World premiere 2025

maria theresia 

The musical

 

We present another highlight in the coming season: in October 2025, musical director Christian Struppeck and his creative team will bring a brand-new VBW production to the stage at the Ronacher in the form of MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL. 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 a thrilling story

The opulent musical combines monumental drama with modern sound, vibrant beats with powerful lyrics. A timeless story meets a contemporary production, creating a thrilling stage experience full of energy and surprises. With this spectacular production we are making a powerful statement and creating a monument to the legendary ruler – young, dynamic and absolutely unmistakable.

  • Language © Steril May Cat

    In German with English Surtitles

  • Recommendation © YANDI RS

    Age recommendation: from 10 years

  • Stage © Hermawan

    world premiere 10.10.2025

You can find more information about your visit to the Ronacher here:

VISITOR INFO

Cast & show reveal

MARIA THERESIA – The MUSICAL

 

 

Cast

 
  • Nienke Latten © Phillipp Dietrich

    Nienke Latten

    Maria Theresia

  • Nienke Latten

    Maria Theresia

    Nienke Latten, born in 1995, originally comes from Voorburg in the Netherlands. In 2012, she was accepted for a preparatory year at the Muziektheater Tilburg, where she began her regular studies after just one year, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in May 2017. In Tilburg, she received intensive singing lessons from Edward Hoepelman, among many other subjects. Nienke was seen as Maria in a concert version of WEST SIDE STORY in the Netherlands. Between 2018 and 2021, she was also the first cast member of Jasmin in Disney's ALADDIN in Hamburg and Stuttgart. She then returned to her home country, where she was first cast as Mira in ONE DE MUSICAL. This was followed by engagements in Vienna as first cast Maria Magdalena in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and as first cast Ich in REBECCA. She is currently the first cast member of Princess Anna in Disney's FROZEN (The Ice Queen) in the Netherlands. She was nominated for a “Musical Award” for her role. Nienke was the Dutch voice of Disney's Snow White in the movie of the same name.

  • Fabio Diso © Fabio Diso

    Fabio Diso

    Franz Stephan von Lothringen

  • Fabio Diso

    Franz Stephan von Lothringen

    Fabio Diso ist ein erfahrener Musicaldarsteller, der auf großen Bühnen im deutschsprachigen Raum überzeugt. Geboren in Bayern und mit italienischen sowie spanischen Wurzeln, bringt er kulturelle Vielfalt in seine Darbietungen ein. Seine Ausbildung absolvierte er an der Joop van den Ende Academy und besuchte Masterclasses mit Größen wie Jason Robert Brown – der Grundstein für seine Karriere. Seine ersten Erfolge feierte Fabio in MAMMA MIA! in Stuttgart als Sky und begeisterte in WE WILL ROCK YOU als Galileo, Brit und Dieter. In EVITA übernahm er die Rolle des Che in Wien und im Staatstheater Darmstadt. 2022 spielte er die anspruchsvolle Doppelrolle Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde in JEKYLL & HYDE am Deutschen Theater München und stellte seine Vielseitigkeit unter Beweis. Weitere Auftritte folgten als Alfred in BESUCH DER ALTEN DAME und Eddy Fritzinger in SISTER ACT in Tecklenburg. Als Frederick Trumper in CHESS am Staatstheater Schwerin und Pablo García in I AM FROM AUSTRIA in Wien zeigte er seine Bühnenpräsenz. Zuletzt beeindruckte Fabio als charismatischer Billy Flynn in CHICAGO an der Staatsoper Hannover. Mit stimmlicher Kraft, Hingabe und Wandlungsfähigkeit bringt er in jede Rolle seine persönliche Note ein.

  • Moritz Mausser © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Moritz Mausser

    Friedrich II. von Preußen

  • Moritz Mausser

    Friedrich II. von Preußen

    Moritz Mausser, born in Vienna, grew up in Baden near Vienna and came into contact with musicals at an early age through theatre visits with his family. At the age of nine, he discovered his passion for singing and acting and was part of the musical theatre group teatro for over 10 years from 2011. Here he played King John (ROBIN HOOD), Laurie Laurence (LITTLE WOMEN) and the Mad Hatter (ALICE IN WONDERLAND), among others. He also took part in productions at the Bühne Baden (including PETER PAN). In 2020, Moritz began his studies in musical entertainment theatre at the MUK Vienna, where he appeared in several productions (Dickon/Archibald in SECRET GARDEN, ELEGIES, PIPPIN). He received the 1st prize at the ‘Papageno Awards’ in 2019 for his portrayal of the Mad Hatter, and in 202 He made his professional debut as Archduke Rudolf in the semi-staged version of ELISABETH (2023) in front of Schönbrunn Palace. As part of the VBW workshops for ROCK ME AMADEUS – DAS FALCO MUSICAL, he developed the role of Hans, which he will now play in the world premiere.

