Maria Theresia - Historical Musical at the Ronacher

What's it about?

The new musical at the Ronacher shows Maria Theresia's path to the top: power, intrigue, and reforms in a modern production. Music by Dieter and Paul Falk, starting autumn 2025 in Vienna. - After the overwhelming success of ROCK ME AMADEUS – DAS FALCO MUSICAL, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien, a company of Wien Holding, presents another highlight in the coming season: Musical Director Christian Struppeck and his creative team will bring a brand new VBW in-house production, MARIA THERESIA – DAS MUSICAL, to the stage of the Ronacher in October 2025. 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 StoryThe opulent musical combines monumental drama with modern sound, pulsating beats with haunting lyrics. Timeless history meets contemporary staging, creating a captivating stage experience full of energy and surprises. With this spectacular production, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien makes a powerful statement and erects a monument to the legendary ruler – young, dynamic, and absolutely unique.Intrigue, Wars, Power Games: The First Female Ruler of the Habsburg MonarchyIn a world dominated by men, a young woman rises who is not willing to remain in the shadows. Maria Theresia, who from childhood was keenly interested in political events and in many ways ahead of her time, defies the patriarchal imperial house and develops impressive strength and great visions. She fights against all odds and finally becomes the first woman to lead the state. With unwavering courage, she guides the country through turbulent times.Ruler, Strategist, MotherAs a mother of sixteen children, Maria Theresia combines family care with political acumen and strategic foresight. Unyielding and courageous, she faces the challenges of her time, confronts Frederick the Great of Prussia, and defies 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 pioneer with a visionary spirit.Maria Theresia's Moving Life as a MusicalMaria Theresia – a political icon and reformer whose influence still shapes Europe today. 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 and changed the world – starting this autumn as a gripping musical on the stage of the Ronacher!First-Class, International Creative TeamFor the world premiere of MARIA THERESIA – DAS MUSICAL, the VBW has assembled a first-class creative team: The music is written by 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), who 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, among others). The lyrics are by lyricist Jonathan Zelter (writes for Michelle, Tim Peters, Roland Kaiser, Peggy March, among others – multiple top-ten placements in album charts, gold and platinum awards). The book is by Austrian author Thomas Kahry (SPATZ UND ENGEL (Burgtheater + international), HOUDINI, AUGUSTIN, HOLLYWOOD IN VIENNA, RAIMUND-THEATER-GALA, and many more). Creative development is led 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).For the direction