MT Header © Design (enthält KI-generierte Inhalte): Michael Balgavy Tickets

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

creative and leading team

Music, Orchestration, Arrangements: Dieter Falk
Music: Paul Falk
Lyrics: Jonathan Zelter
Book: Thomas Kahry
Creative Development: Christian Struppeck

Director: Alex Balga
Choreography: Jonathan Huor
Set and Video Design: Morgan Large
Costume Design: Aleksandra Kica
Lighting Design: Ben Cracknell
Sound Design: Carsten Kümmel

 

The orchestra of the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien will play with a large ensemble, under the musical direction of Carsten Paap.

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

Design (contains AI-generated content): Michael Balgavy

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

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.

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

We thank our sponsors

  • Main sponsor Musical Vienna

  • production sponsor Maria Theresia