  • Annemieke van Dam © Nadine Poncioni

    Annemieke van Dam

    Madame Fuchs

  • Annemieke van Dam

    Madame Fuchs
  • Annemarie Lauretta © Fotografie Philipp Dietrich

    Annemarie Lauretta

    Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

  • Annemarie Lauretta

    Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

    Annemarie Lauretta was born in Utrecht. In 2017 she completed her studies in musical theater at the Fontys Conservatory in Tilburg, where she was taught by Edward Hoepelman, Marc Krone and Brigitte Odett, among others. Directly after her studies she went to Hamburg, where she embodied the fortune teller in Disney's ALADDIN until the end of October 2018. After that, Annemarie Lauretta was in SISTER ACT in Lucerne as cover Deloris van Cartier and in the ensemble. This was followed by another engagement for Disney's ALADDIN in Stuttgart, before she appeared in PRETTY WOMAN - DAS MUSICAL in Hamburg as cover Kit de Luca and Violetta as well as in the ensemble. Most recently she appeared on stage as Gigi in MISS SAIGON at the Raimund Theater.

  • Dominik HEES © Dominik HEES

    Dominik Hees

    Kaiser Karl VI. / Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff

  • Dominik Hees

    Kaiser Karl VI. / Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff

    Since 2009 Dominik Hees has taken on numerous leading roles in musicals, such as. Georg in the German language premiere of FRÜHLINGS ERWACHEN/Ronacher; the title role in BUDDY - DIE BUDDY HOLLY STORY/Colosseum Theater Essen; RumTum Tugger in the European tour of CATS; Link Larkin in HAIRSPRAY/German Theater Munich; Clifford Bradshaw in CABARET and Berger in HAIR at Gärtnerplatztheater/Munich; Henry in the German premiere of NEXT TO NORMAL/Stadttheater Fürth; Frank N. Furter in ROCKY HORROR SHOW/DomplatzOpenAir Magdeburg; Helmut Rahn in the world premiere of DAS WUNDER VON BERN/Hamburg; Lukas Beineke in the German premiere of THE ADDAMS FAMILY/Zeltpalast Merzig; Che in EVITA/Staatstheater Darmstadt; Charlie Price in the German premiere of KINKY BOOTS/Operettenhaus Hamburg; Justin in the premiere of STILLE NACHT/Felsenreitschule Salzburg; Joe Gillis in SUNSET BOULEVARD/Stadttheater Bozen as well as Lancelot in ARTUS EXCALIBUR, Mariolino in DON CAMILLO & PEPPONE, Pascha Antipov/Strelnikov in DR. SCHIWAGO at the Tecklenburg Open Air Festival.

  • Andreas Wolfram © Andreas Wolfram

    Andreas Wolfram

    Kanzler Bartenstein

  • Andreas Wolfram

    Kanzler Bartenstein
  • Aeneas Hollweg © Marco Sommer

    Aeneas Hollweg

    Joseph

  • Aeneas Hollweg

    Joseph

    Aeneas Hollweg, geboren 2002 in Wien, stammt aus einer musikalischen Familie. Schon in jungen Jahren begeisterte er sich für Kunst, insbesondere Tanz, und besuchte von 2008 bis 2016 die Ballettakademie der Wiener Staatsoper. Neben zahlreichen Ballettaufführungen, wie „Nussknacker“ oder „Don Quixote“, stand Aeneas Hollweg mit zehn Jahren von 2012 bis 2014 in der Rolle des kleinen Rudolf in der Jubiläumsproduktion von ELISABETH im Raimund Theater auf der Bühne. Neben seiner schulischen musikalischen Ausbildung trat Aeneas Hollweg an der Seite seines Bruders auch als jugendlicher Host einer eigenen Unterhaltungsserie im Rahmen des ORF Kinder- und Jugendprogramms mit rund 60 Folgen in Erscheinung. Aeneas Hollweg absolvierte erfolgreich das ORG der Wiener Sängerknaben und studiert seit 2021 an der Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien Musikalisches Unterhaltungstheater. 2023 stand Aeneas Hollweg in der Rolle des Pepper in MAMMA MIA! (Regie: Andreas Gergen/Choreographie: Jonathan Huor) bei den Seefestspiele Mörbisch auf der Bühne und im darauffolgenden Jahr war er ebendort als Freddy in MY FAIR LADY (Regie & Choreographie: Simon Eichenberger) zu erleben. Ein weiteres Engagement führte ihn ans Musiktheater Linz, wo er im Ensemble der viel umjubelten deutschen Erstproduktion von SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Regie: Matthias Davids/Choreographie: Kim Duddy) auftrat. Parallel dazu war er im Zuge seines Studiums in Musicals wie WORKING, BRING IT ON und zuletzt als Joe in seiner Abschlussproduktion OUR HOUSE zu sehen. Im Sommer 2025 verkörpert er Bobby C. im Erfolgsmusical SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER bei den Seefestspielen Mörbisch.

  • Amelie Polak © Amelie Polak

    Amelie Polak

    Marie Christine / Cover Maria Theresia

  • Amelie Polak

    Marie Christine / Cover Maria Theresia
  • Clemens Otto Bauer © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Clemens Otto Bauer

    Leopold / Cover Franz Stephan von Lothringen

  • Clemens Otto Bauer

    Leopold / Cover Franz Stephan von Lothringen

    Clemens Otto Bauer was born in Graz. He completed his studies at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the summer of 2020. In Austria, he could be seen on the Felsenbühne Staatz as Feuilly in LES MISÉRABLES and as Albert Mondego in Frank Wildhorn's THE COUNT OF MONTE CHRISTO. His first engagement after graduating took him to the permanent musical company at the Theater für Niedersachsen, where he played Charlie Price and Harry in KINKY BOOTS, Sir Lancelot in MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT, the title role in the musical PUMUCKL, and Tunny in Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT during the 2020-2022 seasons. Most recently, he could be seen at the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien as Ben in REBECCA, as well as Pepper in MAMMA MIA! at the Seefestspiele Mörbisch.

