Waardenburg and Buddy Vedder." (Dutch musical stars). It's going to be a special summer for the Rieu family. From June 5th to 27th, granddaughter Linde will be performing at De Geusselt Stadium, and starting July 2nd, it's grandfather André who will be leading the way with his concerts at Vrijthof Square. "Luckily, there's no overlap, so we can go see each other." Performances from June 5–27, 2026. 50,000 tickets already sold for the spectacular musical Bokkenrijders. Three months before the premiere of Bokkenrijders, more than 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the musical, which will be performed in June at the Geusselt Stadium in Maastricht. Producer Frans Hendrickx: "More than 50,000 tickets sold is a milestone we've never experienced before for one of our major spectacular productions. It's fantastic that there's so much interest in the Limburg legend. Behind the scenes, we're busy with all the preparations so we can start rehearsals in May with the cast, extras, creatives, and crew." The producers also announced that, in addition to Linde Rieu and Belle Noten, musical star Danique Dusée will join the cast. Together they play the daughters of Suzan Seegers' character.

Sorry, but we couldn't resist digging up these unique photos from our archives. Pierre and Eefje's twindaughters Linde and Lieke at Christmas 2009. © Govert de Roos.

At the last Vrijthof concert of 2024, André received his bouquet of flowers from his granddaughter Linde (14).

There is a “teaser” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjxoHBPCapY

De Nieuwe Ster, March 2, 2026 In June 2026, Maastricht will host a large-scale spectacular musical: Bokkenrijders, starring Suzan Seegers. Following the successful productions "It Was Sunday in the South" and "Diary of a Shepherd Dog," another chapter of Limburg history will be brought to life in an epic spectacular musical. With 600 drones, 100 actors, 10 horses, and 1 billy goat, supported by a fire, water, and light show, and a spectacular outdoor backdrop, the audience will be drawn into a story full of mysticism, rebellion, and justice.

Pierre's daughter, André Rieu's granddaughter, Linde Rieu, is making her debut in the spectacular musical De Bokkenrijders (The Goat Riders). She has joined the cast alongside Danique Dusée. For Linde Rieu, her participation in De Bokkenrijders marks her debut in a major spectacular musical. She will alternate the role with Belle Noten. Both young actresses are part of the Maastricht theater group, directed by Peter Noten. Servé: "We were looking for a young actress who could bring the youngest, witty daughter Johanna to life. After a lovely conversation with Linde, she thankfully said yes right away! It's fantastic that Linde, through her participation in Bokkenrijders, can get a taste of the musical theater scene, and right here in her hometown of Maastricht." Linde Rieu: "I'd already heard about the musical Bokkenrijders, and I thought the poster was super cool and promising. So, when they asked me for this role, I immediately said yes. Besides being thrilled to be part of it, I also think I can learn a lot from people like Milan, Buddy, and Suzan, who have been in the business for a long time. I've performed in musicals before, but I've never been part of such a large-scale production. It's truly my biggest dream to make this my career." Three months before the premiere of Bokkenrijders (Goat Riders), more than 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the spectacular musical, which runs from June 3rd to 27th at soccer stadium De Geusselt in Maastricht. Today, the producers also announced that Danique Dusée and Linde Rieu will join the cast as the daughters (Catherina and Johanna) of Suzan Seegers' character. Producer Frans Hendrickx: "More than 50,000 tickets sold—that's a milestone we've never experienced before for one of our major productions. It's fantastic that there's so much interest in the Limburg legend. Behind the scenes, we're busy with all the preparations so we can start rehearsals in May with the cast, extras, creatives, and crew." Danique Dusée and Linde Rieu play Suzan Seegers' daughters. A powerful female trio in a society driven by hunger. Producer and director Servé Hermans: "We are honored that Danique Dusée will play one of the leading roles. In her debut in “Elisabeth,” (musical), we saw how she embraces a role. Exactly what we need for her character, Catherina." Danique: "When Servé asked me if I wanted to appear in Bokkenrijders, I had no choice but to say yes. This will be an unforgettable, new, and educational experience, because it's something completely different from anything I've done before, and it's with a fantastic team. So, I'm really looking forward to my time in beautiful Limburg!" Bokkenrijders will be on show for only four weeks, from June 3rd to 27th at Stadium De Geusselt in Maastricht. More information and ticket sales are available at www.bokkenrijders.nl Bokkenrijders is a production by Servé Hermans and Toneelgroep Maastricht, with co-producers Theater aan het Vrijthof and De Limburger. With the collaboration of 't Mestreechs Volleks Tejater (Folk theater).

Go for it, Linde, follow your dream! Good Luck! A four-leaf clover to support you!

You already know three members of the cast: Linde Rieu, Eric Jaspers (artist and designer of the bull costume), and Marie-Ange Castermans (artist of Duo X-Elle and one of the ladies in red, running to escape the bull during the Vrijthofconcerts of 2024).

May 20, 2026 Rehearsals are currently in full swing and we are following the press releases. We are sharing a few recent screenshots with you.

Pierre Rieu's twin daughter Linde Rieu (right) performing on stage, singing and tap dancing, with Lieke Bongers (left) and Eric Jaspers (center) in the “Viva Maas Vegas-show” at the Theatre on the Vrijthof on May 9, 2026.

Shared from Pierre’s Instagram account of May 11th 2026. “And then suddenly, your daughter is tap dancing and singing on stage. (Sorry for the shouting, sweetheart. It’s only your proud dad.) Eric, Vief, mega thanks for the podium you gave these two”.

Linde Rieu will debut in the open air musical Bokkenrijders at De Geusselt Stadium in Maastricht, Netherlands from June 5 to June 27, 2026.

© Chapeau Magazine. © Jean-Pierre Geusens Pierre Rieu at the premiere of Bokkenrijders to watch his twin daughter Linde Rieu's first musical, at Stadium De Geusselt in Maastricht, Netherlands on June 3, 2026.

Proud father Pierre Rieu shared photos of his twin daughter Linde Rieu, being part of the spectacular musical Bokkenrijders, that he attended at the premiere at Stadium De Geusselt in Maastricht, Netherlands on June 3, 2026. Ruud and Ineke (the administrators of this website) attended the musical on Sunday June 7th. That was the first performance without rain and wind. And Belle Noten played the role of Johanna. Click HERE.