Co-Sponsorship of „Die Weisse Rose“ Tour 2026
30. March 2026
apiro Entertainment supports the award-winning musical “Die Weisse Rose” as a co-sponsor. This powerful and deeply moving musical serves as a reminder of how important it is to take a stand, not to look away, and to take responsibility for freedom and justice.
“Die Weisse Rose“ tells the true story of the resistance group led by Hans and Sophie Scholl. The musical follows their journey from initial enthusiasm for the system to courageous resistance against the Nazi regime—culminating in the tragic events of 1943. Audiences are drawn into an emotional portrayal of a time marked by doubt, courage, and humanity. It is a compelling piece about civil courage, coming of age, and the power of conviction.
The production by Alex Melcher and Vera Bolten received the German Musical Theater Award in 2025 in seven categories, including “Best Musical,” “Best Direction,” “Best Book,” and “Best Musical Achievement”—a powerful testament to the outstanding quality of the production.
The press has also been highly enthusiastic: Süddeutsche Zeitung praised the show for bringing the characters “truly to life,” while Musical Today wrote that it “sets new standards in musical theatre.” The German broadcaster ZDF particularly highlighted its importance for young audiences, seeing it as a potential starting point for a new culture of remembrance.
In 2026, “Die Weisse Rose” embarks on a major tour across Germany, with stops in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Füssen, Cologne, Munich, and Stuttgart. In the Rhineland, the musical can be experienced live at the Capitol Theater Düsseldorf, June 17–21 and at the Cologne Philharmonie, July 28 – August 2.
Himmel und Kölle Takes a Break – and will return in November 2026
29. March 2026
With an overwhelming response, Himmel und Kölle is heading into a creative break until November 6, 2026. More than 130 celebrated shows, an average attendance rate of over 95 %, and more than 50,000 enthusiastic visitors speak for themselves.
In total, we have welcomed over 192,000 guests since 2020 – a success that fills us with pride and shows that Himmel und Kölle has become a true institution in Cologne’s cultural scene.
We are now using the break to develop new ideas, bring in fresh inspiration, and return with even more energy than ever before.
One thing is certain: Himmel und Kölle remains a must-see in the city of Cologne – and we are already looking forward to coming back to the Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz.
Kick Like a Woman at New Venue in Cologne
23. March 2026
Kick Like a Woman will celebrate its World Premiere in November 2026 at a new venue in Cologne-Mülheim.
With a significant investment, apiro Entertainment is carefully yet effectively redeveloping Depot 1 in Cologne-Mülheim. The aim is to preserve the venue’s unique industrial charm while creating a new level of quality: more modern, more open, and filled with light. Planned measures such as enhancing the façade, adding a second entrance, and redesigning the Carlsgarten will improve accessibility and create a more welcoming atmosphere – a sustainable enhancement for the entire venue and its future.
With a planned capacity of at least 600 seats, a powerful new stage will be created, offering space for large-scale productions and an even more immersive audience experience. Renovation and construction work on Schanzenstraße are starting immediately. From November, the new venue will officially open with the world premiere of the musical Kick Like a Woman.
Audiences can look forward to a spectacular show, state-of-the-art LED stage technology, and an ensemble featuring outstanding talents from the German musical theatre scene.
Opening Night: “Last Call – Final Round” celebrates German Premiere in Hamburg
18. February 2026
What happens when two of the greatest conductors of the 20th century meet by chance? The answer is delivered by “Last Call – Final Round” by Peter Danish, which celebrated its acclaimed German-language premiere on February 18, 2026, at the Hamburg Kammerspiele.
Director Gil Mehmert stages the play—based on a true story—about a 1988 encounter between Leonard Bernstein and Herbert von Karajan in the Blue Bar of Vienna’s Hotel Sacher as a witty verbal duel about art, vanity, and morality. Helen Schneider shines as Bernstein, Lucca Züchner as Karajan. The decision to cast two women proves to be a masterstroke. Countertenor Victor Petersen completes the ensemble as the waiter and a dazzling Maria Callas.
Following its 2025 Off-Broadway premiere, apiro entertainment now brings the production to the stage in its original cast, in a co-production with the Hamburg Kammerspiele—beginning with a successful opening run of seven performances in Hamburg.
Media inquiries may be directed to the Public Cologne team
Media-Contact
Public Cologne GmbH
Agentur für Public Relations
Gertrudenstrasse 9, 50667 Köln
Tel: (+49) 221 27 2026-2
Fax: (+49) 221 27 20 26-1
Email: info(at)publiccologne.de