  • Petra Ilse DAM © Sandra Kosel

    Petra Ilse Dam

    Maria Elisabeth / Cover Madame Fuchs

  • Petra Ilse Dam

    Maria Elisabeth / Cover Madame Fuchs

    Petra Ilse Dam comes from Drachten in the Netherlands. In her youth she first discovered her love for gymnastics and acrobatics, later for dance and singing. In 2011 she began her studies at the Lucia Marthas Dance Academy. Four years of intensive training were followed by training in acting and singing at the Lucia Marthas Institute For Performing Arts. Meanwhile she danced in productions of RTL Wentink Events, Holland Show Ballet or Studio 21. In 2014/2015 she played the role of Kaa in the musical THE JUNGLE BOOK by OpusOne. In 2016/2017 Petra Ilse Dam was on stage as Cover Jane and in the ensemble of Disney's TARZAN in Oberhausen and Stuttgart, followed by an engagement in the ensemble and as Cover Penny in DIRTY DANCING. In 2018 she was in the ensemble, as Angel and as Dance Captain in ROCK OF AGES at the Musical Sommer Amstetten, most recently she was on stage as Penny in DIRTY DANCING.
     

  • Elies de Vries © Elies de Vries

    Elies De Vries

    Maria Elisabeth / Cover Madame Fuchs

  • Elies De Vries

    Maria Elisabeth / Cover Madame Fuchs

    Elies de Vries was born and raised in the Netherlands. In 2019 she graduated from the Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts. During her studies she worked with choreographers such as Anthony Burrel (choreographer of Mariah Carey), Ashley Wallen (choreographer of "The Greatest Showman") and Lloyd Culbreath (of "The Verdon Fosse Legacy"). This was followed by her first engagement in DRS. DOWN! where she was part of the ensemble on stage. Elies de Vries also worked as a dancer with the "Ladies of Soul" at the Ziggodome in Amsterdam.

  • Klaudia Dodes © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Klaudia Dodes

    Hofdame 1 / Cover Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

  • Klaudia Dodes

    Hofdame 1 / Cover Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

    Klaudia Dodes was born in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. She successfully completed her artistic training as a stage actress in Hamburg in 2016. She made her debut as a singer on the Royal Caribbean International in the USA. She then released her first songs under the stage name DiA DODA. She has played various roles as a musical performer, including Alice in ELDORADO, Gina in ORIENT EXPRESS, the Spirits in the ensemble of the world premiere of MATTERHORN at the Theater St. Gallen, and, in 2022, Frau Furrer in the ensemble of the award-winning best Swiss musical OH LÄCK DU MIR at Theater 11 in Zurich. She is the lead singer of the Swiss funk band domesticfuel, which released its first EP in 2023 and provided the voice of Tobi in the audiobook ‘Pönkergüggel Tom’. Her German-language single will be released in 2024.

  • Dominik Doll © Dominik Doll

    Dominik Doll

    August von Sachsen / Cover Kanzler Bartenstein / Cover Kaiser Karl VI. / Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff

  • Dominik Doll

    August von Sachsen / Cover Kanzler Bartenstein / Cover Kaiser Karl VI. / Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff
  • Briannajoy Ebunola © Briannajoy Ebunola

    Briannajoy Ebunola

    Maria Anna

  • Briannajoy Ebunola

    Maria Anna

    Briannajoy is a traveling performer. She studied dance from a young age and it has provided her with numerous unforgetable experiences. She has worked on music videos, films, cruise ships and live stage productions. Over the past few years, she has been based in Europe, performing in productions in The Netherlands (“Aida”)  and Germany (“Moulin Rouge: Das Musical!”). 

  • Florian Fetterle © Marco Sommer

    Florian Fetterle

    Karl von Bayern / Cover Kaiser Karl VI. / Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff / Cover Kanzler Bartenstein

  • Florian Fetterle

    Karl von Bayern / Cover Kaiser Karl VI. / Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff / Cover Kanzler Bartenstein

    The Austrian completed his training at the Stage School Hamburg. Since then, he has appeared in numerous roles, including Herbert in DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES, Giles and Maxim de Winter in REBECCA, Charles Clarke and Thomas Andrews in TITANIC, Fred and Stuart in I WAS NEVER IN NEW YORK, and the roles of Prince of Schwarzenberg and Franz Joseph in ELISABETH. At the VBW, he appeared, among other roles, as Toby in THE VISIT, as the School Inspector in DON CAMILLO & PEPPONE, in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, in I AM FROM AUSTRIA, as the Walk-In Count von Krolock in DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES and as Munkustrap, Gus and Old Deuteronimus in CATS. Other engagements have included Jekyll & Hyde, Grand Hotel, Show Boat, Mass, Aramis in The Three Musketeers, Gints in Doctor Zhivago, and Harry in Mamma Mia! He has presented very successful solo evenings and most recently appeared on stage at the Raimund Theater as Giles and cover for Frank Crawley in Rebecca.

