The lead role in the musical about the legendary mayor of Warsaw will be played by Przemysław Glapiński. He will be joined on stage by actors from our theatre’s ensemble as well as two students from the Warsaw Theatre Academy making their Syrena debuts. The production will be directed by Konrad Imiela. The premiere is set for February 28, 2026.
In the 2025/26 season, the Syrena Theatre will stage two musical premieres. The first will be the non-replica licensed production of “Beetlejuice”, directed by Jacek Mikołajczyk (premiering on September 13 and 14), followed by the original musical “Starzyński”, directed by Konrad Imiela (premiering on February 28).
The performance about Warsaw’s mayor, Stefan Starzyński – who became a symbol of the capital’s resistance in September 1939 – is based on the biography „Starzyński. Prezydent z pomnika” written by Grzegorz Piątek, published by W.A.B.
The stage adaptation of the book and the direction of the musical are by Konrad Imiela, director of the Capitol Musical Theatre in Wrocław. The composer is Grzegorz Rdzak. The duo has a strong feel for the interwar atmosphere, as proven by their Capitol production of “Mock. Czarna burleska”, based on the crime novels of Marek Krajewski.
The role of Warsaw’s mayor will be played by Przemysław Glapiński, while “Starzyński” at the Syrena Theatre will mark the debut of Theatre Academy students Julia Bielińska and Mateusz Tomaszewski. The remaining creative team and cast are listed below.
– Starzyński intrigued us as one of the most iconic figures in the history of the capital – says Jacek Mikołajczyk, artistic director of the Syrena Theatre. – He was a controversial but effective politician; the author of a vision for a modern Greater Warsaw, which collapsed in ruins before his very eyes; a heroic leader of the city’s defence in September 1939, who did not flee along with other dignitaries. Since then, he has symbolized the tragic fate of Warsaw – almost erased from the map, yet surviving thanks to people like him.
What can Syrena’s audiences expect from a musical about Starzyński?
– Certainly not a classic biography tracing Starzyński’s life from childhood to death – says director Konrad Imiela. – I am particularly interested in exploring the final period of his life, including his work as mayor. It will be a story about how history and circumstances force us into becoming heroes, even though we never saw ourselves in that role.
„Starzyński” cast:
Przemysław Glapiński, Michał Konarski, Beatrycze Łukaszewska, Albert Osik, Agnieszka Rose, Marta Walesiak-Łabędzka, Jacek Pluta, Michał Juraszek, Julia Bielińska, Mateusz Tomaszewski
„Starzyński” creative team:
- Adaptation and direction – Konrad Imiela
- Music and musical direction – Grzegorz Rdzak
- Choreography – Jacek Gębura
- Set design – Mateusz Karolczuk
- Costumes – Agata Bartos
- Light direction – Damian Pawella
- Vocal preparation – Zuzanna Falkowska
Tickets are already available for shows in March, April, and June.