Current Events
Spring
2026
Maria Theresia - The Musical
World premiere on October 10, 2025: The life of Maria Theresa, one of the most influential monarchs of the 18th century, presented in the form of a lavish musical on the stage of the Ronacher.
Maria Theresa – The Musical tells the fascinating story of the legendary Habsburg ruler. It paints a vivid portrait of a woman with a strong character who redefined the rules of the game of power and helped shape the world through her reign.
The musical combines drama, modern sounds and haunting lyrics. History from the 18th century meets contemporary staging. Maria Theresa – The Musical is a stage experience packed with energy and surprises that pays tribute to the legendary ruler.
First female regent of the Habsburg Monarchy
In a world dominated by men, a young woman rises up who is not content to remain in the shadows. Maria Theresa, who took a keen interest in political events from an early age and was ahead of her time in many ways, defied the patriarchal imperial family and developed impressive strength and grand visions. She fought against adversity and eventually became the first woman to lead the nation, which she guided through turbulent times.
Ruler, strategist, mother
As the mother of sixteen children, Maria Theresa combined caring for her family with political acumen and strategic vision. She had to face the challenges of her time, confronted Frederick the Great of Prussia and defied court intrigues. While wars raged in Europe, she modernized the Empire’s administration and military and revolutionized education and social policy. With all the light and dark sides of her character, she became a trailblazer with a visionary spirit whose influence helped shape Europe.
Cast
The monarch is played by Dutch musical star Nienke Latten (Rebecca, Frozen), while her husband Franz Stephan von Lothringen is played by Bavarian-born Fabio Diso. Viennese Moritz Mausser is Maria Theresa's adversary Frederick II of Prussia. The young musical performer enjoyed great success in his leading role in Rock me Amadeus - The Falco Musical, which premiered here at the Ronacher in October 2023 and ensured a full house until the summer.
Audience favorite Annemieke van Dam (Elisabeth, Rebecca) can be seen as Madame Fuchs. Annemarie Lauretta is eager to portray the role of Empress Elisabeth Christine as a rock icon. Dominik Hees from Cologne fills a double role as Emperor Charles VI and Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff. The actor and musical performer Andreas Wolfram is on stage as Chancellor Bartenstein.
The orchestra of the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien plays all performances live, conducted by Carsten Paap. The book for Maria Theresa - The Musical was written by Thomas Kahry, who celebrated his breakthrough as an author at Vienna's Burgtheater with Spatz und Engel. The father-son team Dieter and Paul Falk are responsible for the music, while the lyrics are by Jonathan Zelter. The production is directed by Alex Balga - he announces a big wow effect in the production:
“The world will shatter over Maria Theresa.”
Tips for Habsburg fans
Explore the Vienna of the Habsburg era: visit Vienna’s imperial attractions or take a walk in the footsteps of the Habsburgs. The highlight: Maria Theresa was laid to rest in the Capuchins’ Crypt (guided tours available!) in a magnificent double sarcophagus next to her husband, Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine.
Maria Theresia - The Musical
Ab 10.10.2025
www.musicalvienna.at
Ronacher
www.musicalvienna.at
+43-1-588 85 (Kartenreservierung bei Wien-Ticket)
kundenservice@wien-ticket.at
