The legendary German-language musical Elisabeth returns to Shanghai as a concert-style production, blending gorgeous vocals, drama, and live orchestra. A tragic love story between Austria’s most famous empress and the personified figure of Death, this cult favorite brings big emotions, stunning visuals, and some serious fan devotion.

Introduction

On September 3, 1992, the Theater an der Wien in Vienna hosted the world premiere of Elisabeth, marking a milestone in German-language musical history. Since then, this “tireless empress” has toured 14 countries with more than 9,000 performances, captivating over 12 million theatergoers around the world. In December 2014, Elisabeth made its long-awaited debut in China at Shanghai Culture Square, where a sold-out 40-show run introduced local audiences to the power of German-language musicals and earned the show a permanent place in the hearts of fans as a timeless favorite.

In 2024, Elisabeth returned to Shanghai in concert form, presenting a deeply emotional fusion of music and drama that was met with widespread acclaim. The minimalist yet evocative set, opulent costumes, and sweeping LED visuals created a grand stage tableau, while a powerhouse cast and a top-tier European orchestra brought the score vividly to life. From Vienna in 1992 to Shanghai in 2026, Elisabeth remains as magnetic as ever—an enduring masterpiece that continues to write new chapters in the legacy of Shanghai Culture Square.

Synopsis

Based on the tragic, larger-than-life story of Austria’s Empress Elisabeth—known to many as “Sisi”—Elisabeth is a German-language musical created by librettist Michael Kunze and composer Sylvester Levay. Told through the lens of her assassin, the show traces the lifelong entanglement between Elisabeth and the personified figure of Death, set against the decline of the Habsburg Empire.

At just 15, Elisabeth unexpectedly marries Emperor Franz Joseph, only to find herself confined by rigid court protocols and the suffocating control of the Empress Dowager. Trapped in this gilded cage, Elisabeth yearns for freedom and begins to rebel. Over time, she transforms into a resilient, self-aware woman who learns to wield her beauty as power. Yet her defiance of tradition and hunger for independence pull her deeper into political intrigue and personal tragedy. Death—who has followed her like a shadow since childhood—reappears again and again, drawn to her vitality and longing for her love, tempting her toward eternal escape and the seductive promise of ultimate freedom.

• Musicals & Operas