Leek, The Netherlands (14 April 2025) – "Elisabeth the Musical" returns to Dutch theaters in a breathtaking new adaptation, featuring a stunning visual experience enhanced by ROE Visual's Topaz LED screen. Events Light, a leading provider of theater production technology, has invested in this cutting-edge LED solution to create a stunning backdrop and allow for immersive storytelling for this legendary musical.

Few historical figures have fascinated audiences, such as Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Now, 25 years after its Dutch premiere, producers Albert Verlinde, Jaco Kaasschieter, and Huub van den Heuvel bring Elisabeth back to the stage, starring international musical icon Pia Douwes and rising star Danique Dusée. The production debuts at DeLaMar Theater on 23 March, followed by a nationwide tour.

The Topaz TP2.6 LED screen plays a pivotal role in this grand production, providing dynamic visuals, immersive backdrops, and seamless integration with stage design.

Jeroen Frijters, DGA at Events Light and Technical Producer, is confident in the impact of the screen: "ROE Visual's LED screen brings unprecedented depth and realism to this production. We are certain the LED screen is a well-worth investment, as it certainly will find its way to future theatrical productions."

In Elisabeth, the LED screens form a central part of the set concept—designed as framed "paintings" that evolve throughout the production. Starting in black and white, they gradually add color to the stage, enhancing the emotional storytelling and immersing the audience in the world of the Habsburg court. Their versatility allowed for dynamic transitions between interiors, landscapes, and abstract environments while complementing physical set pieces and lighting to create a cohesive visual experience.

"Today's LED technology is outstanding—the visuals are incredibly sharp, and the panels offer deep black tones that allow them to disappear when needed".

Set Designer Carla Janssen Höfelt remarks how working with LED technology has become second nature: "Because I design digitally, I can visualize every scene in 3D and precisely match the LED content to the set. It brings a cinematic level of detail to the stage while respecting theatrical design's craft and poetry."

"Beyond aesthetics, LED panels offer practical advantages, such as reduced reliance on bulky scenery, increased flexibility for touring, and the ability to fine-tune lighting, transitions, and texture with remarkable precision. In Elisabeth, they were even combined with projection mapping to heighten the illusion and further blur the line between digital imagery and physical space", Janssen Höfelt continues.

The use of LED screens in Elisabeth showcases how this technology can be seamlessly integrated into theatrical set design to unlock new creative possibilities. From enabling fast and fluid scene changes to adding visual depth and atmosphere, LED has become an essential tool in modern stagecraft.

ROE Visual's Topaz series delivers high-resolution, vibrant imagery with outstanding performance, making it a preferred choice for theatrical productions, live events, and touring performances. With Events Lights' investment in Topaz LED, Elisabeth – The Musical achieves a new level of visual storytelling and artistic expression.

Read the full interview with Set Designer Carla Janssen Höfelt.

Elizabeth the Musical is Nominated for 12 Musical Awards, among which Arjen Klerkx – Elisabeth (Projections) Marc Heinz – Elisabeth (Light design).

Creatives
Elisabeth is a musical by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, presented by Albert Verlinde in collaboration with Verenigte Bühnen Wien.

Director:                      Frank van Laecke
Set Design:                 Carla Janssen Höfelt
Light Design:               Marc Heinz
Video design:              Arjen Klerkx 
Producer                     Albert Verlinde Producties B.V.

Senf Theater B.V., Jaco Kaasschieter

Photography credits: Annemieke van der Togt

More info:
https://elisabethdemusical.nl
https://www.eventslight.nl