DER HERZOG & ICH - Das Theatermacher-Musical von Titus Hoffmann & Christoph Zirngibl at Staatstheater Meiningen

“THE DUKE & I” – The Theatremakers Musical!
by Titus Hoffmann & Christoph Zirngibl

A world-premiere musical about a love that changed the theatre forever
Premiere 2026

With “THE DUKE & I – The Theatremakers Musical!”, a major new original German-language musical celebrates its world premiere — powerful, lavish, and deeply human. Written by musical librettist Titus Hoffmann and Emmy Award-winning film composer Christoph Zirngibl, this romantic comedy tells the extraordinary story of Ellen Franz, one of the most celebrated actresses of the 19th century, and her passionate — and scandalous — love affair with Georg II of Meiningen, the so-called “Theatre Duke.”

At its heart lies not only a forbidden romance that defies social convention, but also a revolutionary artistic awakening: from the union of these passionate theatre visionaries emerges an entirely new understanding of stagecraft, ensemble performance, and directing — innovations that continue to shape modern theatre to this day.

In celebration of the 200th birthday of Georg II, the musical will premiere in 2026 during the anniversary year at its original historical location, the Staatstheater Meiningen. Yet beyond its historical context, “THE DUKE & I – The Theatremakers Musical!” stands powerfully on its own through its emotionally gripping, surprising, and richly entertaining story. With timeless themes at its core, the musical resonates far beyond the anniversary year itself.

A Story of Love, Power, and the Transformative Force of Art

“THE DUKE & I – The Theatremakers Musical!” is a sweeping musical about great passion, the courage to pursue freedom, and the eternal search for truth and beauty — both on stage and in life. Amid courtly splendor and artistic revolution unfolds a dramatic and witty interplay of intrigue, romance, humor, and poetry, driven by a thrilling score and sharp, sparkling dialogue.

Grand Music — Grand Spectacle

A 40-piece orchestra unleashes a rich musical landscape: from heartfelt ballads and soaring ensemble numbers to exhilarating up-tempo songs. Christoph Zirngibl’s score combines cinematic grandeur with emotional depth and theatrical energy.

The production features a spectacular stage design, magnificent costumes, and a choreographic and visual language that fuses historical elegance with contemporary theatricality — brought to life by an outstanding cast of singers and actors.

“THE DUKE & I – The Theatremakers Musical!” is a tribute to the theatre itself — and to the people who risked everything for it.