  • Charles Kreische © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Charles Kreische

    Louis XV. von Frankreich / Cover Friedrich II. von Preußen

  • Charles Kreische

    Louis XV. von Frankreich / Cover Friedrich II. von Preußen

    Charles Kreische completed his training at the Joop van den Ende Academy in Hamburg; during that time, he was hired to play Herbert for the 20th anniversary of DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES at the Ronacher. In Vienna, he also appeared as Annas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, after which he toured Germany as Billy Kostecki in DIRTY DANCING. In Munich, he appeared as Lucien in DIE FABELHAFTE WELT DER AMÉLIE before returning to Oberhausen to play Herbert in DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES. Another engagement was supposed to take him to ICH WAR NOCH NIEMALS IN NEW YORK, but the production had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. In 2022, Charles could be seen as Sam Wheat in the touring production of GHOST, followed by a stint at the Ronacher in Vienna where he played Quasimodo in Disney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, among other roles. Most recently, Charles played the role of Frankie Valli in the German-language premiere of JERSEY BOYS at the Amstetten Musical Summer.

  • Jonathan Metu © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Jonathan Metu

    Minister 1 / Cover Joseph

  • Jonathan Metu

    Minister 1 / Cover Joseph

    After years of success as a professional youth ballroom dancer, Jonathan completed his musical studies at the Performing Academy in Vienna. Since then, he has appeared on numerous stages in German-speaking countries. Among others, he performed in ON YOUR FEET and GREASE at the Amstetten Musical Summer, in the play DER SCHÜLER GERBER at the Wachaufestspiele and later at the Theater Center Forum Vienna in the role of Weinberg, as well as in SPRING AWAKENING at the Theater Akzent in one Most recently, the musical WÜSTENBLUME based on the bestseller by Waris Dirie at the Theater St. Gallen and DER FEUERVOGEL/ CARMINA BURANA by Igor Stravinsky and Carl Orff at the Stadttheater Klagenfurt, where Jonathan performed as a dance soloist.

  • Florian Minnerop © Saskia Allers

    Florian Minnerop

    Minister 2 / Cover Franz Stephan von Lothringen

  • Florian Minnerop

    Minister 2 / Cover Franz Stephan von Lothringen
  • Paula Niederhofer © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Paula Niederhofer

    Maria Amalia

  • Paula Niederhofer

    Maria Amalia

    Paula completed her training at the Performing Academy in Vienna. At a young age, she won numerous championship titles at international dance championships and soon received leading roles in youth musicals at the Performing Center Austria and Dschungel Wien. This was followed by a wide range of dance engagements in Austria and abroad. She gained further stage experience in the musicals HEIDI and SPRING AWAKENING in Vienna. Immediately after completing her musical training in 2022, she was cast in the role of Patty Simcox in GREASE at the Amstetten Musical Summer in the same year. This was seamlessly followed by an invitation to Hamburg for MAMMA MIA!, where Paula was able to convince both as part of the ensemble and as a cover for Sophie for a year. For Paula, ‘returning’ to Vienna for ROCK ME AMADEUS means a new highlight in her career, and she is very happy to be part of this premiere!

  • Kevin O’Dwyer © Marco Sommer

    Kevin O’Dwyer

    Soldier 2

  • Kevin O’Dwyer

    Soldier 2

    Irish-born Kevin O'Dwyer trained as a musical theatre performer at the Laine Theatre Arts College in London. This was followed by engagements in German-speaking countries in DISNEY'S MARY POPPINS, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and WEST SIDE STORY. He finally made his debut on the London WEST END with the role of Bobby C. in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. This was followed by engagements as dance captain and swing on the UK tour of GREASE, and later he took on the role of associate director of GREASE in London's WEST END. Furthermore, his presence in television and film was not neglected: O'Dwyer appeared as a dancer at the EUROVISION SONG CONTEST in 2018, as well as in the DISNEY musical comedy DISENTCHANTED. He has also made guest appearances on LOOSE WOMEN and at the OLIVIER AWARDS 2023. Most recently, he appeared on stage in WE WILL ROCK YOU at the Amstetten Musical Summer.

  • Fabian Lukas Raup © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Fabian Lukas Raup

    Soldier 1

  • Fabian Lukas Raup

    Soldier 1

    Fabian Lukas Raup completed his studies at the Bavarian Theatre Academy August Everding in Munich. Born in Carinthia, he has already appeared in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, a guest production of the Salzburg State Theatre, as an underling in VIER HOCHZEITEN UND EIN MUSICAL and as the wolf/Rapunzel's prince in INTO THE WOODS in the Silver Hall of the Deutsches Theater. In 2016, he appeared on stage at the Luisenburg Festival in CATS and BLUTHOCHZEIT. In 2017/18, he was a member of the ensemble in DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES at the Ronacher and covered the role of the Black Vampire. In 2018/19, he was an ensemble member in I AM FROM AUSTRIA at the Raimund Theater. From 2021 to 2023, he appeared in several plays at the Volksoper Vienna, including in ROXY AND HER WONDERTEAM, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, LADY IN THE DARK and CABARET. In 2022, he appeared at the Graz Opera in GUYS & DOLLS and most recently at the Amstetten Musical Summer as Norm Waxman in the German-language premiere of JERSEY BOYS.

