The musical theatre stars Maya Hakvoort and Mark Seibert will sing the roles of Elisabeth and Death in a large-scale concert performance of ELISABETH at Schönbrunn Palace. Maya Hakvoort has played the Empress Elisabeth over a thousand times in many different productions of the hit musical all over the world, but this will be her first time performing the role at the original historical location. Mark Seibert has played Death at the Raimund Theater, on a major tour of Germany and in the German-language visiting production in China, as well as in last year’s concerts in the palace forecourt.

The Vereinigte Bühnen Wien invited to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs

In honour of the 150th anniversary of relations between Austria and Japan, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs welcomed as guests the Japanese ambassador His Excellency Kiyoshi Koinuma and Austrian businesses with close ties to Japan. As an important business and tourism partner to Japan, the VBW was invited to attend the celebrations, along with Vienna Airport and the Austrian Post.

We talked to the original director, Sir Trevor Nunn, about the world premiere and the world wide success of CATS.

The Vereinigten Bühnen Wien will present the world-famous show in a new version of the original production at the Ronacher from the autumn with its première in September 2019.

A worldwide phenomenon

CATS triumphantly swept the world straight after its première in London, revolutionising the musical world.  The legendary play has been recognised by all the major theatre awards, including seven Tony® Awards, one for "Best Musical", as well as three "Olivier Awards", three "Drama Desk Awards", one "Evening Standard Award" and many more.

More than 73 million visitors - and the success story continues

Worldwide, over 73 million people in 30 countries and 16 languages have seen this extraordinary musical. The German-language première ran continuously for seven years in Vienna. And there's no end to the success: just recently, a new CATS production in London and New York thrilled the audience. 

Dance, magic, mysticism and Grammy-awarded music

Breathtaking dance, legendary costumes, a magical stage design, Grammy-awarded, electrifying music and the moving world hit "Memory", which has meanwhile been sung by more than 150 world-famous artists (including Barbra Streisand and Céline Dion), make CATS an unforgettable experience. A magical theatre evening for the whole family.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, the Ronacher opened its doors with for the We Are Musical: Musicalfest and cordially invited to a very exclusive afternoon in the theater. On this day an exciting entertainment program with many special attractions was offered.

The VBW’s internationally successful production ELISABETH, penned by the crack team of Michael Kunze & Sylvester Levay, will be performed on 5 and 6 July 2019 as an exceptional concert experience in the grand forecourt of Schönbrunn Palace.

The famous historical setting provides a unique and dignified backdrop for the concert version of the musical, which tells the dramatic and moving story of the life, loves and tribulations of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. With first class soloists and a top ensemble, accompanied by the full VBW Orchestra, the audience can look forward to one of the event highlights of 2019. This is the first time a concert version of the most successful German-language musical of all time has been staged at the original location. The cast will be announced later this year, advance booking opens on 12 October 2018.

BODYGUARD - The Musical will celebrate its Austrian premiere at the 27 September 2018 at the Ronacher.

Andreas Kammerzelt (appearances include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and LUTHER) is PR agent "Sy Spector". The "Stalker" will be played by Maximilian Ortner.

BODYGUARD - The Musical will celebrate its Austrian premiere at the 27 September 2018 at the Ronacher.

Rachel’s sister "Nicki Marron" is Ana Milva Gomes, who has appeared on various TV shows (including “Dancing Stars”) as well as in musicals at the Raimund Theater and the Ronacher (MOZART!, MAMMA MIA!, SISTER ACT, and many others). Rachel’s manager "Bill Devaney" will be played by the actor Martin Muliar, in his second leading role in a VBW musical after MAMMA MIA!