Revival of a cult show, Parisian premiere of a West End monument, highly anticipated creation: which musicals are an absolute must-see in December? Secure your tickets!
Notre Dame de Paris
With whom? Any good company that knows by heart the hits Belles, Déchiré, and Le temps des cathédrales.
The plot? In medieval Paris, the fiery Bohemian Esméralda captivates all men. At her feet: the soldier Phoebus (though promised to the sweet Fleur de Lys), the hunchback bell-ringer Quasimodo, and also (and that's where all the drama comes from) the churchman Frollo, devastated by his desire for the beautiful Andalusian. Amid jealousy, love, and hatred, while the outcasts of the Court of Miracles are pursued by the police, the 'Zingara' makes a series of unfortunate choices and finds herself condemned to death.
Why is everyone talking about it? 15 million spectators, 5,000 performances worldwide, 19 million albums sold, 25 years of existence... It's safe to say that the French show by Luc Plamondon and Richard Cocciante is now a national pride. While the staging and costumes may have aged a tad, the iconic music continues to be sung loudly in the audience, facing remarkably talented artists. To name a few: Daniel Lavoie still in the role of the priest Frollo (impressive), former Romeo and millennial idol Damien Sargue as the handsome Phoebus, not to forget the incredible Esmeralda portrayed by Hiba Tawaji (whose voice is strikingly reminiscent of Hélène Segara's) and the very charming Gian Marco Schiaretti as the poet Gringoire, showcasing the most beautiful pieces of the show.
Notre-Dame de Paris until January 7th at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, 2 Place de la Porte Maillot, Paris 17th.
Molière: The Urban Opera
With whom? History enthusiasts looking for some fun.
The pitch? Tartuffe, Le Misanthrope, L'École des femmes, L'Avare: the story of Jean Baptiste Poquelin, alias Molière, is told—his loves, the creation of his iconic plays, and his challenging journey, from performing under the protection of Louis XIV to his death during a performance of Le Malade Imaginaire. Iconic characters from 17th-century France, well-thought-out sets, and especially catchy music that stays in your head create the perfect mix for a great evening. All of this is skillfully woven together with many touches of humor and sounds blending pop and rap, making us want to get up, dance, and sing.
Why is everyone talking about it? It's the new jewel from the talented Dove Attia. After creating masterpieces like Le Roi soleil, Mozart l'opéra rock, Les 10 Commandements, and 1789 les amants de la Bastille, Molière, the musical, is now playing at the Dôme de Paris. Powerful voices like Abi Bernadoth, the grand winner of Season 9 of The Voice, in the role of Le Prince de Conti, Shaïna Pronzola aka La Marquise, and Lou, the voice of Miraculous, who plays Armande Béjart, are part of the cast. Of course, there's Petitom, the famous Molière. A show not to be missed before its tour throughout France. Guaranteed success!
Molière Opéra Urbain until February 18, 2024, at the Dôme de Paris, Palais des sports, 34 Boulevard Victor, Paris 15th.
Dirty Dancing
With whom? Definitely your cinema enthusiast BFF, forever in love with Patrick Swayze.
The pitch? In the 60s in the United States, the ingenuous Baby wants to save the world. One beautiful summer, the teenager arrives with her family at a very chic summer camp where a whole bunch of activities are reserved for them. The sexy dancer Johnny Castle takes care of making the abandoned wives swing. During a party organized by the staff (enthusiasts of dances much more lascivious than the fox trots of the hotel's clients), Baby and Johnny exchange a few close steps. Love at first sight? Not really, but rather the prospect of a new desire for the young woman, totally captivated by the beauty of this surprising bad boy. Destiny will take care of bringing them together...
Why is everyone talking about it? Far from being a simple dance film, Dirty Dancing has made generations of feminists dream and unleashed passions. At the Folies Bergère, it's a London-based troupe (the show is in English with subtitles) that takes on the task of warming up fans and other lovers of grand shows worthy of the West End, with memorable music that we know by heart ((I've Had) The Time of My Life, Cry To Me, Be My Baby, Hungry Eyes...). A musical that promises to be of high quality, with carefully selected and perfectly trained singers, dancers, and musicians. Can't wait!
Dirty Dancing, from December 12th to 23rd at Folies Bergère, 32 Rue Richer, Paris 9th.
Also, discover the latest dates of West Side Story at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
