Deutsches Theater München. Photo: Robert Goetzfried
STELLAR PERFORMANCES IN THE HEART OF MUNICH As the largest cultural venue in the Bavarian capital after the State Opera, boasting around 1,500 seats, the theatre looks back on a history spanning more than 125 years. Originally founded as a counterpart to Berlin’s theatre of the same name, it soon shifted from dramatic spoken theatre to high-level entertainment in Munich. And with great success! Operettas, shows and revues drew in the crowds. In 1961, the German premiere of Leonard Bernstein's legendary West Side Story laid the foundation for the Deutsches Theater as the most important musical theatre in Southern Germany. Year after year, the theatre hosts countless international top productions from Broadway and London's West End. In 2024, guests can look forward to crowd pleasers such as Mamma Mia, Sister Act, and SIX. But the Deutsches Theater also regularly ventures into new territory. For instance, in April, the 30
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February 2024
musical The Magic Flute will have its world premiere here. After a few years' hiatus, the Operetta Summer revives an old tradition, adding pieces like Frau Luna, The Cárdásfürstin, and Land des Lächelns for even more variety in the schedule. But it's not just musical theatre fans who are catered for in the wonderful ambience of the tradition-rich theatre, which was modernised ten years ago and is known for its excellent acoustics. High-quality dance shows such as The Great Gatsby and Frida Kahlo by renowned choreographer Enrique Gasa Valga are on this year's agenda, along with a show by the Chinese National Circus and the farewell concert of the legendary Mireille Mathieu. In addition to the main theatre, the Deutsches Theater also has the Silbersaal, a second and unique cultural stage. This baroque gem, mi-
raculously spared from destruction in World War II and now shining in new splendour after renovation, accommodates up to 200 people and provides a wonderful setting for a variety of formats – including anything from world music and classical concerts to readings, smaller musical and theatre productions. Anyone who fancies a little escape from everyday life through entertainment will surely find something at the Deutsches Theater – and all just a five-minute walk from the central station or Stachus. www.deutsches-theater.de/en
Theatre hall. Photo: Robert Goetzfried
TEXT: DEUTSCHES THEATER MÜNCHEN / MARILENA STRACKE
Just a short, five-minute stroll from Munich's central station or Stachus unveils a world of artistic brilliance and fascinating history at the Deutsches Theater.