RUDOLF – THE LAST KISS 2026 premieres in Germany

RUDOLF – THE LAST KISS © VBW / Michael Balgavy

The Vereinigte Bühnen Wien is delighted that its own production RUDOLF – DER LETZTE KUSS (Rudolf – The Last Kiss) by renowned Broadway songwriting duo Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy will celebrate its long-awaited premiere in Germany next spring.

After stops in Vienna, Hungary, Japan and South Korea, the grand VBW musical about the life of Crown Prince Rudolf – son of Empress Elisabeth of Austria – will be presented in an impressive new production from 7 May 2026 at the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein in Füssen.

Directed by Alex Balga (MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, MESSIAH ROCKS, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, among others), with rousing choreography by Jonathan Huor (MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL, MAMMA MIA! / Mörbisch, KUDAMM '56, ROMEO & JULIA, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, THE VOICE), impressive stage design by Morgan Large (including MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL, Disney's NEWSIES (London), SUNSET BOULEVARD (Sydney), SISTER ACT (UK tour), WICKED (São Paulo)), imaginative costumes by Alexandra Kica (including MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL, Wiener Volksoper, Theater in der Josefstadt, Salzburger Landestheater, Seefestspiele Mörbisch) and lighting design by Michael Grundner (including ELISABETH / Schönbrunn & China tour, RAIMUND THEATER GALA, DON CAMILLO & PEPPONE), the story of Austrian Crown Prince Rudolf is told in a dramatic, intensely emotional production. The cast will be announced before Christmas, and advance ticket sales have begun.

RUDOLF – THE LAST KISS: A musical about courage, truth and the power of love

He was young, visionary and full of hope. A rebellious heir to the throne. A forbidden love. A musical full of passion, power and secrets. Based on the novel ‘Ein letzter Walzer’ (The Last Waltz) by Frederic Morton, RUDOLF – THE LAST KISS tells the tragic story of Rudolf and Mary Vetsera, set against the political and social tensions of a monarchy in decline. With mesmerizing compositions by Frank Wildhorn (JEKYLL & HYDE, among others) and powerful lyrics by Jack Murphy (SCARLET PIMPERNEL, among others), an exciting plot unfolds that connects the past and the present – timeless, dramatic and frighteningly relevant.

RUDOLF – THE LAST KISS tells the story of one individual's rebellion against a rigid system, of the search for identity and truth – and of a love that changes everything. A historical drama with the intensity of a thriller, carried by emotional depth, musical power and opulent stage artistry.
 

Statements

  • The German premiere of RUDOLF – DER LETZTE KUSS is impressive proof of the international appeal of the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien and thus also a great success for our cultural strategy. Many of the VBW's own productions have long been thrilling audiences far beyond the borders of Vienna. We are delighted that this extraordinary musical is now also finding a stage in Germany.

    Kurt Gollowitzer, Managing Director, Wien Holding

  • After many international stops, RUDOLF – DER LETZTE KUSS (Rudolf – The Last Kiss) is now celebrating its German premiere at the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein. The moving musical about Crown Prince Rudolf, created by renowned Broadway songwriting duo Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy, is being staged in an impressive new production by a top-notch creative team. We are proud to present our own production to German audiences for the first time.

    Christian Struppeck, VBW Musical Director

  • Around 31 million people worldwide have already experienced a VBW production. The German premiere of RUDOLF – DER LETZTE KUSS at the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein is a significant milestone in our international export activities. We are delighted to now be able to show this extraordinary musical in Germany and further strengthen our market position.

    Prof. Dr. Franz Patay, Managing Director of VBW and VBW International
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