Vienna, December 4, 2024 - Following the overwhelming success of ROCK ME AMADEUS - DAS FALCO MUSICAL, Vereinigte Bühnen Wien, a Wien Holding company, will present another highlight in the coming season: musical director Christian Struppeck and his creative team will bring a brand new VBW in-house production, MARIA THERESIA - DAS MUSICAL, to the stage of the Ronacher in October 2025. This epic work tells the fascinating story and legacy of one of the most influential monarchs of the 18th century - a vivid portrait of power, passion and historical change.
Epic drama: powerful music and an exciting story
The opulent musical combines monumental drama with modern sound, pulsating beats with haunting lyrics. A timeless story meets contemporary staging and creates a thrilling stage experience full of energy and surprises. With this spectacular production, Vereinigte Bühnen Wien is making a powerful statement and creating a monument to the legendary ruler - young, dynamic and absolutely unmistakable.
Intrigue, wars, power games: the first female ruler of the Habsburg monarchy
In a world dominated by men, a young woman rises up who is not prepared to remain in the shadows. Maria Theresa, who took a keen interest in political events from an early age and was ahead of her time in many ways, defied the patriarchal imperial house and developed impressive strength and great vision. She fights against all odds and eventually becomes the first woman to head the state. With unwavering courage, she leads the country through turbulent times.
Ruler, strategist, mother
As the mother of sixteen children, Maria Theresa combines family care with political acumen and strategic vision. Unyielding and courageous, she faced the challenges of her time, confronted Frederick the Great of Prussia and defied the intrigues at court. While wars shook Europe, she modernized the administration and military, revolutionized education and social policy and remained steadfast even in times of crisis - a true trailblazer with a visionary spirit.
Maria Theresa's moving life as a musical
Maria Theresa - a political icon and reformer whose influence still shapes Europe today. Her groundbreaking achievements reach far beyond Austria and leave behind a legacy that has had a lasting impact on history. The fascinating life of a woman who redefined the rules of the game and changed the world - as a gripping musical on the stage of the Ronacher from the fall!
First-class, international creative team
The VBW has put together a first-class creative team for the world premiere of MARIA THERESIA - THE MUSICAL: The music is written by legendary composer and music producer Dieter Falk (MOSES - THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, BETHLEHEM, LUTHER, among others, multiple ECHO award winner, 50 platinum and gold records), who is also responsible for orchestration and arrangements, together with his son, the renowned music producer and composer Paul Falk (writes for Helene Fischer, DJ Ötzi, Michelle, Howard Carpendale, among others). The lyrics are by lyricist Jonathan Zelter (writes for Michelle, Tim Peters, Roland Kaiser, Peggy March, among others - multiple top ten placings in the album charts, gold and platinum awards). The book by Austrian author Thomas Kahry (SPATZ UND ENGEL (Burgtheater + international), HOUDINI, AUGUSTIN, HOLLYWOOD IN VIENNA, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, and many more). VBW musical director Christian Struppeck (ICH WAR NOCH NIEMALS IN NEW YORK, DER BESUCH DER ALTEN DAME, I AM FROM AUSTRIA, ROCK ME AMADEUS - DAS FALCO MUSICAL, etc.) is responsible for creative development.
The well-known musical specialist Alex Balga (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, MESSIAH ROCKS, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, MIAMI NIGHTS, WE WILL ROCK YOU, DIRTY DANCING, ROCK OF AGES, etc.) is responsible for the direction. The choreography is created by one of the most innovative artists in his field: Jonathan Huor (MAMMA MIA! (Mörbisch), KUDAMM '56, ROMEO & JULIA, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, THE VOICE, etc.). The set will be designed by award-winning West End designer Morgan Large (DISNEY'S NEWSIES (London), SUNSET BOULEVARD (Sydney), SISTER ACT (UK tour), WICKED (Sao Paulo), etc.), who will also develop the video design. The costumes are created by the renowned artist Aleksandra Kica (Vienna Volksoper, Theater in der Josefstadt, Salzburger Landestheater, Seefestspiele Mörbisch, etc.). The lighting design is by London star designer Ben Cracknell (PRISCILLA, CHESS, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, JOSEPH, etc.), the sound by German sound designer Carsten Kümmel (LUTHER, BETHLEHEM, No Angels, World of Hans Zimmer, Eurovision Song Contest, etc.).
The orchestra of Vereinigte Bühnen Wien performs with a large cast, under the musical direction of Carsten Paap.
From fall 2025, Maria Theresa's extraordinary life can be experienced for the first time as a spectacular musical at the Ronacher. The cast will be announced before the summer.
German with English subtitles
Age recommendation: From 10 years
