Bratislava Theater Nová scéna presented on Friday 27 mark the premiere of the original Slovak musical Müller – Life in two strokesinspired by the life and work of this mega-successful singer, lyricist and composer, who became the voice of generations. The new production revealed perhaps even more than the legend himself wanted. The portal drew attention to a spicy secret from public television.
The soloists gave top-notch acting and singing performances, often rewarded with applause on the open stage, which also applies to the choir, the dance company and the 14-piece orchestra, which was hidden in the orchestra pit. The packed audience, in which there were several well-known personalities, rewarded the performers with a final standing ovation.
“The idea arose two years ago. Then, when Rišo said yes, I approached the director, Mr. Polák, to return to the musical stage and do this project. I was very pleased when he said yes. I knew that the musical could have a different form, I am very satisfied with the result,” General Director Ingrid Fašiangová told TASR after the premiere.
“It was a certain anxiety for a while, because my life was not as straightforward and unambiguous as it might seem, but on the other hand, I am aware that presenting something that is not true is not worth it,” singer Richard Müller added.
Drug hell and the collapse of marriage after 15 years
The story also captures the legend’s relationship with his now ex-wife Soňa Müllerová. They said yes in 1986, two weeks after they met. They were together for 15 long years and a son was born from their marriage Filip (34) and daughter Ema (30). The marriage ended under quite dramatic circumstances. Müller fell into drugs and they could no longer save their relationship.
The musical also revealed one secret. During the marriage, the singer caught the eye of one of Sonia’s colleagues at Slovak Television. However, the audience did not find out which beauty he had a crush on. The TV star knew about it, and she was the one who had to reveal this chapter of her life to the director of the musical. Müller once had to call his famous father, actor Vlad Müller († 60), in front of her and his mother. He should have asked for advice on how to package his wife’s colleague.
The author and director of the musical is Roman Polák, dramaturg Andrea Bučko, the music of the musical was studied by Ľubomír Dolný, the stage was designed by Juraj Poliak, costumes by Pavol Dendis, choreographer is Stanislava Vlk Vlčeková, choir master Iveta Weis Viskupová. Lukáš Pišta played the role of Richard, Dárius Kočí and Patrik Vyskočil alternated in the role of companion, Pavol Topoľský played the father, Soňa Norisová and Lucia Vráblicová alternated the mother.
The musical will feature 25 older and newer songs, selected by dramaturg Andrea Bučko together with director Roman Polák, among which there are no shortage of hits Two puff cigarette, Making love in the rain, Why you people XX. century, Ball March, Slovak Tango, LSD, Dočista, Tlaková níž or, finally, Peace, Peace and Humility.
He created hits that are sung by generations
Richard Müller is one of the most famous personalities of the Slovak music scene, a singer with an unmistakable voice and a lyricist who sang his feelings, thoughts and opinions in his songs. His compositions are sung by generations. He has been active on the scene since the 1980s – first as a member of the band Banquet, later as an extremely successful solo performer.
He has three dozen albums and compilations to his credit, the latest Slovenská strela with the group Banket is nominated for the award of the Czech Academy of Popular Music Anděl 2025 in the category of the best Slovak album. His life and work were a rare inspiration for the creators of the musical.
