Elisabeth

Since its premiere in Vienna in 1992, ELISABETH - The Musical by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay has become the most popular and successful German-language musical in the world. The dramatic and touching story of the life, work and suffering of the Austrian Empress has been seen by over twelve million people in 14 countries! 

In recent years, the spectacular new open-air production of ELISABETH in the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace has enchanted over 100,000 visitors. Now, for the first time, this version can be seen as a major theatre production on selected stages in Germany. In this stirring semi-staged performance of the worldwide success by Vereinigte Bühnen Wien, the audience is transported into a world full of emotion, intrigue and passion. The large orchestra is placed in the centre of the stage and, together with the star-studded principal roles, puts the focus even more firmly on the performers.

Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay have turned this extraordinary life story into a multi-layered and emotional musical experience that seeks to fathom Sisi's motives and recount her journey up to her assassination by the Italian anarchist Luigi Lucheni on Lake Geneva in 1898. Both have drawn on numerous historical models and sources. The result is a stirring play about fame and power, love and loss, beauty, jealousy and murder. Far from the maudlin charm of the old films, the result is vivid, fascinating and a little dark. But also grotesque and funny, sentimental and tender at times. The range of emotions is reflected in Sylvester Levay's music: whether goose-pimple ballads like 'Ich gehör' nur mir' or fast, rocky numbers like 'So wie man denkt...' - the catchy melodies just won't let go of the audience.