  • Florine Schnitzel © Florine Schnitzel

    Florine Schnitzel

    Maria Josepha / Cover Maria Theresia

  • Florine Schnitzel

    Maria Josepha / Cover Maria Theresia
  • Benedikt Solle © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Benedikt Solle

    Karl Joseph / Cover Friedrich II. von Preußen

  • Benedikt Solle

    Karl Joseph / Cover Friedrich II. von Preußen

    Born in 1998 and trained on the cello since childhood, he began his studies in musical entertainment theatre at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna in 2019 and graduated in 2023. Even before and during his studies, engagements took him to various theatres, including Vienna, Berlin and Frankfurt/Main. His previous repertoire includes MY FAIR LADY, DER MANN VON LA MANCHA and CLUE - DAS MUSICAL. Most recently, he played the title role in the Broadway musical PIPPIN at the muk.theatre in Vienna. ROCK ME AMADEUS - DAS FALCO MUSICAL is his debut at the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien.

  • Janis van Dorsselaer © Isabeau Bosscher

    Janis van Dorsselaer

    Hofdame 2 / Cover Madame Fuchs / Cover Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

  • Janis van Dorsselaer

    Hofdame 2 / Cover Madame Fuchs / Cover Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

    Janis Irene, geboren in Belgien, studierte 2017 an der Fontys School of the Arts Musiktheater in Tilburg, wo sie von Edward Hoepelman unterrichtet wurde. In ihrem letzten Ausbildungsjahr startete sie ihre Karriere mit Disneys Die Schöne und das Biest (Marmalade BE) als Ensemble. Eine Woche nach ihrer Abschlussfeier geht sie nach Deutschland, um bei Tanz Der Vampire (Stage Entertainment DE) als Ensemble-Cover Magda / Cover Rebecca zu spielen. Danach spielte sie In Come From Away (medialane NL) Standby Beverly Bass, Janice Mosher und Bonnie Harris. Swing +cover Daisi in Diana En Zonen (Medialane NL), Ensemble und Erstbesetzung Frau Wolf in Elisabeth (Bruxellon BE/FR), Ensemble mit Cover Ziegfeld folies Sängerin in Red Star Line (Studio 100, BE) und in der Rolle der Kaya in dem belgischen Musical Damiaan eine Show über Vater Damian. (Historalia BE). 

    Im Juni 2024 spielt Janis im Ensemble + Cover Ludovika/ Frau Wolf im Musical ELISABETH direkt vor Schloss Schönbrunn (Vereinigte Bühne Wien AT) und ging mit der gleichen Show und als Erstbesetzung Ludovika/Frau Wolf auf Tournee in China und Deutschland. Im November ging sie erneut auf Tournee in China mit dem Musical REBECCA als Ensemble-Cover Mrs van Hopper (Lion Entertainment DK/AT).
     

  • Aday Velasco © VBW/ Sandra Kosel

    Aday Velasco

    Maximilian

  • Aday Velasco

    Maximilian

    Aday Velasco started his training as a singer and gymnast at the age of eight. He learned various disciplines, such as artistic gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics, and decided to combine them additionally with aerial acrobatics. At the moment, Aday Velasco is continuing his education in acting and singing. He worked for Costa Cruises for four years and for about three years for Celebrity Cruises with the company Farfadais, where he was a specialty act and also held the position of Aerial Captain. In 2019, he was an acrobatic dance soloist for the VIVID - GRAND SHOW at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin.

  • Livia Wrede © VBW/ Marco Sommer

    Livia Wrede

    Marie Antoinette

  • Livia Wrede

    Marie Antoinette
  • Sophie Aigner © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Sophie Aigner

    Swing / Cover Marie Christine

  • Sophie Aigner

    Swing / Cover Marie Christine

    Sophie Aigner, born in Austria, studied at the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she completed her training in Professional Stage Dance. After graduating, Sophie worked for the American company Carnival Cruise Lines for several years and travelled the world as a dancer/singer, as well as on the European tour BEST OF MUSICAL STARNIGHTS. Sophie then lived in London, where she took part in various acting and dance projects. Most recently, she appeared on stage as Swing in TANZ DER VAMPIRE at the Palladium Theatre in Stuttgart.

  • Anna Bauer © Marco Sommer

    Anna Bauer

    Swing / Cover Marie Christine

  • Anna Bauer

    Swing / Cover Marie Christine

    Born in Styria and living in Burgenland, she received lessons in singing, music theory and piano during her school years at Wimmer Gymnasium Oberschützen. During this time, she also gained her first stage experience as Little Red Riding Hood in the musical GRIMM, performed as a singer at weddings and christenings and took part in numerous dance championships as a member of the ‘Musical & Stage Dance Company Burgenland’. It was here that she discovered her fascination for musicals. As a result, she completed her training as a musical theatre actress at the Performing Academy in Vienna, graduating in 2024. At the same time, she took part in numerous productions, including the dance ensemble of DER FEUERVOGEL / CARMINA BURANA at the Stadttheater Klagenfurt and MARÍA DE BUENOS AIRES at the Vienna Chamber Opera. ROCK ME AMADEUS marks her first appearance on the stage of the Ronacher.

