Review: MARIA THERESIA at Ronacher

THIS IS IT! And now it's open, MARIA THERESIA THE MUSICAL, VBW's latest in-house production, a story about one of Austria's and, as well, Europe's most influential women in history, opened at the Ronacher Theater in the heart of Vienna. We gained a glimpse of what to expect during the press call, but nothing had prepared us for what we witnessed. 
Theatre and, of course, Musicals should be filled with wild ideas, with creatives who are willing to take risks and accept the possibility of failure. Vienna has a tradition of historical drama. When ELISABETH first opened back in 1992, it was shocking and sensational at the same time. Presenting Austrias Empress in such a dark and unglamorous light was more than risky, but decades later, the Show still amazes people all around the world and marks the beginning of a legacy.

M.T. isn't the next ELISABETH. Of course there are similarities in the narrative; both ELISABETH and MARIA-THERESIA have been revolting children, just to name one, but by no means, comparable.

M.T.s not throwing away her SHOT!

Of course, it is another story about a famous Habsburg family Member, and it is (what else) packed with drama, love, and female power. Maria-Theresia was not only the first woman to claim the throne, she and her brave decision and reforms were ahead of her time. The Show with music (not so much ahead of our time) written by Dieter and Paul Falk (father and son) is serving a mixed plate from the catalog, with Rap, Hip-Hop, R'n' B, and musical-like rhythms, loads of "familiar" melodies, and one sort of catchy tune, which sadly you have to wait until the second act (WE ARE ALL M.T. performed by the powerful Leading Ladies NIENKE LATTEN, Annemieke van Dam, ANNEMARIE LAURETTA) Jonathan Huor's choreography, spiced up with elements of Parcour to symbolize M.T.'s ability to overcome barriers, is precisely what we expected from him, pure dance energy. Together with Morgan Large's Set Design, it is truly impressive, something we can't say about the lyrics (Jonathan Zelter).

Nienke Latten, starring in the title role, presents a modern woman, the working mum, managing her situation along with her 16 children. Exceptional, and so much better than expected, Latten stepped up and handled the Opening Night pressure superbly, nothing could stop them, even not a show stop in Act One. 

Back in his former "Livingroom" is Moritz Mausser as M.T.'s Nemesis, Friedrich of Prussia. From playing Hans Hölzl/FALCO in ROCK ME AMADEUS to the Villain is such a challenge. However, Mausser, still at the beginning of his career, is giving an evilly brilliant performance, bringing the house down early in Act One with Dass ich liebe, hasse ich. ( I hate that I love) He and his performance is something you definitely can't miss. 
Opposite, the so-called good guy, Franz-Stephan of Lorraine, M.T.'s good-looking but not as cool as he thinks, Husband, is a weak link for the Monarchy. Fabio Diso is bringing every aspect needed for the character, the charming prince with a darker side.

M.T. is handling everything, even her damaged marriage. She has overcome some of the darkest times and has been a mother not only to her children but also to her empire. Underestimated by many, M.T. can be seen as a role model, a strong and visionary leader.
MARIA THERESIA is opulent, but beware, it is very loosely based on historical facts, so don't skip school to learn something about Austrian history. Apart from that, it's entertaining. M.T. might never outrun our beloved Empress #1, ELISABETH, but thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda's Gamechanger HAMILTON, the VBW followed the spirit, took the risk, and didn't fail to impress.

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