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Austria

Theatre entertainment in Austria

  1. A

    Theatre Performances

    Italianate arcades run around a central courtyard used for summer theatre performances. Highlights are its 3-D projections, and one not to be missed has been developed in cooperation with the Hohe Tauern National Park: you sit at a joystick and navigate a virtual flight through the park, doing hair-raising climbs and dives between altitudes of 100m and 10,000m while changing the angle of flight. Another 3-D cinema projection takes you on a journey through Carinthia. The museum has a small brochure with information in English.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Theater an der Wien

    The Theater an der Wien has hosted some monumental premiere performances, such as Beethoven’s Fidelo, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Strauss Jnr’s Die Fledermaus. These days the theatre is more attuned to popular culture and features musicals such as Elisabeth and Mozart. Discounts include €10 to €15 tickets for students on sale 30 minutes before shows, and €7 standing tickets available one hour before performances.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Volkstheater

    With a seating capacity close to 1000, the Volkstheater is one of Vienna’s largest theatres. Built in 1889, its interior is suitably grand. While most performances are translations (anything from Woody Allen to Ingmar Bergman to Molière), only German-language shows are produced. Unsold tickets go on sale one hour before performances start, for €3.60, but only to students. Be sure to grab a drink before or after the show at the Rote Bar.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Vienna’s English Theatre

    Founded in 1963, Vienna’s English Theatre is the oldest foreign-language theatre in Vienna (with the occasional show in French or Italian). Productions range from timeless pieces, such as Shakespeare, through to contemporary works. Students receive 20% discount on all tickets; standby tickets for €9 go on sale 15 minutes before showtime.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Raimund Theater

    The Raimund Theater hosts big, Broadway-style musicals these days, but when it opened its doors in 1893 it produced only spoken dramas. With a seating capacity of more than 1000, obtaining a ticket won’t be a problem. Standing-room tickets cost €5; students can pick up tickets for €11 30 minutes before performances.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Salzburger Marionettentheater

    The red curtain goes up on a miniature stage at this marionette theatre, a lavish stucco, cherub and chandelier-lit affair. The repertoire star is The Sound of Music, with a life-sized Mother Superior and a marionette-packed finale. Other enchanting productions include Mozart's The Magic Flute, Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Strauss' Die Fledermaus. All have multilingual surtitles.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Schauspielhaus

    The Schauspielhaus pushes the boundaries of theatre in Vienna with unconventional productions. Whatever the theme, you can guarantee it will be contemporary and thought-provoking. The adjacent building also features readings by modern, cutting-edge writers (€6 to €9). Student tickets cost €9 and seniors’ €12.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Schauspielhaus

    Graz’ main venue for theatre.

    reviewed

  9. I

    International Theatre

    The small International Theatre, with its entrance on Müllnergasse, has a mainly American company who live locally. Discounted tickets are available to students and senior citizens (€15). It closes around early July through to mid-September.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Sound of Music Show

    If the above options sound too highbrow, the Sound of Music Show at the Sternbräu might appeal. You’ll feast on Maria’s favourite things as performers bash out much-loved hits from the musical.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Festspielhaus

    If you’re lucky enough to be in Salzburg during the Festspiele, try to get tickets for concerts, operas and plays at the Festspielhaus, which is built into the sheer sides of the Mönchsberg.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Landestheater

    Opera, ballet and musicals take to the stage of Linz’ main theatre, which hosts largely classic productions. The u\hof team keeps kids amused with plays aimed at a young audience.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Mozartconcerts

    Mozartconcerts, some with dinner, are also held at the Festung Hohensalzburg.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Vorarlberger Landestheater

    Also known as the Theater am Kornmarkt, this German-language theatre is Vorarlberg’s main stage for opera, drama, comedy and musicals.

    reviewed

  16. O