After the overwhelming success of ROCK ME AMADEUS – DAS FALCO MUSICAL, the Vereinigten Bühnen Wien, a company of Wien Holding, presents another highlight in the upcoming season: Musical director Christian Struppeck and his creative team will bring MARIA THERESIA – DAS MUSICAL to the stage of the Ronacher in October 2025, a brand-new VBW production. 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 exciting story
The opulent musical combines monumental drama with modern sound, pulsating beats with compelling lyrics. Timeless history meets contemporary staging, creating an exhilarating stage experience full of energy and surprises. The Vereinigten Bühnen Wien makes a powerful statement with this spectacular production, honoring the legendary ruler – young, dynamic, and absolutely unmistakable.
Intrigue, wars, power games: the first female ruler of the Habsburg monarchy
In a male-dominated world, a young woman rises who is not willing to remain in the shadows. Maria Theresia, a girl who has been passionately interested in political affairs since childhood and is ahead of her time in many ways, defies the patriarchal imperial house and displays impressive strength and grand visions. She fights against all odds and ultimately becomes the first woman at the helm of the state. With unyielding courage, she leads the country through turbulent times.
Ruler, strategist, mother
As the mother of sixteen children, Maria Theresia combines familial care with political acumen and strategic foresight. Unyielding and brave, she confronts the challenges of her time, facing Frederick the Great of Prussia and standing up to the intrigues at court. While wars shake Europe, she modernizes administration and military, revolutionizes education and social policy, and remains steadfast even in times of crisis – a true pathfinder with a visionary spirit.
Maria Theresia’s moving life as a musical
Maria Theresia – a political icon and reformer whose influence shapes Europe to this day. Her groundbreaking achievements extend far beyond Austria and leave a legacy that profoundly shaped history. The fascinating life of a woman who redefined the rules of the game and changed the world – coming this fall as a gripping musical on the stage of the Ronacher!
First-class international creative team
For the world premiere of MARIA THERESIA – DAS MUSICAL, the VBW has assembled a first-class creative team: The legendary composer and music producer Dieter Falk (MOSES - DIE ZEHN GEBOTE, BETHLEHEM, LUTHER, among others, multiple ECHO award winner, 50 platinum and gold records) writes the music and 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, etc.). The lyrics are penned by lyricist Jonathan Zelter (writes for Michelle, Tim Peters, Roland Kaiser, Peggy March - multiple top-ten placements in album charts, gold and platinum awards). The book is by Austrian author Thomas Kahry (SPATZ UND ENGEL (Burgtheater + internationally), HOUDINI, AUGUSTIN, HOLLYWOOD IN VIENNA, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, etc.). The creative development is overseen by 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, among others).
Directing is by 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.). The choreography is created by one of the most innovative artists in the field: Jonathan Huor (MAMMA MIA! (Mörbisch), KUDAMM ‘56, ROMEO & JULIA, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, THE VOICE, etc.). The set design is by the award-winning West End designer Morgan Large (DISNEY’S NEWSIES (London), SUNSET BOULEVARD (Sydney), SISTER ACT (UK Tour), WICKED (Sao Paulo), etc.), who also develops the video design. The costumes are created by renowned artist Aleksandra Kica (Wiener 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.), and the sound is by German sound designer Carsten Kümmel (LUTHER, BETHLEHEM, No Angels, World of Hans Zimmer, Eurovision Song Contest, etc.).
The orchestra of the Vereinigten Bühnen Wien in a large lineup will perform under the musical direction of Carsten Paap.
Starting in the fall of 2025, Maria Theresia's extraordinary life will 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
Cast:
Maria Theresia - Nienke Latten
Franz Stephan von Lothringen - Fabio Diso
Friedrich II von Preussen - Moritz Mausser
Madame Fuchs - Annemieke van Dam
Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine - Annemarie Lauretta
Kaiser Karl VI. / Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff - Dominik Hees
Kanzler Bartenstein - Andreas Wolfram
Joseph - Aeneas Hollweg
Marie Christine - Amelie Polak
In supporting roles:
Sophie Aigner, Anna Bauer, Clemens Otto Bauer, Andrea Luca Cotti, Elies de Vries, Petra Ilse Dam, Klaudia Dodes, Dominik Doll, Briannajoy Ebunola, Florian Fetterle, Florian Heinke, Charles Kreische, Jessica Lapp, Jonathan Metu, Florian Minnerop, Stefan Mosonyi, Paula Niederhofer, Kevin O’Dwyer, Fabian Lukas Raup, Kevin Reichmann, Florine Schnitzel, Benedikt Solle, Janis van Dorsselaer, Aday Velasco, Livia Wrede, and Anna Zagler.
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
