"Jekyll and Hyde": The Reign of Dark Forces on the Throne
The summer of 2025 has brought a captivating revival of the musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, to the Felsenbühne Staatz in Lower Austria's Weinviertel. This open-air stage, nestled in the picturesque region, offers a solid show that has drawn notable public attention and appreciation for its high-level staging and emotional impact.
A Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Werner Auer, who originally starred as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in the venue's successful production 20 years ago, the musical features a talented ensemble. Alicia Wagner makes a strong impression as Nellie, while Anna Burger outshines as the prostitute Lucy Harris, both vocally and with her natural acting style.
Steffi Regner portrays Jekyll's fiancée Lisa, but some audience members find her performance a bit annoying. On the other hand, Reinhard Hirtl, Hannah Toriser, and Julia Mayer round out a cast that is more than impressive.
A Transformed Rock Stage
Intendant Werner Auer has transformed the rock stage into London of the late 19th century for this production. The melodies are catchy, and the sound system works perfectly, ensuring that every note resonates clearly.
Performance Details
The premiere was on July 25, 2025, and the musical runs during summer 2025 at the Felsenbühne Staatz, an open-air stage. Tickets and travel arrangements from Vienna are offered, including musical entry and bus transfer. Unfortunately, almost nothing of the fascinating natural scenery can be seen at the open-air production due to its staging.
The performance cancelled due to rain on 2.8. will be made up on 14.8. Many bravos for all involved in the production, as the musical can be seen this summer in Staatz until 16.8.
Positive Reception
The production has received praise for its high-level staging and emotional impact. The premiere attracted prominent local dignitaries and enthusiastic audiences, emphasizing the musical’s lasting popularity at this venue.
The musical's music was composed by Frank Wildhorn, with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. It is the well-known Tony Award-nominated adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella. Doris Graf-Sommer directs the choir, and Gregor Sommer leads the well-rehearsed festival orchestra at the open-air production.
Florian Fetterle embodies the science-obsessed Dr. Jekyll with verve, and when he transforms from Dr. Jekyll to Hyde, he clearly conveys this change with his voice. The open-air production of "Jekyll and Hyde" is just an hour's drive from Vienna, making it an accessible and entertaining option for musical lovers this summer.
The musical adaptation of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, being performed at the Felsenbühne Staatz, is not only offering a captivating revival of the gothic novel but also features a variety of popular forms of entertainment. The star-studded cast, led by Werner Auer, includes performances from Alicia Wagner, Anna Burger, Steffi Regner, Reinhard Hirtl, Hannah Toriser, and Julia Mayer. (movies-and-tv, entertainment, music)
In addition to the music, Intendant Werner Auer has transformed the rock stage into an immersive 19th-century London setting, accompanied by a well-rehearsed festival orchestra. The musical running at the open-air stage promises to be just an hour's drive from Vienna, making it an accessible and entertaining option for musical lovers this summer. (movies-and-tv, entertainment, music)
