Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein Unveils New Musical 'Rudolf - The Last Kiss' Ahead of 2026 German Premiere
The Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein in Füssen has officially announced the upcoming German premiere of the musical Rudolf - The Last Kiss, with its debut scheduled for May 7, 2026. This adaptation is based on the original acclaimed work by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy, initially staged by the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien. The production will present the German audience with a fresh interpretation of the historical narrative surrounding Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and Mary Vetsera.
The musical delves into the final years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, focusing on the complex relationship between Crown Prince Rudolf and his father, Emperor Franz Joseph, as well as the prince's forbidden romance with Mary Vetsera. Through a blend of evocative music and dynamic stage direction, the story highlights themes of personal freedom, societal restriction, and political turmoil. The production aims to transport viewers to a period marked by both imperial grandeur and deep personal struggle.
Regisseur Alex Balga, who is leading this new adaptation, emphasizes a modern approach to the staging, aiming to create a suspenseful, emotionally charged theatrical experience. The performance will be characterized by visually impactful scenes and energetic choreography, enhancing the storytelling and immersing the audience in the unfolding drama. The central conflict between Crown Prince Rudolf and his father forms the emotional core of the narrative, while the tragic romance with Mary Vetsera propels the story toward its inevitable conclusion.
For the lead roles, the production has secured accomplished performers. Oedo Kuipers, a prominent Dutch musical theatre actor, will portray Crown Prince Rudolf. Kuipers is well-known for his performances in major European productions such as Les Misérables and Mozart! - The Musical. Playing opposite him, Katia Bischoff will take on the role of Mary Vetsera. Bischoff, a talented soprano and actress, was recently honored with the German Musical Theater Award for Best Leading Actress, reflecting her versatility and emotional depth on stage.
Composer Frank Wildhorn, renowned for his international successes including Jekyll & Hyde and Bonnie & Clyde, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the musical to the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein. Wildhorn, alongside musical collaborator Koen Schoots and director Alex Balga, is committed to creating a refreshed version of the show for German audiences. This new staging will feature revised musical arrangements, new songs, and innovative creative elements, offering both familiarity and novelty to theatergoers.
With this premiere, the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein reinforces its reputation as a leading venue for high-caliber musical theater. The theater's management regards this collaboration with the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien as a significant milestone, demonstrating a continued commitment to artistic excellence and innovation in German-speaking musical theater.
Since its original German-language debut in Vienna in 2009, Rudolf - The Last Kiss has been staged in countries including Japan, Hungary, and South Korea. The upcoming German premiere marks the first time this musical will be performed for audiences in Germany, offering a new perspective on an enduring historical tale. The production seeks to captivate audiences with its fusion of history, passion, and emotion, providing a theatrical experience that explores the enduring themes of longing, political pressure, and the pursuit of personal freedom.