  • Andrea Luca Cotti © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Andrea Luca Cotti

    Swing / Assistant Dance Captain / Cover Joseph

  • Andrea Luca Cotti

    Swing / Assistant Dance Captain / Cover Joseph

    Born in Switzerland, he completed his training as a musical theatre actor at the Joop van den Ende Academy in Hamburg in 2016. He has already appeared in the title role in MR. MARMELADE, as Mackie McPherson and Dr Watson in DER MANN, DER SHERLOCK HOLMES WAR as well as in LUCKY STIFF, GODSPELL and EDGES. He also trained in modern dance at workshops in Switzerland with Jonathan Huor. This was followed by engagements as Lucan in ARTUS - EXCALIBUR and as Joey in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, as Cover Bert and Cover Robertson Ay in MARY POPPINS and as the White Vampire on the German tour of TANZ DER VAMPIRE. As Mungojerrie and cover Rum Tum Tugger in CATS and as part of the ensemble in Disney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, he has already appeared on stage at the Ronacher several times.

  • Florian Heinke © Florian Heinke

    Florian Heinke

    Swing

  • Florian Heinke

    Swing
  • Jessica Lapp © Jessica Lapp

    Jessica Lapp

    Swing / Dance Captain

  • Jessica Lapp

    Swing / Dance Captain
  • Stefan Mosonyi © Jan Frankl / Roland Zygmunt

    Stefan Mosonyi

    Swing

  • Stefan Mosonyi

    Swing

    Born in Burgenland, he made his stage debut at the Volksoper as Friedrich von Trapp in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. This was followed by training at the Joop van den Ende Academy. He then appeared as the White Vampire and Nightmare Soli in DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES. At the VBW, he appeared in ELISABETH, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, MAMMA MIA! and I AM FROM AUSTRIA, among others. He was seen as Cagelle in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the Kammerspiele der Josefstadt. This was followed by FLASHDANCE, ROCK OF AGES and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW in Amstetten. He made his debut in WEST SIDE STORY in Nuremberg as Baby John and in Mörbisch as Snowboy. In Munich, he was engaged in DER SCHUH DES MANITU as Jeffrey/ Listiger Lurch.2022 Stefan appeared in TI AMO 4 as Klein-Toni at the Metropol, as Chantal in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the Volksoper and in GUYS & DOLLS at the Graz Opera. Most recently he was on stage in REBECCA at the Raimund Theater.

  • Kevin Reichmann © Kevin Reichmann

    Kevin Reichmann

    Swing

  • Kevin Reichmann

    Swing

    Kevin Reichmann, im Ruhrgebiet geboren und Angehöriger der Volksgruppe der Sinti, absolvierte seine Ausbildung zum Musicaldarsteller als Vollstipendiat in Hamburg. Er spielte u. a. Paul in A CHORUS LINE (Bad Hersfeld) und Chino in WEST SIDE STORY (Wuppertal). Als Cover verkörperte er Mercutio in ROMEO & JULIA (Thun) sowie Jago und Omar in DISNEYS ALADDIN (Stuttgart). In CATS (Thun) und der Welturaufführung von FACK JU GÖHTE – DAS MUSICAL (München) war er als Swing engagiert. Zudem spielte er die Titelrolle in YAKARI – FREUNDE FÜRS LEBEN und war in ICH WAR NOCH NIEMALS IN NEW YORK (Thun) zu sehen. Sein jüngstes Engagement war als Swing in ROCK OF AGES, wo er auch die Cover-Rollen von Drew Bowley und Franz Kleinmann übernahm.

  • Anna Zagler © Marco Sommer

    Anna Zagler

    Swing

  • Anna Zagler

    Swing

    Anna Zagler completed her musical theatre training at the Performing Academy in Vienna in 2021. After graduating, she was hired for the permanent ensemble of Sipario in Seestadt. At the beginning of 2022, she played the role of Lucy in DRACULA, Crystal in DER KLEINE HORRORLADEN and a soul girl in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Meanwhile, she was also seen as Maid Marian in ROBIN HOOD in a touring production. This was followed by her leading role debut in summer 2022: she played the role of Juliet in a new version of ROMEO & JULIA at Musicalsommer Winzendorf. In autumn, she then appeared as the vampire bride and cover Mina in DRACULA (Deutsches Theater München). At the beginning of 2023 she went on tour with FACK JU GÖHTE as Swing, Cover Laura, Cover Zeynep and Cover Gerster. At Easter, she was a member of the ensemble in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the Raimund Theatre. In summer 2023, she can be seen on stage in the ensemble of MAMMA MIA! at the Seefestspiele in Mörbisch.

