In March 2024, the Raimund Theater in Vienna celebrated a spectacular premiere: Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s « The Phantom of the Opera » thrilled the audience with a mixture of breathtaking special effects, touching music and a gripping production.

This masterpiece will return to the stage on September 6, 2024 and promises another unforgettable experience for all musical fans. This production, which has already sold out houses in the UK, USA and Australia, sets new standards and builds on the legendary success story of the original.

A timeless masterpiece with new radiance

« The Phantom of the Opera », based on the novel « Le Fantôme de L’Opéra » by Gaston Leroux, is one of the most famous and successful musicals of all time. Since its premiere in London’s West End in 1986, the piece has captivated over 160 million viewers worldwide. The gripping story of the disfigured Phantom, who lives in the catacombs of the Paris Opera and harbors his undying love for the young soprano Christine Daaé, has lost none of its fascination.

The new production at Vienna’s Raimund Theater is based on a mixture of tradition and innovation. While the well-known plot and the unforgettable melodies by Andrew Lloyd Webber are retained, the direction by Laurence Connor brings a fresh perspective to the piece. Cameron Mackintosh, the producer behind this and numerous other successful musical productions, has managed to let the time-honored piece shine in a new light. The use of the latest stage technology is particularly impressive, which, among other things, brings the legendary chandeliers to life in a spectacular scene.

A convincing cast

A first-class cast was hired for the Viennese performances, who embody the characters with great talent and passion. Anton Zetterholm, who has already shone in numerous musical productions such as « Elisabeth » and « Dance of the Vampires », takes on the demanding role of the Phantom. With his powerful voice and his intense acting, he brings the tragic figure of the disfigured musical genius impressively to the stage.

The role of Christine Daaé is played by Lisanne Clémence Veeneman, who is making her Vienna debut. Her portrayal of the young, innocent soprano, who is torn between her love for the Phantom and her childhood friend Raoul, captivates the audience from the first minute. Roy Goldman, known from « Miss Saigon » and « The Hunchback of Notre Dame », shines as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, and brings the necessary mixture of courage and desperation to the role.

The supporting roles are also excellently cast: Milica Jovanović as opera diva Carlotta Giudicelli, Patricia Nessy as the mysterious Madame Giry and Greg Castiglioni as Ubaldo Piangi, who has already appeared in numerous international productions of “The Phantom”, round out the ensemble. Each actor brings his own touch to the production and thus contributes to the overall harmony of the piece.

The production of the superlative

The new Viennese production of « The Phantom of the Opera » impressed not only with its cast, but also with its elaborate design. The stage design by Paul Brown, the lighting design by Paule Constable and the costumes by Maria Björnson, which have already won a Tony Award®, create an atmosphere that immediately transports the audience into the mystical world of the Paris Opera. The choreography by Scott Ambler and the sound design by Mick Potter ensure that the quiet, romantic scenes as well as the dramatic climaxes are perfectly presented.

The musical direction is in the hands of the VBW Orchestra, which interprets the demanding compositions of Andrew Lloyd Webber with a large ensemble. The world-famous songs such as « The Music of the Night », « Think of Me » and « The Phantom of the Opera » in particular are given a special intensity by the live performance, which never fails to captivate the audience.

A piece of theatre history returns

« The Phantom of the Opera » is more than just a musical – it is a piece of theater history that has thrilled people all over the world for almost four decades. The new Vienna production adds another chapter to this story and shows that the Phantom has lost none of its fascination in the 21st century. They are all packed with music, are handheld and have special effects on the fabric, and this is the introduction of absolute music.

With this production, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien have once again proven that they are one of the leading musical theaters in Europe. With the combination of international stars, elaborate stage art and the incomparable music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, « The Phantom of the Opera » in the Raimund Theater offers an experience that you will not soon forget.