Rebecca

Daphne du Maurier’s novel, REBECCA, has been a perennial favorite throughout the world. A classic, set at the great Cornwall estate of Manderley, the story has an atmosphere of both romance and suspense.

It’s the story of a shy girl,"I", turning into a selfassured young woman through conflict and love.
During a stay in Monaco "I", the travelling companion of an American socialite, falls in love with an aristocratic widower, Maxim De Winter. They marry, and she follows Maxim to his Cornwall estate of Manderley.

Everybody tells the unpretentious "I" that Maxim's late wife, Rebecca, was the most charming, bright and attractive woman on earth. She died a year ago in a boating accident, but her presence is still felt in Manderley. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is still loyal to Rebecca and treats the new Mrs. De Winter with hostility and loathing.

Things take a surprising turn when Rebecca’s skiff is unexpectedly recovered, and in it, her body. All of a sudden Maxim sees himself threatened by a murder inquest. When "I" understands that Maxim really loves and needs her she finds the power in herself to save him and their future.

The musical tells this story with theatrical imagery, dialogue, lyrics and music. Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay use the musical style they developed over the last decade using leitmotivs, musical characterization and dramatic subtext, but all clearly pop-oriented. Classical orchestra styles and traditions merge with rock, pop and jazz elements. The dramatic structure is full of contrasts, shifting between large and small groups, bright and dark scenes, up-tempo numbers and ballads.

Rebecca The Musical opened on September 28, 2006, at the Raimund Theater in Vienna, staged by an international leading team, headed by director Francesca Zambello.

Read the reviews of The London Times and Variety Magazine.