As part of the Johann Strauss Anniversary Year 2025, marinegrau assumed overall responsibility for all audio aspects of the spectacular production Cagliostro: Johann Strauss in the Circus Tent. This innovative music theatre production combined the unforgettable melodies of Johann Strauss, newly and contemporarily arranged by Johnny Bertl, with texts by Thomas Brezina, with the poetic magic of Circus-Theater Roncalli. The scope covered all areas of audio production, from creative conception to flawless realization on stage.

Planning and Infrastructure

marinegrau was responsible for the complete planning of the sound reinforcement system, the technical infrastructure, and personnel coordination. Every element was carefully selected and seamlessly integrated into the overall system to ensure the dynamic richness of the ten-piece live band, clear vocal projection, and excellent intelligibility in every scene. An elaborate setup featuring around 48 loudspeakers provided an ideal balance between musical energy, vocals, and the spectacular acrobatic performances.

Outstanding Venue

Performances took place in the magnificent Grand Chapiteau of Circus-Theater Roncalli at Vienna’s Heumarkt—an extraordinary venue with unique acoustic challenges. The 270-degree sound reinforcement surrounding the moving circus ring required a highly precise concept. Through exact coordination of all components, a seamless and immersive listening experience was created, allowing audiences in every seating position to fully immerse themselves in the magical world of Strauss and circus.

Technical Innovation

Cagliostro was among the first productions worldwide to employ the pioneering wireless audio system Sennheiser Spectera. This technology provided maximum flexibility, absolute reliability, and crystal-clear sound quality—perfectly suited to the demanding vocal roles of the performers, who were equipped with microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and could move freely and dynamically within the ring. The use of this innovation highlighted the production’s pioneering spirit.

Overwhelming Audience Success

Cagliostro became a true audience magnet during the anniversary year. Performances were consistently in high demand and often sold out; due to overwhelming interest, additional shows were scheduled. With more than 22,000 enthusiastic spectators, the production became one of the outstanding highlights of the Johann Strauss Anniversary Year 2025, technically, artistically, and in terms of audience response.

Cast

Conductor: Gabor Rivo
Direction: Michael Schachermaier
Set and Costume Design: Dominique Wiesbauer
Choreography: Daniela Mühlbauer
Cagliostro: Thomas Borchert
Lady Laurenza: Katharina Gorgi
Madame Sophie: Eva Maria Marold
Severin: Josef Ellers
Emilia: Sophia Gorgi
Herr Gustav: Andreas Lichtenberger

Clowns: Clemens Matzka, Reinhold G. Moritz, OriolO

Ensemble: Barbara Castka, Nazide Aylin Gönenli, Valentina Inzko Fink, Jakob Pinter, Dani Spampinato, Florian Resetarits

Johann Strauss-Circusband: Danylo Dmyterko (Schlagzeug), Martin Fuss (Flöte, Klarinette, Saxophon), Sebastian Gansch (E-Bass), Barbara Helfgott (Violine), Vasile Marian (Oboe, Englischhorn), Hannes Oberwalder (Keyboard 1), Christian Posch / Robert Schweiger / Albert Wieder (Sousaphon), Felix Reischl (Gitarre), Andi Steirer (Sounds & Percussions), Elias Tiefenbacher (Keyboard 2)

Cagliostro: Johann Strauss 2025