DomStufen-Festspiele Erfurt — Jesus Christ Superstar
Open-air musical on the 70 steps of Erfurt Cathedral Square
About DomStufen-Festspiele
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a DomStufen-Festspiele al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
The stage with the most unique backdrop
Few theatre stages in the world have a comparable impact to the DomStufen in Erfurt. In front of two medieval sandstone churches – St. Mary's Cathedral with its Gloriosa bell cast in 1497 and St. Severus Church – 70 steps ascend. In summer, this becomes one of the largest open-air stages in Central Europe, where the Erfurt Theatre has been staging elaborate musical and opera productions annually since 1994. "Aida", "Carmina Burana", "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Notre Dame de Paris" – the list of DomStufen productions reads like a best-of of popular stage literature.
Jesus Christ Superstar 2026
For 2026, the Erfurt Theatre has announced Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" – a work that revolutionized the musical world in 1971 and is now considered a classic of the genre. The German adaptation is by Timothy Roller (2023). The direction is by Peter Lund, who has previously been responsible for Domstufen productions and is known for his precise direction of performers. Musical direction is by Clemens Fieguth, set design by Hank Irwin Kittel, costumes by Ulrike Reinhardt, and choreography by Bart De Clercq.
Lukas Mayer and Samuel Franco alternating as Jesus
The title role of Jesus will be alternately performed by Lukas Mayer and Samuel Franco, and Judas by Til Ormeloh and Samuel Franco. The ensemble includes numerous international singer-actors in the roles of Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate, Herod, and the Apostles. Performance language: German.
Atmosphere and Arrival
The performances begin at 8:30 PM – as the sun sets behind the cathedral towers and spotlights illuminate the medieval sandstone facade. As darkness falls, the stage and lighting reach their full effect, and the music fills the vast cathedral square. Before and after the performances, Erfurt's old town with its cafés, restaurants, and the Krämerbrücke bridge is a lively meeting point.
The DomStufen as a Tourist Landmark
The festival attracts around 75,000 visitors annually and is one of Thuringia's most important cultural highlights. It is a central point of identification for the state capital Erfurt and a significant economic factor for the region's hotels and gastronomy.
DomStufen-Festspiele — edition 2026
The 2026 DomStufen-Festspiele are entirely dedicated to "Jesus Christ Superstar". The premiere is on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 8:30 PM. The approximately two dozen performances are spread over four weeks until August 30. All performances begin at sunset at 8:30 PM – as darkness falls, the production unfolds its full effect in the medieval setting.
Director Peter Lund interprets the work, which tells the Passion story from Judas's perspective, with a particular focus on performer direction and stage dynamics. Musical direction: Clemens Fieguth. Choreography: Bart De Clercq. Set design: Hank Irwin Kittel. Costumes: Ulrike Reinhardt.
Programme DomStufen-Festspiele 2026
Premiere — Friday, August 7, 2026, 8:30 PM
- "Jesus Christ Superstar" by Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice
- German adaptation: Timothy Roller (2023)
- Direction: Peter Lund | Musical Direction: Clemens Fieguth
Cast (alternating)
- Jesus: Lukas Mayer / Samuel Franco
- Judas: Til Ormeloh / Samuel Franco
- Other roles: Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate, Herod — international ensemble of singers
Performances August 7–30, 2026
- Regular performance evenings, daily at 8:30 PM
- On selected Sundays, earlier end of performance and family conditions
Audio Description for Visually Impaired Visitors
- Saturday, August 22, 2026, 8:30 PM — with live audio description
- Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 8:30 PM — with live audio description
- Registration: [email protected], Tel. 0341-33208860
Full schedule and tickets at theater-erfurt.de/domstufen-festspiele.
Highlights DomStufen-Festspiele 2026
- Open-air premiere of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on August 7, 2026
- Setting: 70 sandstone steps in front of the Cathedral and St. Severus Church
- Direction: Peter Lund — Musical Direction: Clemens Fieguth
- Audio description on August 22 and 25
Prices DomStufen-Festspiele 2026
Tickets available through Theater Erfurt and online ticket shops. Prices are tiered by seating category. Remaining tickets may be available shortly before the premiere. Early bird discounts available outside the main season.
Practical information — DomStufen-Festspiele
Arrival
Erfurt Hauptbahnhof (ICE hub) — approx. 15 minutes on foot or by tram (lines 3, 4, 6 towards Domplatz) from the station to Domplatz. By car via the A4 or A71. Parking garages Domstraße, Gera-Center, and Anger recommended.
Admission
Tickets available through Theater Erfurt and online ticket shops. Prices are tiered according to seating category (grandstand in the auditorium in front of the Domstufen). Early bird discounts available outside the main season.
Audio Description
For visually impaired visitors: Audio description on August 22 and 25, 2026. Registration via [email protected] or 0341-33208860.
Tip
Bring a blanket and warm clothing – evenings in front of the cathedral can be cool even in midsummer. In case of heavy rain, performances will be postponed or rescheduled (rain alternative dates are included with the ticket).
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a DomStufen-Festspiele al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place DomStufen-Festspiele
Domstufen (70 Stufen vor Dom St. Marien und St.-Severi-Kirche)
Domplatz, 99084 Erfurt