Roman Polanski's TANZ DER VAMPIRE Now Plays the Ronacher

Roman Polanski's musical masterpiece TANZ DER VAMPIRE is now playing at the Ronacher.

When in 1967 Academy Award winner Roman Polanski created a parody of vampire movies with his cult film "Dance of the Vampires" ("The Fearless Vampire Killers or Pardon Me But Your Teeth Are In My Neck") it rapidly established itself as a classic. The director himself saw the film more as a fairy tale that "should be scary in a nice way". Polanski not only directed the movie but also played his first lead role in Hollywood - as the assistant Alfred. At his side was Sharon Tate, who later became his wife, as the beautiful Sarah.

Twenty years later the idea was born in Vienna to make a musical version of the hit film with Polanski himself directing the world premiere - since "on no account should the musical be a copy of the film". Michael Kunze, the foremost German-language lyricist, was entrusted with translating the film's pictorial language into scenes, songs and choruses. The music was written by Jim Steinman, a true rock great, who succeeded in evoking the film's own unique atmosphere and character in musical form.

The set was designed by Academy Award winner William Dudley, the costumes by Sue Blane, while Dennis Callahan was responsible for the choreography.

After ten years of development, DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES premiered on 4th October 1997 at the Raimund Theater to great acclaim. The perfect blend of stirring rock ballads, outstanding comedy, brilliant dance scenes and lavish sets was received with tremendous enthusiasm by the audience. The role of Count von Krolock was created by the unforgettable Steve Barton, who died in 2001. Cornelia Zenz played Sarah, Aris Sas Alfred and Gernot Kranner - as he does in 2009 - Professor Abronsius.

The Viennese were "thirsty for blood" - and nothing could now halt the vampires' triumphant conquest of the world.

For tickets and more information, click here.