Michael Kunze

Michael Kunze is a highly acclaimed German librettist, lyricist, and playwright best known for his groundbreaking work in musical theatre and popular music. Born on November 9, 1943, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (then under German occupation), Kunze was raised in Munich, Germany. He studied law and earned a doctorate in legal history, but his passion for language and storytelling soon led him to a successful career in writing lyrics and librettos. Fluent in both German and English, Kunze became a vital figure in adapting and creating musicals that bridged cultures and captivated audiences across Europe.

Kunze first gained widespread recognition in the 1970s as a pop lyricist, writing German-language adaptations of international hits for artists such as Elton John and Donna Summer. His collaboration with disco producer Sylvester Levay on the 1976 international hit “Fly, Robin, Fly” won a Grammy Award and cemented his reputation as a gifted songwriter. He continued to write successful pop lyrics while also turning his attention toward the world of musical theatre, where he would leave an even greater mark.

His breakthrough in musical theatre came with Elisabeth (1992), a Viennese production about the life and death of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. With music by Levay and a libretto by Kunze, Elisabeth became the most successful German-language musical of all time, running for years in multiple countries and languages. Kunze’s writing combined historical drama with psychological depth and poetic lyrics, redefining what was possible in non-English musical theatre. He followed this success with Mozart!, Rebecca, Marie Antoinette, and Dance of the Vampires, each featuring his signature blend of dramatic storytelling, lush language, and emotional resonance.

In addition to his original works, Kunze has written acclaimed German adaptations of major Broadway musicals, including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line, and Wicked. His adaptations are noted for their lyrical elegance and fidelity to the original works’ tone and meaning. This ability to preserve the spirit of a show while making it resonate with German-speaking audiences has earned him deep respect in both theatrical and linguistic circles.

Michael Kunze’s contributions to musical theatre have made him a central figure in the genre’s evolution in Europe. His librettos are marked by intellectual rigor, emotional complexity, and a profound sense of theatricality. Over the decades, he has helped establish a uniquely European voice in musical theatre, blending international appeal with local storytelling traditions. His work continues to inspire artists and audiences alike, securing his legacy as one of the most influential librettists of the modern era.