The Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre has unveiled its programme for the 2025 season, running from May to September. Known for attracting nearly 100,000 visitors annually, the theatre has crafted a diverse line-up to appeal to audiences of all ages and interests.
The upcoming season features two major musical premieres. Rudolf, a historical musical by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy, will be presented in collaboration with the Győr National Theatre and directed by Gábor Bakos-Kiss.
For families, Shrek, the Musical promises to delight audiences. Based on the beloved DreamWorks film, this production features music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Vajk Szente with choreography by Lajos Péter Túri, the show stars Márk Ember, Csaba Zöldi, Tamás Veréb, and Angéla Tóth.
In opera, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly will enchant audiences in June, with Francesca Sassu and Joel Prieto in the lead roles, supported by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kodály Choir Debrecen under conductor Dániel Somogyi-Tóth. Verdi’s Nabucco will follow, starring George Petean and Anastasia Bartoli, conducted by István Dénes.
The theatre will host a Frank Wildhorn musical gala on 8 August, featuring selections from Jekyll & Hyde, Rudolf, and Carmen, performed by artists from the Budapest Operetta Theatre.
For Hungary’s Day of National Cohesion a grand concert will celebrate the works of Kodály, Liszt, and Dohnányi, alongside Beethoven’s D Major Violin Concerto performed by French violinist Marina Chiche. Conducted by György Vashegyi, this will be his debut appearance at Margitsziget.
Contemporary dance will take the spotlight with Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon. This ballet from Brno combines jazz, French chansons, and dynamic choreography to tell the story of the legendary designer. Argentina’s Malevo dance troupe will bring their electrifying blend of flamenco, tango, and Irish step dance to the stage.
Film lovers will be able to enjoy screenings of E.T. and Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, both accompanied by live orchestras conducted by Ernst van Tiel. Families can also look forward to Alice in Wonderland, a circus show blending acrobatics, dance, and theatre.
The season includes performances by American jazz-soul star Gregory Porter, pianist Maksim Mrvica, and Chico & the Gypsies with guest musician Levon Minassian. Hungarian acts such as Edda Művek, Takács Nikolas, Budapest Bár, and Magna Cum Laude will also perform.
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