DomStufen-Festspiele Erfurt — Jesus Christ Superstar

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.