“SCHOLL – The Bud of the White Rose in Magdeburg: A Risky Idea or Musical Magic?”

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The musical about Hans and Sophie offers a completely new perspective on the story: told across two timelines, the piece traces the siblings’ change of heart, leading up to the formation of the White Rose, as well as their imprisonment and eventual execution. Over the New Year period of 1941 - 1942, the siblings spend a skiing holiday in the Austrian mountains, where they begin to question their loyalty to the fatherland and to National Socialism. The show also explores Hans Scholl’s complicated relationship with Traute Lafrenz and, for the first time, addresses his homosexuality - a biographical detail that went unacknowledged for many years.

The entire plot unfolds in a single space - the ski lodge that the group of friends visited during the winter. Through floating wooden elements, however, different rooms and locations can still be suggested. “Scholl – The Bud of the White Rose” relies on a magnificent live band and just seven young singers, who fully carry the emotional and dramatic weight of the piece - and they do so brilliantly. From the very first to the very last minute, the entire ensemble enchants the audience with incredible vocal power.

Celena Pieper as Sophie and Alexander Auler as Hans Scholl take on the monumental task of portraying these real historical figures. They capture the siblings’ inner conflict, emotional depth, and even their missteps with striking authenticity. Auler’s crystal-clear voice makes every solo and even the smallest musical moment an absolute delight. (…) Judith Caspari as Traute also emerges as a surprising yet welcome, endearing, and graceful key figure. She is a vocal highlight of the evening.

An outstanding second act leaves no eye dry and crowns an already successful evening.

Conclusion: At first glance, the idea of having resistance fighters Hans and Sophie Scholl sing and dance in a musical may seem unusual. But the fact that the entire audience rose to a standing ovation on opening night - even before the lights had come back up - speaks for itself. Scholl convinces in every single facet. It is a fresh and original reimagining of these biographies, and with its powerful voices and magical musical moments, it is a resounding success for Theater Magdeburg - one that will likely captivate hundreds, if not thousands, of spectators.

 - Lena Schubert, April 12, 2026