Description of the attraction
The Vienna Theater is one of the oldest theaters in the Austrian capital, founded in 1801 by theatrical impresario Emmanuel Schikaneder. The building was designed by the architect Franz Jager in the Empire style. The theater has been described as "the most equipped and one of the largest theaters of its time."
The theater became especially popular during the heyday of the Viennese operetta. From 1945 to 1955, it was one of the temporary shelters of the Vienna State Opera, whose buildings were destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. In 1955, the theater was closed for security reasons. It was not used in any way for several years, and in the early 1960s there were threats that it would be converted into garages. Fortunately, the theater was opened in 1962 and found a new and successful role for itself as a venue for contemporary musical theater. Many English and German musicals have been shown in the theater.
In 1992, the theater premiered the musical Elisabeth (about the wife of Franz Joseph I, also known as Sisi). And the musical "Cats" by director and choreographer Gillian Lynn successfully existed in the theater for seven years.
Despite its emphasis on operettas and musicals, the theater still serves as a venue for opera performances, especially during the festival season. In 2006, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart, the theater presented a number of major operas by this great composer. This marked the beginning of its transformation into an opera house under the direction of Roland Geyer.
Throughout its long history, the theater has witnessed many outstanding premieres, such as: "Fidelio" by Beethoven, "The Bat" by young Johann Strauss, "Count Luxembourg" by composer Franz Lehar.
Currently, the Vienna Theater collaborates with other well-known opera houses: in Washington, Madrid, Amsterdam, in Dresden.
