Efteling theme park is bringing an exciting story to the stage with the new family musical "Efteling Tells… Joris and the Dragon." This production, which will tour Dutch and Flemish theaters starting in December 2025, is aimed at audiences aged six and up and features brand-new songs along with a real dragon. The cast and creative team presented themselves at a press event in Efteling.
The Musical's Concept
The musical's concept continues the tradition of Efteling fairy-tale musicals, but in a bolder form. Instead of a classic fairy tale, it tells a story full of humor, music, and adventure. Many visitors know Joris and the Dragon from the roller coaster of the same name in Efteling, but a thrilling narrative lies behind it. Mark van Haasteren, creative concept specialist for live entertainment at Efteling, explains that they are bringing this story to theaters in their own unique way as a family musical, close to people's homes.
The Adventure's Plot
The musical draws audiences into the adventure of Joris and the Dragon. The musical's plot is set in 1953. The Van Kampen family is traveling by bus to their first outing in Efteling when their bus breaks down on the roadside. Since cell phones do not exist yet, someone tells a story—the one about Joris and the Dragon. For years, the king has been trying to get rid of the dragon terrorizing his kingdom. By an unfortunate coincidence, Princess Rosalie, his daughter, is selected to be thrown to the dragon as prey. The king is at a loss, but then Joris steps up, deciding to attack the dragon along with his good friend Rosalie. Will they succeed? Will they save the kingdom?
Cast and Direction
The main roles are taken by Marijn Brouwers, Marike Folles, Christiaan Koetsier, Fleur Renes, and Thijmen Staps. These versatile musical performers bring experience from youth theater, musical theater, and television. The direction is handled by Mark Haayema, known as a children's book author, theater maker, and puppeteer.
Preview Performances and Premiere
The musical's preview performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Theater De Leest in Waalwijk and on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Theater de Blauwe Kei in Veghel. The premiere is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. at Theater aan de Parade in Den Bosch, where some tickets are still available. The performance lasts 70 minutes and is especially suitable for dragon hunters aged six and up.
The Press Presentation
After the press presentation, the cast rode together on the wooden racing roller coaster "
Joris and the Dragon." During the event, the costumes for the new family musical were also unveiled. These costumes incorporate decorative elements from the "Joris and the Dragon" roller coaster.
The New Music
A musical is not complete without music, and "Efteling Tells… Joris and the Dragon" includes entirely new musical numbers. Those interested can already listen to a snippet from one of the songs.
The Creative Team
The creative team includes Allard Blom for the script, Mark Haayema for direction, and René Merkelbach for the music. The set design comes from Joris van Veldhoven, the costumes from Carla de Kroon. The production is led by Die Produktionsmannschaft under Rens Pieterse. Mark van Haasteren serves as creative concept specialist for entertainment in collaboration with Veronique Claes, while Robert-Jaap Jansen is the all-around creative concept specialist. Lighting is handled by Wim Dresens, and the technical aspects come from Events Light with Luuk Bruiniks and Jeroen Frijters.
