Hungary’s most beloved cult animation, “Macskafogó” (“Cat City”), is bouncing back onto the scene—not on the cinema screen, but transformed into a spectacular two-act musical. The iconic film, directed by Béla Ternovszky and still wildly popular decades after its 1986 debut, comes to life at Balaton Theater (Balaton Színház) on October 28, 2025. Legendary characters like Mr. Tájföl, Safranek, and Lazy Dick (Lusta Dick) leap from 2D to live-action, their adventures enhanced with fresh humor, dazzling songs, and tightly plotted action. With music and lyrics by Róbert Szikora, the tale plunges audiences into the eternal gangster war between cats and mice. Things look grim for the mice until Grabowski, a retired secret agent mouse, comes out of voluntary exile to rescue the mouse president’s kidnapped daughter in Pokio (Pokió). But the leader of the cat syndicate and his rat commandos are hot on Grabowski’s tail, leading to alliances, betrayals, and wild escapades bursting with emotion, friendship, and romance. Tickets range from $16 to $21.
Parisian Comedy Gets Tangled in Lies: “Randevú Párizsban”
Fasten your seat belts for “Randevú Párizsban, avagy Kellemes Húsvéti Ünnepeket!” (“A Date in Paris, or Happy Easter!”), a riotous two-act comedy by Jean Poiret, storming onto the Balaton Theater (Balaton Színház) stage on November 13, 2025. Set in a ritzy Parisian neighborhood during Easter, the story follows suave industrialist Stéphane Margelle, who never met a woman he couldn’t charm—until a simple airport drop-off spins his life out of control. After bidding his beautiful wife Sophie goodbye, Stéphane meets 18-year-old Julie and, true to his bad habits, brings her home. Disaster strikes when Sophie’s flight is canceled and she walks in on her husband with the mysterious young woman. Caught with his pants proverbially down, Stéphane tries to talk his way out of trouble by claiming Julie is actually his daughter—and the layers of deception don’t stop there. This stage version channels the spirit of the hit 1984 French film starring Sophie Marceau and Jean-Paul Belmondo. Tickets run $18 to $21.
Burning Secrets and Broken Dreams: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer-winning drama, “Macska a forró bádogtetőn” (“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”), comes to life as the second show in the Festetics season ticket series for 2025/2026. The performance, scheduled for November 18, unfolds a tense tale set in the mansion of the ailing tycoon Big Daddy. As he confronts his mortality, Big Daddy realizes—perhaps too late—that he’s wasted his life, while the rest of the family squabbles over the impending inheritance. Only Margaret, Brick’s wife—the cat on this hot tin roof—dares to dream of escaping the despair and bitterness. This celebrated play, nominated for four Tony Awards, was immortalized in the 1958 film with Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. With a season ticket price of $61 to $72 for four performances, single tickets go for $18 to $21, available starting October 1, 2025.
Nature’s Whimsical Secrets: “A vén diófa titka”
Kids and parents can look forward to “A vén diófa titka” (“The Old Walnut Tree’s Secret”), a one-act musical fairy tale that invites the audience deep into the enchanted woods. The quirky inhabitants all live together inside the “Old De Good” (A Vén Diófa), until Lili the housefly bursts into their peaceful lives. By the end, secrets are revealed—can the walnut tree really talk, and where will everyone live next? The show, offered three times in December, serves up lessons about environmental stewardship, showing children the ripple effect their actions have on nature. With a $21 ticket for all three performances or $9 for a single show, the 60-minute performance is a gentle introduction for young theatergoers.
Fraud, Udder Nonsense, and Mayhem: “Nicsak, ki lakik itt?!”
December 9 brings uproarious British humor with Michael Cooney’s “Nicsak, ki lakik itt?!” (“Whose Life is It Anyway?!”). Meet Róbert Szűcs, a Hungarian in London who is living large on every possible benefit: unemployment, old-age pension, sick pay, family allowance, disability support, and even free cow’s milk. Add in a side hustle selling maternity bras, and it’s no wonder his wife’s patience is wearing thin. As Róbert attempts to rid himself of his illicit gains rather than lose his marriage or his freedom, he discovers that escaping the welfare web is far trickier than signing up for it. With chaos, confusion, and a parade of oddball characters, the play is a masterclass in farce. Tickets are $24 to $27.
Yuletide Spirit Warms the Heart: “Karácsonyi ének”
For families craving festive magic, Charles Dickens’ classic “Karácsonyi ének” (“A Christmas Carol”) returns as a musical on December 19. In this version, music, laughter, and vibrant visual effects wrap Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption story with extra sparkle. Scrooge, a miserly, lonely businessman, endures a transformative Christmas Eve when visited by the ghost of his former partner Marley and three otherworldly spirits. The production is packed with charm for both children and adults, reminding everyone that even the coldest heart can thaw at Christmas. Tickets are $25.
Foolish Husbands, Secretaries, and Family Chaos
Starting off 2026 with a bang, “Férjek a slamasztikában…avagy ártatlanok?” (“Husbands in Hot Water…or Are They Innocent?”) lands at Balaton Theater (Balaton Színház) on January 31. The plot: three brothers celebrate moving into a new home, but festivities spiral into madness when one wife invites her husband’s attractive secretary. She has a past with the other two men as well, and what starts as a family party erupts into hysterical misunderstandings. This French two-act comedy is guaranteed to start the new year with roaring laughter, and tickets are $21 to $24.
