When the evening sun bathes the walls of Güssing Castle in warm gold in summer, a special time begins in southern Burgenland: Musical Güssing 2026 invites you to experience great emotions, powerful voices, and moving stories. Year after year, Burgenland's oldest castle becomes a stage—and its historic backdrop lends the productions an atmosphere that can only be experienced here. Between the sky and the rolling hills, a theatrical experience is created that lingers long after the moment has passed.
This summer's focus is on the musical "As It Is in Heaven," based on the internationally acclaimed Swedish film by Kay Pollak from 2005. In 2018, the story was adapted into a musical in Stockholm and quickly became a hit with audiences. Now Musical Güssing is bringing the German-language version to the stage—an emotional drama about self-discovery, community, and the transformative power of music. It tells the story of star conductor Daniel Daréus, who returns to his home village after a heart attack. There, he reluctantly takes over the leadership of the church choir. Using unconventional methods, he challenges the singers to discover their inner voices – and encounters both enthusiasm and resistance. Old wounds are reopened, entrenched structures are shaken. But the more the village community engages with the music, the stronger the unifying power of singing together becomes. The most famous song, "Gabriella's Song," has long been one of the most moving musical numbers of recent decades.
The production is directed by artistic director Marianne Resetarits, who emphasizes the special magic of the venue. For her, the castle is not just a backdrop, but a place of power – a place where the audience and ensemble can open up equally. The performances will take place on the outdoor stage at KUZ Güssing, and in case of bad weather, the performances will take place indoors.
Premiere: August 14, 2026, 8 p.m.
Further performances will follow on August 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, and 29, 2026.
Musical Güssing 2026: "As It Is in Heaven" © Musical Güssing
Family musical "Rapunzel lässt kein Haar herunter" (Rapunzel won't let her hair down)
In May, Musical Güssing will be presenting a family-friendly production for young and old alike. "Rapunzel lässt kein Haar herunter" humorously breaks with the classic fairy tale motif. This Rapunzel no longer waits to be rescued—she cuts off her braid herself and takes her fate into her own hands. But her leap from the tower does not take her to fairyland, but right into the middle of our world. With modern pop songs and well-known Disney songs, the musical tells a story about self-determination, courage, and growing up.
May 23, 24, 25, 30, and 31, 2026
