Dreamtastic Spectacle: Dream On at Sommerspiele Melk

Sommerspiele Melk [ENA] The new summer music revue Dream On – Ein kleines bisschen Glück, conceived by Wolfgang Berthold and presented in the idyllic Wachauarena in Melk, is nothing short of a dazzling celebration of five decades of musical nostalgia. Under the artistic directorship of Alexander Hauer and the musical leadership of Gerald Huber‑Weiderbauer & Magdalena Schweiger, the production offers a winning combination.

The storyline is delightfully crafted around a “dream interpretation” session gone haywire. Our central figure—a dream analyst—embarks on a whimsical exploration of her clients' sub‑conscious, encountering everything from unexpected Falco moments to EAV bank heists, and even hallucinatory Judas Priest rock-outs—all choreographed with playful energy and surprising emotional depth. The ensemble—featuring Dagmar Bernhard, Terry Chladt, Hannah Darabos, Janina Ayla Raidt, Teresa Renner, Lukas Weinberger, Ramin Dustdar, and Konstantin Zander—navigates this theatrical kaleidoscope with charisma, rhythmic precision, and vibrant stage presence.

Where this production truly excels is in its costume design, crafted with exuberant flair by Julia Klug. Every costume is a visual homage to the music and eras represented. Julia Klug’s work does more than dress the performers—it animates each musical moment and era. The attire shifts tone and injects immediacy, whether it’s the innocent nostalgia of Caterina Valente, the defiant rock spirit of Black Sabbath, or the raw introspection of Billie Eilish. This sartorial versatility showcased the revue’s dynamic emotional range.

Directors Gerald Huber‑Weiderbauer and Magdalena Schweiger masterfully weave the score through melodies ranging from Sweet Dreams to One Moment in Time and Born to be Wild! Their arrangements—not overly elaborate—allow the singers and dancers to truly shine. They evoke each song’s essence while sustaining a cohesive dream‑like arc. Notably, the group harmonies during ensemble numbers are tightly woven and possessed a radiant energy that animated the evening.

Designer Anja Lichtenegger employs a minimalist yet evocative set: a sofa and couch dominate the stage, symbolizing therapy sessions and inviting spectators into an intimate dream-space. Projections and subtle lighting changes accompany each musical segment, transporting the audience seamlessly from one dreamscape to another without distraction. The simplicity lets the immersive costumes take center stage—making the color palette and texture transitions all the more potent.

Wolfgang Berthold’s direction crafts a firmly grounded yet humorous dream logic. Characters slip in and out of conscious and unconscious states, with smooth transitions and well-timed comedic beats. The stage becomes a reflection of the mind’s surprising, fractured landscapes—particularly effective in the Freud-intervention scene, where surreal humor meets theatrical clarity.

Since opening on 9 July, Dream On has captivated audiences—acclaimed as a “Musikrevue mit Hitfeuerwerk aus fünf Jahrzehnten”. Its clever dramaturgy and vivid aesthetics have led to strong attendance and multiple sold-out performances. In a festival season balancing grand opera and serious drama, this upbeat, family-friendly revue brings charm, nostalgia, and joyful spectacle to Melk’s cultural summer. Dream On – Ein kleines bisschen Glück emerges as one of the most enjoyable and stylistically bold productions of the season.

As a musical expert, I marvel at how seamlessly it integrates vocal performance, kinetic staging, and above all, costume design, to evoke five decades of cultural memory. Julia Klug’s designs masterfully transport us through eras, identities, and even unconscious depths—all grounded in witty theatricality. If you're looking for a feel‑good, stylish, musically rich night out under the summer sky, Dream On offers an unforgettable, wardrobe‑laden journey—where every costume switch tells a story, and every song reminds us why theatre has the power to make our dreams come true.

©Daniela Matejschek

©Daniela Matejschek

©Daniela Matejschek

©Daniela Matejschek

©Daniela Matejschek

©Daniela Matejschek