Creative and Leading Team

 

  • Dieter Falk © Robert Eikelpoth

    Dieter Falk

    Music, orchestration, arrangements, musical supervision

  • Dieter Falk

    Music, orchestration, arrangements, musical supervision
  • Paul Falk © Jonas Scholten

    Paul Falk

    Music

  • Paul Falk

    Music
  • Jonathan Zelter © Sonnendeck Filmagentur

    Jonathan Zelter

    Lyrics

  • Jonathan Zelter

    Lyrics
  • THOMAS KAHRY © Tim Hüning

    Thomas Kahry

    Book

  • Thomas Kahry

    Book
  • Christian Struppeck © Sigrid Mayer

    Christian Struppeck

    Creative development

  • Christian Struppeck

    Creative development

    He is the inventor, co-author and co-director of the successful musical ICH WAR NOCH NIEMALS IN NEW YORK, which was created in close collaboration with Udo Jürgens (Hamburg, Berlin, Vienna, Tokyo, Munich, Zurich, Stuttgart, Linz, Salzburg, Bregenz, Oberhausen, Thun and as a cinema film adaptation) and co-author of I AM FROM AUSTRIA, the musical with hits by Rainhard Fendrich (Vienna, Osaka, Tokyo, TV broadcast). Together with the Broadway star composer and three-time Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz, he wrote the musical SCHIKANEDER, which celebrated its premiere in Vienna in a production by legendary director Sir Trevor Nunn (‘THE Musical Of The Year’ - The Stage Magazine, London). He is also the author and creative developer of the musical THE VISIT (Thun, Vienna, Tecklenburg, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) and wrote the musical comedy WEEKEND AND SUNSHINE (Stuttgart, Lucerne, among others), as well as new book versions of THE THREE FROM THE PETROL STATION (Berlin, Vienna, among others), BEAUTIFUL HELENA and FRAU LUNA. He was also the creative developer of the successful Swiss musical production DÄLLEBACH KARI (Thun, Zurich, Bern, awarded as ‘Best Swiss Musical’). He developed two musical TV concerts for the ORF series WIR SPIELEN FÜR ÖSTERREICH and also wrote the concepts for DIE GROSSE RAIMUND THEATER-ERÖFFNUNGSGALA and DAS GROSSE VBW-TV-KONZERT, which he also hosted himself. He also developed his own musical talk show, TALK TIME, which ran for 12 episodes and was broadcast on all of the VBW's social media channels and on ORF III. He is currently working on several new VBW musicals.

  • Alex Balga © Alex Balga

    Alex Balga

    Director

  • Alex Balga

    Director

    Alex Balga received his training at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna, the Dance and Singing Studio Theater an der Wien, and the Performing Arts Studios. After engagements with GREASE (Raimund Theater), JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and LES MISÉRABLES, among others, he switched to directing. Alex Balga worked as artistic director at Mehr-Entertainment and Disney's TARZAN.

    He led a workshop for DER BLAUE ENGEL on Broadway in New York and is casting director for the German premiere of the international theater hit HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD in Hamburg. He has also directed numerous major productions, including GODSPELL, CABARET, MIAMI NIGHTS (co-author), SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, FAME, LAST CHRISTMAS, THAT'S LIFE, FRANK WILDHORN & FRIENDS, HAIR (Bozen, Musical Sommer Amstetten), the world premiere of Hape Kerkeling's KEIN PARDON – DAS MUSICAL, the European premiere of MESSIAH ROCKS (Raimund Theater), VOM GEIST DER WEIHNACHT, the German-language premiere of 9 TO 5, DIRTY DANCING – LIVE ON TOUR, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Ronacher and Raimund Theater), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, the German-language premiere of ON YOUR FEET and ROCK OF AGES, GREASE, Frank Wildhorn's DRACULA (Ulm, Deutsches Theater Munich) and, in 2021, the grand opening gala of the newly renovated Raimund Theater in Vienna. Since 2019, he has been artistic director of the Musical Summer Amstetten, where he staged the German-language premiere of the Broadway hit JERSEY BOYS in the summer of 2023. This will be followed in summer 2024 by the blockbuster musical WE WILL ROCK YOU, which he also directed. In 2025, the musical AUGUSTIN, with music by Wolfgang Ambros, will celebrate its world premiere at the Musical Summer Amstetten under his direction.

  • JONATHAN HUOR © JONATHAN HUOR

    Jonathan Huor

    Choreography

  • Jonathan Huor

    Choreography
  • MORGAN LARGE © Finn Daragh

    Morgan Large

    Set & video design

  • Morgan Large

    Set & video design
  • ALEKSANDRA KICA © Volker Schmidt

    Aleksandra Kica

    Costume & make-up design

  • Aleksandra Kica

    Costume & make-up design
  • CARSTEN KÜMMEL © Loud87

    Carsten Kümmel

    Sounddesign

  • Carsten Kümmel

    Sounddesign
  • BEN CRACKNELL © Amy Ferguson

    Ben Cracknell

    Lighting design

  • Ben Cracknell

    Lighting design
  • Carsten Paap © VBW

    Carsten Paap

    Musical direction

  • Carsten Paap

    Musical direction

    Carsten Paap studied church music, school music and music education at the University of Music Lübeck, majoring in organ, trombone and choral conducting, and graduated with distinction. He encountered the musical in 1997 at CATS in the Hamburg Operettenhaus, from where he continued in 1999 in Bremen with JEKYLL& HYDE as keyboardist and assistant musical director. In the same position he changed to MOZART! in Hamburg, where TITANIC - DAS MUSICAL and DIRTY DANCING followed. At the same time he conducted SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD on the Cap San Diego as well as ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS AND RAGING QUEENS at the Schmidt Theater Hamburg and conducted the Berlin production of TANZ DER VAMPIRE. His work in Vienna includes REBECCA, MUSICAL CHRISTMAS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, SISTER ACT, THE VISIT OF THE OLD LADY, MOZART!, MARY POPPINS, EVITA, DON CAMILLO & PEPPONE, I AM FROM AUSTRIA, BODYGUARD - THE MUSICAL, MISS SAIGON and THE LADY OF NOTRE DAME as well as musical direction for DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES and CATS. He was also Musical Director for the musical productions ANNIE (2012) and INTO THE WOODS(2014), which were created in collaboration with the Lower Austrian Music School Management. In May 2013 he was responsible for the premiere of the chamber opera JOIN! by Franz Koglmann at the Wiener Festwochen, and in September 2017 for the premiere of LIEBE SOPHIE and the EA of Anna Clyne's THIS MIDNIGHT HOUR (Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra). 

