Cagliostro, Johann Strauss in the Circus Tent

Cagliostro - Johann Strauss im Zirkuszelt

A musical circus spectacle at the Circus-Theater Roncalli

To mark the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss's birth, an extraordinary world premiere will be held: Cagliostro – Johann Strauss in the Big Top is an opulent musical spectacle full of fantasy, music, and acrobatics – to be experienced live in the magnificent tent palace of the famous Circus-Theater Roncalli, which is coming to Vienna especially for this event.

Music by Johann Strauss, Book by Thomas Brezina

Based on motifs from the operetta Cagliostro in Vienna, successful author Thomas Brezina has written a gripping circus musical for the whole family. Newly arranged by composer Johnny Bertl, the beloved melodies of Johann Strauss unfold a whole new effect – somewhere between pop, theater, and the circus world.

Magic, Music, and the Circus Ring

Sensation! A famous visitor is eagerly awaited at Madame Sophie's circus: Cagliostro, said to be the greatest magician and mysterious granter of all wishes, is to perform in the ring – accompanied by Laurenza, the hottest star in the music world. Excitement is immense. The eagerly awaited audience arrives in droves. Only Severin, Madame Sophie's son, doesn't share the enthusiasm: He hopes to take over the circus and lead it into the future with his newly developed acrobatic acts. But his mother doubts his chances of success and decides to sell the family business. Severin's childhood friend Emilia offers him her help. As a wealthy heiress, she could buy the circus for Severin. But then Cagliostro arrives. Everyone is fascinated by the miracle man, and even Emilia can't escape his spell. What will happen to the circus?

Circus meets great voices – an experience for the whole family

In the dreamlike setting of the Circus-Theater Roncalli – founded by director Bernhard Paul – on Vienna's Heumarkt, a magical place is created where illusion and music merge into a truly special stage experience. Breathtaking acrobatics by original Roncalli artists, imaginative costumes, and the immortal music of Johann Strauss combine to create a unique show. The ensemble that brings the Roncalli tent stage to life is also top-class: With stars such as Thomas Borchert, Josef Ellers, Katharina Gorgi, Sophia Gorgi, Andreas Lichtenberger, and Eva Maria Marold, some of the most well-known voices and personalities of Austrian musical theater are participating.

Unique in Vienna – only in 2025 in the Roncalli Tent

With this premiere, Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna, in cooperation with the Circus-Theater Roncalli, is bringing a specially developed musical theater production to the circus ring for the first time. Be enchanted by an experience that will delight musical theater fans, families, and circus lovers alike.

A musical spectacle combining pop, theater, and the circus world!

Sensation! Madame Sophie's Circus is eagerly awaiting a famous visitor: Cagliostro, the greatest magician, as they say, and the mysterious granter of all wishes, is set to appear in the ring – accompanied by Laurenza, the hottest star in the music world. The excitement is immense. The eagerly awaited audience is arriving in droves. Only Severin, Madame Sophie's son, doesn't share her enthusiasm: He hopes to take over the circus and lead it into the future with his newly developed acrobatic acts. But his mother doubts his chances of success and decides to sell the family business. Severin's childhood friend Emilia offers him her help. As a wealthy heiress, she could buy the circus for Severin. But then Cagliostro arrives. Everyone is fascinated by the miracle man, and even Emilia cannot escape his spell. What will happen to the circus?

Clear the stage for Johann Strauss! In the magical atmosphere of the Circus-Theater Roncalli – founded by director Bernhard Paul – the rousing melodies of Johann Strauss meet impressive acrobatic acts. Based on motifs from the Vienna operetta Cagliostro, successful author Thomas Brezina has created a circus operetta for the whole family, telling a turbulent story from the world of artists and attractions, centered around secret desires, shattered dreams, lies and greed, human credulity, and the search for true happiness. Especially for Johann Strauss's 200th birthday, the venerable Circus-Theater Roncalli is coming to Vienna and opening its ring for an enchanting musical theater experience for all ages.

Proof of the discount will be checked at the entrance.

A production by Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna in cooperation with Circus-Theater Roncalli

Program and cast