On October 10, 2024, the comedy "Pension Schöller" celebrated its eagerly awaited premiere in the festively decorated hall of the "Bruno" in Brunn am Gebirge. The production, directed by Nici Neiss, captivated the audience from the first minute and proved to be a complete success. Marcus Strahl, artistic director of the Neue Bühne Wien, had two reasons to celebrate that evening: just two days earlier, he had been awarded the Golden Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria.
The premiere of “Pension Schöller” was not only a significant moment for Strahl, but also for the entire theater community. With an ensemble consisting of talented actors such as Stephan Paryla-Raky, Anna Sophie Krenn, and Eva Binder, the crazy comedy of errors became a real firework of wit and charm.
Humor and joy of playing on stage
Nici Neiss's brilliant production impressed with its humorous and dynamic narrative style. "Pension Schöller" addresses the question of what it means to be "normal" and brings a variety of quirky characters to the stage. These characters, from an eccentric poet to an angry major, provide a colorful mix and unpredictable situations that keep the audience laughing. The acting performances were consistently excellent and contributed significantly to the evening's appeal. Stephan Paryla-Raky deserves special mention in the role of Uncle Ladislaus, whose confusion provided the most amusing moments.
The actors not only harmonized well with each other, but also created a stage setting full of energy and joy, which made the performance an unforgettable experience. The numerous prominent guests, including Dr. Werner and Dr. Martina Fasslabend as well as Maya Hakvoort, were also enthusiastic about the performance and were accordingly impressed after the play.
Creative team and visual staging
The production was a complete success not only on stage, but also behind the scenes. Director Nici Neiss and the creative team, including set designer Martin Gesslbauer and costume designer Petra Teufelsbauer, created a visually impressive performance that captivated the audience with its appealing design and creative costumes. Andreas Moravec's make-up design added distinctive accents that helped characterize the characters.
The successful mix of witty dialogues, original characters and first-class acting made for an entertaining evening that will be remembered for a long time. The entire team, led by Marcus Strahl, proved that they know their craft and can reward the audience with an unforgettable experience.
Outlook for the coming season
“Pension Schöller” will be performed in various locations in Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland, Upper Austria and Styria until January 25, 2025. The consistently positive response to the premiere suggests that the performances will continue to be a great success in the coming weeks.
The planned guest performances in renowned theaters such as the Haus Gustav Klimt in Vienna and the Theater Akzent promise to continue to delight audiences with the chaotic comedy. The story, which tells of the challenges of "normality," will certainly continue to make audiences laugh with its humorous twists and character entanglements.
The premiere of “Pension Schöller” on October 10, 2024 at the “Bruno” was a complete success and set standards for the coming season. With a talented ensemble, a creative production and a humorous plot, the play offers an entertaining theater experience for all age groups. It remains to be seen how the performances will be received in the coming weeks and months, but the positive feedback and high level of anticipation give hope for a consistently successful outcome.
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