Intrigue, wars, power games: the first female empress of the Habsburg monarchy 

In a world dominated by men, a young woman arises who is not willing to remain in the shadows. Maria Theresia, who has been passionately interested in political events since childhood and is ahead of her time in many ways, defies the patriarchal imperial house and develops impressive strength and great visions. She fights against all odds and is ultimately the first woman to reach the top of the state. With unwavering courage, she leads the country through turbulent times. 

 

Empress, Strategist, Mother 

As the mother of sixteen children, Maria Theresa combines family care with political acumen and strategic vision. She faced the challenges of her time with unyielding courage, confronted Frederick the Great of Prussia and defied the intrigues at court. While wars convulsed Europe, she modernised the administration and the military, revolutionised education and social policy, and remained unshakable even in times of crisis – a true pioneer with a visionary spirit.

 

Production sponsor

Maria Theresia Teaser 1280x680 © Design (mit KI-generierten Inhalten): Michael Balgavy

Design (contains AI-generated content): Michael Balgavy

Maria Theresa's moving life as a musical 

Maria Theresa – a political icon and reformer whose influence continues to shape Europe to this day. Her groundbreaking achievements extend far beyond Austria, leaving a legacy that has had a lasting impact on history. The fascinating life of a woman who rewrote the rules of the game and changed the world – coming to the Ronacher theatre as a thrilling musical in autumn!

 

Statements

  • With MARIA THERESIA, we are once again focusing on innovation and creativity to bring a great historical figure to life in a completely new way. Our latest in-house production combines modern musical theatre with opulent storytelling and shows how diverse and surprising musicals can be. Maria Theresa was a visionary – an extraordinary woman who made history in a male-dominated world with courage, foresight and determination – a role model whose influence can still be felt today. We develop stories with passion and commitment that inspire and touch our audience – tailor-made for Vienna and for everyone who loves great musical theatre.

    VBW-musical-director Christian Struppeck
  • I am delighted that we will be staging MARIA THERESIA at the Ronacher next autumn as a VBW world premiere. After the success of ROCK ME AMADEUS – THE FALCO MUSICAL, we are continuing our VBW strategy of developing attractive Austrian content for a national and global musical audience. With this piece about the eventful and historically significant life story of Maria Theresia, we are also paying homage to a highly famous Austrian personality whose life is perfect for a musical.

    VBW CEO Prof. Dr. Franz Patay
  • With MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL, Vienna is once again drawing international attention to itself as the capital of musical theatre. This world premiere impressively combines Austrian history with international and modern elements. Vienna is thus underpinning its worldwide reputation as a cultural metropolis and once again proving that innovative and contemporary projects are realised here that inspire people far beyond the borders of our country.

    City Councillor for Finance Peter Hanke
  • With MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien is creating a cultural highlight that pays tribute to the fascinating life story of an important female ruler in a unique production. I am very pleased that this project is being realised, because it combines historical depth with top-quality music and at the same time strengthens Vienna's reputation as a centre of international musical theatre.

    Dr. Kurt Gollowitzer, CEO of Wien Holding
  • The Vereinigte Bühnen Wien theatre group has taken Vienna's status as a music capital to a new level. Every evening, they show that opera and musicals can create equally impressive experiences. At Austrian Lotteries, we are extremely pleased about our cooperation with Vereinigte Bühnen Wien, which makes us the production sponsor of the new ‘Maria Theresia’ musical in 2025, which will celebrate its world premiere at the Ronacher in October 2025.

    There is also an important link between our company and the legendary empress with the introduction of the number lottery in the 18th century.

    Erwin van Lambaart, Generaldirektor Österreichische Lotterien

News

 
Pressekonferenz MARIA THERESIA - DAS MUSICAL © Stefanie J. Steindl

High-profile cast for MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL

The cast for MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL has been revealed! On 20 May, the brand new VBW musical, the creative and leading team and the main actors were presented at a press conference.

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Maria Theresia Newsartikel Bild © Design (enthält KI-generierte Inhalte): Michael Balgavy

MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL starts with record advance sales 

Just a few weeks after the start of advance ticket sales, Vereinigte Bühnen Wien has set a new ticket record for MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL. With 12,000 tickets already sold since December, the latest VBW in-house production has set a new pre-sale record for a VBW world premiere. The new musical has even just overtaken the record holder ROCK ME AMADEUS – THE FALCO MUSICAL in the advance ticket sales ranking. Due to its enormous success with the audience, the run of the Falco musical has been extended by a season and it will continue to be performed at the Ronacher until June 2025.

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We thank our sponsors

  • Main sponsor Musical Vienna

  • production sponsor Maria Theresia