Der letzte König von Bayern – Das Musical

Between Power and Defeat

It is October 5, 1980. Franz-Josef Strauß sits alone in a Bonn hotel room that evening, waiting for the results of the federal election. After a grueling campaign as the Union’s candidate for chancellor, his nerves are frayed. Images and scenes from his past life flash before him: his rise to power, his victories, and his defeats. Karl-Heinz Hummel, Christian Auer, and Benjamin Sahler have dedicated a musical to Strauß. A six-member ensemble traces the eccentric life of the “last king of Bavaria” through dramatic and humorous scenes, quotes, and rousing songs.

A Bitter Realization

Franz-Josef Strauß weathered every crisis and always believed in his lifelong dream of becoming Federal Chancellor. When the devastating results appeared on television, his wife Marianne offered him comfort: “If you can’t become Chancellor of the Federal Republic, then become King of Bavaria. It shouldn’t matter to you who is Federal Chancellor under you.”

Milestones in His Life

Join us on Ash Wednesday at the Nibelungenhalle in Passau, on a flight to Moscow, or on a hunting trip with the Prince of Thurn and Taxis. Look forward to the “Atom Song,” the “Seven Kings Yodel,” the friendship song “Amigoland,” the butcher’s song “Would You Like a Little More?” and many more.