Every year, Cäcilia Wolkenburg presents the world premiere of a truly Cologne-style musical. More than one hundred singers and dancers – all volunteers who perform not for a living but purely out of a love for singing on stage – bring to life rousing music, large-scale choral arrangements, and ballet choreography, woven into a story that touches the “Kölsche Hätz” (the Cologne heart).

In 2027, the curtain will rise at the newly renovated opera house on Offenbachplatz for a brand-new, lively Divertissementchen written by “Zillche” director Lajos Wenzel – a loving homage to the Cologne soul, the magic of theatre, and the unforgettable Trude Herr. Set between construction-site romance, theatrical enchantment, and Cologne soul, the piece tells the equally funny and moving story of Trude, the director of a small community theatre in the Vringsveedel district, who is suddenly asked to take over as general manager of the Cologne Opera.

What follows is a fast-paced and witty adventure full of intrigue, operatic drama, Cologne humor, and outright chaos: rebellious artists, dancing firefighters, singing construction workers, and overwhelmed politicians – and right in the middle o fit all, a woman who stands for sharp punchlines and accessible, people-centered theatre. Are popular success and great art truly incompatible, or does art become most powerful when opera seeks to reach all citizens of Cologne? As the new general director Trude discovers her passion for opera, the audience rediscovers its love for the opera house.

With plenty of music, an opulent show, Cologne dialect, grand opera quotes, and a parable about the background of the opera house renovation, the Divertissementchen unfolds into a colorful kaleidoscope of wit, emotion, and theatrical magic. A piece for all who love opera – and for those who are ready to discover it anew. Cologne looks forward to the reopening of the opera at Offenbachplatz – and to a Divertissementchen that will once again offer everything: heart, humor, spectacle, ballet, a large orchestra, massive choirs, impressive stage designs, dazzling costumes, and a heroine who proves that even in the greatest chaos, there is still plenty of joy and feeling. Dat jitt et nor en Kölle (you’ll only find that in Cologne).

Every year, “et Zillche,” as loyal regulars affectionately call the Divertissementchen, is celebrated by audiences and critics alike: „das Kölner Kult-Musical (the Cologne cult musical)“ (WDR), „frech und furios (cheeky and exuberant)“ (Kölnische Rundschau), „unvergleichliche Tradition (an incomparable tradition)“ (Süddeutsche Zeitung), „große Kultur mit viel Humor (great culture with plenty of humor)“ (Deutschlandfunk), „Man muss es erlebt haben. (You have to experience it.)“ (Welt am Sonntag).