Maya Hakvoort News

What did our critic think of ELISABETH IN CONCERT at Schönbrunn Castle? The dramatically touching story about Austria's famous Empress Elisabeth is back for a three-night Open Air Concert in Schönbrunn's grand forecourt.

Ready for a new year full of splendid shows and numerous Opening Nights. Here is my short list of some of this year's recommendable shows you can't miss.

What did our critic think of THE GRAND SHOW at QUERRY ST.MARGARETHEN?

After last year's success, the star-studded Musical concert is back in the picturesque quarry.

ELISABETH, VBW's most successful show, is back for a three-night-only Concert at Vienna's stunning Schönbrunn Castle, starting performances on July 30. This year's Empress will be Maya Hakvoort, who has played ELISABETH in Vienna and worldwide. She boosted her career back in the days when she stepped into the role at the famous Theater an der Wien. To shorten the waiting, the VBW released a video with Hakvoort and the excellent VBW Musical Orchestra, conducted by the show's composer Silvester Levay singing the show's Hit Song 'Ich gehör nur mir.' It's been too long since we got the chance to enjoy the dramatic story in the breathtaking scenery, but now one of the most significant summer events is just around the corner, and we are more than interested to see this year's Concert Cast on stage.

What did our critic think of ELISABETH IN CONCERT at SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE? After the massive success in 2019, ELISABETH, the Musical about Austria's famous empress, is back at Schönbrunn Palace for a three-night-only run. You might never witness a concert in such a unique location perfect for one if not the most successful Austrian musical, written by Michael Kunze (book and lyrics) and Silvester Levay (music). The concert feels like a celebration of the show's unbroken success. Since opening night in 1992, ELISABETH has become a global phenomenon. More than twelve million people have seen the story about Elisabeth's tragic life and death. A Musical National treasure, history Made In Austria.

Heading into the 2022 theatre season, Austria has a wealth of productions that deserve your attention. In this feature, I break down some of the shows that I will definitely be getting tickets to see. From Saigon to Rydell High, a ton of shows to choose from, so go out there and get your tickets before they're gone!

The Raimund Theater is open again, more beautiful than ever before. After almost 2 years of refurbishment, the house is ready to welcome back its audience. There might be no better way to open a house with a splendid gala. A journey through the theatre's history from operetta to the golden area of musicals with familiar faces on stage. VBW's very own artistic director, Christian Struppeck, the Master of the house together with Musical Diva Ana Milva Gomes acted as the hosts of the gala. The stage has been home to many great actors from past and present. Many shows have been developed in the house in Viennas 6th district, some of them went down as the greatest musicals in Austrian musical history. Being part of the Reopening from such a historical and magical place is like a once-in-a-lifetime event. Celebrities together with musical theatre lovers followed Struppeck's invitation to the Grand Reopening.

The answer is yes but not a song of an angry voice, it's full of joy and happiness. St. Margarethen, usually home for huge summer Opera Open Air productions, welcomed a Musical Star Ensemble for a Best Of Concert. St. Margarethen's quarry is located close to the famous Neusiedler See, the largest endorheic sea in central Europe, everything you need for a perfect day/night out.

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The Virus we all have been talking about for quite some time is still with us but nevertheless, our country and everything we missed so dear is coming back. Enough with all those cancellations and postponed opening dates, we are more than ready ( and mostly vaccinated) to get entertained.

Due to the huge success, the FLOATING CONCERTS are coming back later this summer. A truly remarkable idea, floating on the beautiful Alte Donau, with fine music and great artists. Vienna at its best.

On June 25th and 26th Anet­ta Szabo, Ant­je Koh­ler, Tan­ja Petra­sek, Ste­fan Blei­ber­schnig, and Mar­tin Pasching also known as CulinarICAL ALLSTARS are filling the stage of the VINDOBONA with Musical Meldodies.

After numerous streaming events, here is one we have all been waiting for since Covid-19 closed all our theatres.

2020 wasn't what we expected it to be but let`s walk on full of hope and faith, 2021 should be a much better one. August 2021 might sound as far away as the emerald city but hey, at least we have something to get excited about. St. Margarethens Quarry, one of Europe`s imposing open-air arenas is hosting a musical concert spectacle. On the 10th of August, the likes of Ana Milva Gomes, Maya Hakvoort, Marjan Shaki, Missy May, Tertia Botha, Mark Seibert, Lukas Perman, Yngve-Gasoy Romdal, and Jan Ammann are going to set the stage on fire. Star Designer Niko Niko promised some extravagant costumes for this summer night spectacle. 2020 you have been like a miserable cast recording, 2021 sounds auspicious, let's bring it on! The quarry is always worth a trip and with this star-picked Cast it should definitely be on your 2021 bucket list. If you are still looking for a christmas present, grab some tickets and take a trip to St. Margarethen.

A splendid Gala in uncertain times like these, a rare gift. Wolfgang Ebner, the new owner of the culinary Variety Theater and Event Location, formally known as DAS VINDOBONA! The house in Vienna´s 20th District has been a part of Austria's entertainment and cabaret scene since the early '90s. From 2009 the owners of the famous Kabarett Simpl owned the Vindobona for some of their productions. Earlier this year, Wolfgang Ebner made the tough decision to buy the house, refurbish it and transform it into a top-class entertainment and dinner location. The Vindobona is like New York´s Don't Tell Mama, a bar, a restaurant, and a cabaret-like theatre. Ebner is exactly what the theater needs these days. A small chance of success, uncertain times ahead, many would say no and step away from a project like this but not Ebner. Crazy and brave enough to open the house with a varicolored program on the menu. From Dinner shows to Concerts, to Burlesque and Drag shows, magic nights, and many more, something for everyone's taste. Opening Nights are always special, the air is filled with a magical atmosphere, expectations are on a high amount. Since the Big C hit our world and took the theatre from us for quite a long time, we are even more thankful for some live entertainment. Back in the auditorium is like walking into the room at Christmas and facing the illuminated Christmas tree for the very first time. It's theatre, a live performance but of course with some restrictions.

We are in the middle of something, no one ever dreamed about. Theatres, Cafes, Restaurants, all closed, our social life swapped into the world of digital communications. But even in the darkest times, there is always a light. Musical Actors have done amazing things, like Rory Six and his Living Room Concerts. (If you enjoyed his concerts, click here to find out more about his upcoming plans and his crowdfunding project)

There's just one final week to submit votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Germany Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!