Actor

Johann Strauss worked on a ballet based on the well-known fairy tale of Cinderella at the end of his life. Only a fragment of the piece survived. Axel Ranisch and Martina Eisenreich have created their own work inspired by this: In Vienna, 1899, Strauss is working on his ballet, but who is the mysterious librettist? And what does Ida Grünwald have to do with the project, when she is supposed to be merely typing the libretto? The story behind the creation of the Johann Strauss ballet, its storyline, and an unusual Cinderella narrative set in our present day – this fairy tale opera blends timelines and explores themes of self-discovery, emancipation, creativity, and the power of imagination.

Vienna, 1899: Johann Strauss is working on a new ballet. A competition is held to find a suitable libretto, but only one truly sparks the composer’s imagination...

The Cinderella Ballet: The talented seamstress Grete works in her stepmother’s fashion salon. Grete dreams of designing her own clothing, but her stepsisters, Yvette and Fanchon, mock her relentlessly. When the painter Leon enters the salon, everything changes.

Cinderella's Dream

Volksoper Wien

It’s a true cult performance: My Fair Lady explores the power of language, and the power struggle between men and women. Since 1979, the musical has been captivating audiences at the Volksoper. Phonetics professor Dr. Higgins transforms the flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a lady of high society through rigorous language training. However, does Higgins not only manipulate Eliza’s language, but her feelings as well?

Ruth Brauer-Kvam takes a new look at a beloved production with a fantastic ensemble, blowing away the dust that has accumulated over the years and allowing My Fair Lady to shine once again in its old-new brilliance!

My Fair Lady

Just as William Shakespeares’ Romeo and Juliet are born into rival families, Maria and Tony are linked to rival gangs. Tony is a Jet, a gang of white American youths led by his best friend Riff. Maria’s brother Bernardo is the leader of the Sharks, a gang of Puerto Rican immigrants. Maria and Tony fall in love, the gangs fight, Tony happens to kill Maria’s brother. Maria, who still loves Tony, agrees to elope with him. But Tony receives a fake message saying that Maria is dead ...

West Side Story

In an orphanage on a rocky shore at the edge of the sea, Oona and her best friend Toby hope to be chosen every week by the visiting moms and dads. One night, the ghost of Grace O'Malley, once a notorious pirate captain, appears, the terror of the sea. Grace thinks Oona is being far too reserved. She must choose her own path and get out of the orphanage! That same night, Toby is taken by none other than the Queen - who is rumored to turn children into rabbits. Oona makes a decision. Together with Grace, she jumps on a pirate ship and sails after the Queen. Oona turns out to be a born pirate captain. They will get Toby back, but how?

Actor

Lionel von Lawrence

Events

Upcoming events

Sep 27, 2025 - Jun 20, 2026

West Side Story · Volksoper Wien

Nov 29, 2025 - Feb 8, 2026

Cinderella's Dream · Volksoper Wien

Past events

Nov 29, 2025 - Feb 8, 2026

Cinderella's Dream · Volksoper Wien

Oct 10, 2025

My Fair Lady · Volksoper Wien

Future and recently performed repertoire

Bernardo in West Side Story by Bernstein

Volksoper Wien

Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady by Loewe

Volksoper Wien

Danny Robinson, footballer in Cinderella's Dream by Eisenreich

Volksoper Wien

About

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