“Elisabeth the Musical” returned to Dutch theaters in a new adaptation, featuring a visual experience enhanced by ROE Visual‘s Topaz LED screen. Events Light, provider of theater production technology, 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 sought to bring “Elisabeth” back to the stage, starring international musical icon Pia Douwes and rising star Danique Dusée. The production debuted at DeLaMar Theater on March 23, followed by a nationwide tour.
The Solution
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, speaks on the impact of the screen, adding, “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 allows for dynamic transitions between interiors, landscapes and abstract environments, while complementing physical set pieces and lighting to create a cohesive visual experience.
Working with LED Technology
Image provided by ROE Visual. Photo credits: Annemieke van der Togt
Set designer Carla Janssen Höfelt remarks how working with LED technology has become second nature, stating, “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.
“Elizabeth the Musical” received nominations for 12 Musical Awards at the Musical Awards Gala 2025, including Arjen Klerkx – Elisabeth (Projections) and Marc Heinz – Elisabeth (Light design).
Creatives Behind the Scenes
“Elisabeth” is a musical by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, presented by Albert Verlinde in collaboration with Verenigte Bühnen Wien. Other creatives include:
- 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
