The City Theatre Cologne

Wish to delight in drama, tragedy or comedy? In Cologne there are about 20 standard theatres (please see the small selection to the right), which use their art form together. The City Theatre belongs to the largest and first addresses of Cologne's theatre scene. The city theatre house at Offenbach Square (Offenbachplatz) with its 875 seats was built in 1962 (just as the neighboring Opera house) by

the architect Wilhelm Riphahn. From the outside, as in the interior, the optical im- pression is very homespun, where that from the audience seats dark colors dominate with one exception, the new red curtain on stage. Otherwise, all of your concentration will be on the stage and the events that

occur there. Traditionally, the repertoire of the Playhouse range from the classics to modern pieces. The theatre stage in the city center is place for performances; there are three more city stages with their own programs: the West-End Theatre as subleasser of the City Theatre and whom from there, a few steps away, Theatre Schlosse- rei. In the suburb of Kalk, finally, the Halle Kalk is opened, as of 1994, in a former plant of the Klöckner Humboldt Deutz AG and seats 250 (where that large format scenery is possible). Unfortunately it seems that the Halle Kalk could be closed soon because of financial restric- tions caused by reduces in tax incomings of Cologne's administration.

Adress: Offenbachplatz. Advance ticket purchase in the opera building: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm. Tel. 221-28 4000. More info at www.buehnenkoeln.de.

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The Volkstheater Millowitsch

Whom ever would like to enjoy an original evening at the theatre in Cologne, in which case we would recommend the "Volks(Folks) Theater Millowitsch". Simple occurance in our lives are portrayed on stage at the Millowitsch-Theatre. Every piece explores human weak- ness and desires, love and jealousy, lies, misunderstandings and mix-ups. There is always a figure, who puts their foot in their mouth.

Among these contemporaries are few men roles that aren’t brought to life without the acting of writer, director and star Peter Millowitsch. The doubtlessly original are the fresh Colognese speeches, which Peter Millowitsch speeks through his characters or gladly by himself. For many guests it is always a special experience: to visit the

Millowitsch-Theatre because it is an institute of Cologne. The family has performed theatre for over 200 years, who’s name was accom- plished above all by the great Willy Millowitsch, who broke through in 1953 into TV from his stage work. Willy Millowitsch died in 1999. The theatre has been lead in its seventh generation by his son, Peter. It is also a little piece of eye candy as well: in the performance hall you will find 384 seats in front of the large red curtain. During intermis- sion the guests all crowd out, mostly to the bar, where there is, among others, delicious Kölsch (beer). The ticket prices lie between €18 and €23 plus surcharges.

Adress: 5 Aachener Str. Tickets in advance at "KölnTicket", tel. 2801 or directly at the theatre (tel. 25 17 47) three hours before the show. Website: www.millowitsch.de

The Cinedom multiplex cinema

The Cinedom is Cologne’s largest movie center at the moment. This so called "multiplex cinema" offers 14 theatres with 2,300 sets. The largest one is hall 9, where more than 700 guests can watch the latest blockbusters out of Hollywood run on a really giant screen.

The Theatre is divided in to three floors, all of which have wheelchair access and a large glass elevator. All of the theatres and seats are covered completely in black. Working in favor of leg room is the steep seating arrangement, so that every guest normally has a good view at the screens.

The Cinedom frequently is a playground for film premieres, where the major actors show up as guests. A plus is that you can reserve a "wish seat" by phone, however, one must pick up your tickets 45 minutes before the show at the counters in the lobby. To spend the remaining time one can have some ice cream at the parlor or enjoy the American Bars or Pizza Hut.

Adress: 1 Im Mediapark. Info on the programs at tel. 95 19 51 93. Ticket reservation at tel. 95 19 51 95. Another source of information on-line: www.cinedom.de.

Copyright 2011 - NICE CITY! Cologne

Theatres in Cologne

Cologne has got a strong theatre scene, which en- joys a good reputation. The choices are wide, with a spectrum ranging from a Kölsch story at the Volkstheater Millo- witsch and comedy in the Theater at the Dom to classics at the Playhouse up to many extravagant pieces in several houses. It pays off to visit one of the fifty theatres in Colo- gne. Now, here’s a small selection.

Atelier Theater 

Political standup and a little art are on the pro- gramme here. As in other theaters, TV stars have started on the stage here, like Harald Schmidt, a famous Ger- man talk show host. The hall has 99 seats. The tickets cost €15, reduced at €12. There’s a café in house. Adress: 78 Roonstr., phone 24 24 85. more

Comedia

Small art and stand-up are to be seen at Come- dia. The house is also well known for it’s chil- dren and youth theaters, which is designed by little boys and girls. With 310 seats, the Comedia is also one of Cologne’s largest performance theaters. Adress: 7 Löwengasse, phone 399 60 10. more

Theater am Dom

This nice theatre in the basement of the shop- ping mall "Opern Passa- gen" shows Boulevard works on the stage. The actors and comedians are often known in Ger- many as prominent faces from TV series. In the comfortable theatre hall there are 376 seats. Entry costs between €13 and €27. Adress: 11 Glockengasse, phone 258 01 53.

Hänneschen Theater

Stock puppet theater in the Cologne dialect with pieces from the lives of Cologne. The stars are the Hännschen, his girl- friend Bärbelche as well as Tünnes and Schäl accompanied by other characters. Those who subject themselves to the works cannot stop laughing as they exit. Therefore there are 284 seats, most of which are not vacant, rather, the chance is that it is sold out. One should plan well in advance. Adress: 2-4 Eisenmarkt, phone 258 12 01. more

Theater Klüngelpütz

Human weaknesses are the main subjects at Klüngelpütz, which are taken from politics, men or often a combination of the two. On stage, they portray, mercilessly, what our contemporaries com- mit for crimes. The entry is regularly €18.50. Adress: 24 Gertrudenstr., phone 257 83 60. more

Senftöpfchen Theater

The theatre is Cologne’s oldest stage for comedy and known throughout the region for its stand up and shows. Here, in the house of Alexandra Kassen many of the new TV stars had their first time on a stage. Her house has 178 seats and an intimate atmosphere to offer. The prices range from €16 to €18. In addi- tion to that you'll be asked to order a drink or a bottle of wine at your seat round the tables. Adress: 2 Große Neu- gasse, phone 258 10 58. more

Theater am Sachsenring

The theatre, in Cologne’s Southside, brings small performances and stand up comedy to the stage. Renowned at the "Sach- senring" is the comedic onslaught of English speaking Tony Dunham, who’s been writing and acting for the theatre since 1992. Every season the house is visited by guests, of whom are equally renowned and talented or not quite dis- covered. The Theatre at the Sachsenring offers seats for 95 guests who can refresh themselves at the little bar during the breaks. Adress: 3 Sachsenring, tel. 31 50 15. more