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Dinner Shows in Dresden: The End of the Duck?

The Godfather
An archive photo from the "Moments" dinner show—in 2024, the caption still read: "Duck leg is a must." Times have changed… (Photo: Ulrich van Stipriaan)
From: Ulrich van Stipriaan
Dresden is testing a new model for the big dinner shows at Ostrapark: For the first time, tickets are available for "Mafia Mia" and "Moments" that are for the show only—without a four-course meal, but featuring performers, music, and comedy.

Is a dinner show still a dinner show if you leave out the dinner? In Dresden, you’ll be able to ask this question at least once this coming season. For the first time, you can buy tickets just for the show—and skip the traditional four-course meal featuring duck leg as the main course—for Mafia Mia and Moments, the two major dinner shows at Ostrapark. You can do it, but you don’t have to. “Show-Only” is the name of the new offer, and seats are limited. Starting at 49.90 euros, you can enjoy an evening of acrobatics, music, comedy, and dance—just without the obligatory dinner. You can still eat if you’d like: There’s a separate area for guests with bistro tables, and self-service drinks and small snacks (cheese, olives, etc.) are available.

According to organizer Mirco Meinel, the idea came from conversations with the audience. Some guests come for a company Christmas party and would like to see the show again later with their family—but a full dinner-and-show evening for the whole family isn’t exactly a bargain. Others are primarily interested in variety shows and music, while still others simply don’t want a large, substantial meal so late in the evening. That’s why the previous all-inclusive package is being replaced by a modular system: a show with a four-course meal or a show without a meal. The classic option will, of course, remain available and continues to start at 99.90 euros. The “Show Only” ticket is available through October 31 at the early-bird price of 49.90 euros, and thereafter for 59.90 euros.

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The dinner shows aren’t saying goodbye to food entirely, though. Head chef Sven Kasimir works behind the scenes for both productions; in addition to the set menu, there’s also a vegan option and alternatives for food intolerances. And anyone who books the full package will still get what the genre promises: food, a show, and a party afterward. From the moment you walk in until the last song, the experience can last more than seven hours.


The Godfather (Bert Callenbach) has been thrilling his audience for 13 Mafia Mia episodes now (Photo: Ulrich van Stipriaan)

Two shows, two very different worlds

On November 20, Mafia Mia kicks off the season at the Ostra-Dome. For the 14th time, the Godfather’s story continues, this time under the title “Aloha from Hawaii – Alibi in Waikiki.” The Godfather discovers social media and influencers as a new source of income, while the comedy duo Schlicht & Kümmerling is tasked with providing the appropriate content. You can guess that this won’t go well—it’s part of the concept.

As usual, the story is enriched with references to Dresden. Following the art heist at the Green Vault, the Carolabrücke bridge takes center stage this time. The Firebirds provide the musical backdrop, supported by American singer Marley Armstrong. There are also seven acrobatic acts—including hoop diving, zopfhang, and unusual balancing acts. For the first time ever, a dog will even take the stage: Canelo is the animal partner of unicycle artist Emiliano Vazquez.

Moments 4 kicks off a week later, on November 27, in the neighboring Chapiteau der Träume. Here, there is no host family and no ongoing story, but rather an international variety show with music. Around 30 artists and ten acrobatic performances are scheduled. The spectrum ranges from horizontal juggling and tightrope walking to the Cy Wheel and hanging from a braid, all the way to hanging by the teeth and hoop diving.

Mazze Wiesner and The Matt Lawner Five will provide the musical entertainment for the evening. Together with Australian singer Kiki de Ville, they’ll perform songs ranging from Tom Jones to Lady Gaga, Grönemeyer, and Bon Jovi. An international show ballet and a 14-meter-wide LED wall round out the program.

Both shows run through January 17, 2027. “Mafia Mia” begins at 7:30 p.m., and “Moments 4” at 7:00 p.m.

And the duck? It’s staying. At least for everyone who opts for the classic dinner show experience.

Information: dinnershows-dresden.de

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Ulrich van Stipriaan
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