Rutentheater 2026 - Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast
A romantic comedy by Bodo Klose and Ekkehard Zeim based on the original fairy tale from 1756.

Nearly 330 years ago, almost simultaneously in France and Germany, a fairy tale appeared that became known 35 years ago through a Disney adaptation: "Beauty and the Beast". Bodo Klose and Ekkehard Zeim drew inspiration from the original and, in their proven manner, created their own entertaining version for Ravensburg's Rutentheater.

A merchant gets lost in a forest and finds himself in a mysterious castle. When he picks a rose there for his daughter Bella, a hideous Beast appears. It demands compensation from the merchant for what it has taken - the most precious thing he has. The merchant fears he will have to give the Beast his beloved little dog. But at home, his daughter Bella runs into his arms and is willing to go to the creature herself. Bella doesn't yet know that the Beast is an enchanted prince. At first she only encounters the ghastly creature, which behaves rather beastly toward her. Bella reacts accordingly with rejection. But over time, both draw closer to each other. But how will Bella react when the Beast proposes to her? And what will become of Bella and the Beast when Bella returns home? Can there be a future for them both?

In July 2026, Rutentheater performs 18 shows at Ravensburg's Concert Hall. The acting ensemble consists of students from grades 1 through 13. The dances are choreographed by Alina Mihaila's ballet studio. Live music is performed by the Youth Brass Band of Ravensburg's School of Music under the direction of conductor Harald Hepner. Together with approximately 40 volunteers behind the scenes, the Rutenfest Commission, led by Martina Zeller, organizes Rutentheater and thus prepares the people of Ravensburg for their Rutenfest.