Shanghai Culture Square tickets 19 January 2025 - The original French musical "Notre Dame de Paris" | GoComGo.com

The original French musical "Notre Dame de Paris"

Shanghai Culture Square, Shanghai, China
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2 PM 7:30 PM
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US$ 69

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Important Info
Type: Musical
City: Shanghai, China
Starts at: 14:00
Intervals: 1
Duration: 2h 30min
Sung in: French
Titles in: Chinese

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Cast
Creators
Composer: Riccardo Cocciante
Lyricist: Luc Plamondon
Novelist: Victor Hugo
Overview

The original French classic musical "Notre Dame de Paris," adapted from Victor Hugo's renowned masterpiece, is celebrated as a pinnacle among French musicals.

With a global performance history spanning over two decades, it stands as a timeless gem in musical theatre. As the grand finale of the Theatre's year-end performance season, "Notre Dame de Paris" will grace the stage with its enchanting presence. This musical ingeniously melds bel canto and rock music, seamlessly blending popular music elements into its foundational musical structure. The visually spectacular stage sets enhance the immersive experience, transporting audiences into the heart of the narrative. Recognized as the best-selling musical in Guinness World Records, "Notre Dame de Paris" has garnered numerous accolades including "Drama of the Year," "Song of the Year," and "Album of the Year" at Canada's prestigious FELIX Art Awards. Its unique ability to intertwine historical richness with contemporary relevance makes it a standout in the world of musical theatre.

From 2019 to 2020, "Notre Dame De Paris" performed in Shanghai twice and was sold out with unprecedented grandeur, becoming a cherished memory in the hearts of countless people. In September 2024, "Notre Dame De Paris" will once again come to China. The performance sold out on the day of the ticket issuance, and even after a five-year absence, Chinese audiences are still looking forward to its grand return.

"Notre Dame De Paris" was composed by the talented musician Luc Plamondon and the composer Richard Cocciante. The strong and impactful modern music, visually stunning stage scenery, and fully immersive performances vividly express the all-encompassing themes of time and fate in the original work, exposing and condemning the church and feudal system, criticizing the evil deeds of church members and the despicable spiritual morality of nobles, as well as praising the spirit of humanitarianism and benevolence. It officially premiered in the Paris Parliament Hall in 1998 and has been on tour worldwide for more than 25 years. It has spawned multiple versions in English, Spanish, Italian, and more, with unprecedented success and rave reviews.

The characters and scenes in the play of Notre Dame De Paris are full of opposition and conflict: admiration and infatuation, oath and betrayal, power and possession, fate and struggle, original sin and redemption, sinking and sublimation, the dramatic tension of ups and downs, building a magnificent epic of blood and tears intertwined, crossing the tide of the times and cultural barriers, and creating a new era of contemporary musical theater.

History
Premiere of this production: 16 September 1998, Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris is a sung-through French musical that debuted on 16 September 1998 in Paris. It is based upon the novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) by the French novelist Victor Hugo. The music was composed by Riccardo Cocciante (also known as Richard Cocciante) and the lyrics are by Luc Plamondon.

Synopsis

The original French musical "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is adapted from the masterpiece of the same name by French literary giant Victor Hugo. The story is set in Notre Dame de Paris in 1482 and tells the tragic love story between Quasimodo, the hunchback bell ringer of Notre Dame who was raised by Archdeacon Claude Frollo, and Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl.

Act I
The story is set in Paris in the year 1482. The poet Gringoire, who throughout the story acts not only as a participant but also as a sort of commentator, enters to set the scene for the story; he relates how Man has written his history in the building of the cathedrals ("Le temps des cathédrales").

The homeless and refugees, led by Clopin, swarm before the entrance to the Cathedral of Notre Dame begging for help and sanctuary ("Les sans-papiers"). Frollo, the Archdeacon of Notre Dame, orders Phoebus, the Captain of the Royal Archers, to have his men disperse the crowd ("Intervention de Frollo"). As his men are driving off the refugees, Phoebus catches sight of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda (in later productions, the scene changes to have him see her while she is dancing before Notre Dame) and is entranced by her. Esmeralda tells him about herself, her life as a gypsy, and her dreams ("Bohémienne"). Instead of arresting her, Phoebus leaves her alone.

Clopin, who has watched over Esmeralda since she was eight years old after the death of her parents, tells her that she is no longer a child and that she has reached the age where she will discover love ("Esmeralda tu sais"). He warns her to be extremely careful since not all men are to be trusted.

In the next number, the audience is introduced to the nobly-born and beautiful Fleur-de-Lys, to whom Phoebus is engaged to be married. Fleur-de-Lys's love for Phoebus is childish and irrational, like that of Juliet for Romeo ("Ces diamants-là").

Now begins the wild and colored Feast of Fools, presided over by Gringoire ("La fête des fous"), the climax of which is the choosing of the King of Fools from among the group of people who can make the ugliest face; the King will be crowned by Esmeralda. Hiding in the shadows is a monstrous figure who is dragged out into the light; it is the bell-ringer of Notre Dame, the hunchbacked and facially deformed Quasimodo. By unanimous decision, Quasimodo is chosen and crowned as the King of Fools, but he knows that for all the power he has this one day nothing can make a woman such as Esmeralda care for him ("Le pape des fous").

Frollo breaks up the festivities and orders Quasimodo to kidnap Esmeralda and bring her to him that night so that she can be imprisoned as a sorceress and a violator of public decency ("La sorcière"). Quasimodo, who is devoted to Frollo for raising and educating him after he had been abandoned as a baby ("L'enfant trouvé"), says he will obey.

Night falls on Paris with its dark and hidden secrets commented on by Gringoire ("Les portes de paris"). Quasimodo stalks Esmeralda through the dark streets and is about to seize her when Phoebus and his guards arrive and arrest Quasimodo. Phoebus introduces himself to Esmeralda. He makes a date for a rendezvous with her the next night at the Cabaret du Val d'Amour. Phoebus and his men take Quasimodo away and Esmeralda darts off into the darkness ("Tentative d'enlèvement").

At the Court of the Miracles, the haven for all of the outcasts of Paris, Clopin presides over a wild revel, remarking that all are truly equal here no matter their race, religion, skin color or criminal background ("La cour des miracles"). Gringoire, who has wandered in accidentally, is seized and Clopin tells him that he will be hanged for his trespassing – unless one of the women will agree to marry him. Esmeralda who has arrived during this, agrees to marry Gringoire (in name only) and Clopin, as King of the Outcasts, unites them and they join in the wild revelry.

Later, when Gringoire and Esmeralda are left alone ("Le mot Phoebus") he introduces himself to her as "the Prince of the Streets of Paris" and assures her that while he is not a "ladies' man" ("un homme a femmes"), he would be glad if she would be his Muse and inspiration. Since Gringoire is educated, Esmeralda asks him what the word "Phoebus" means; he tells her that in Latin it means "the sun" or "sun god". Esmeralda muses on the word as it romantically relates to the man Phoebus ("Beau comme le soleil"); she is joined on stage by Fleur-de-Lys, who also muses on Phoebus (although she seems to be more apprehensive about him), but both believe that Phoebus will love them forever.

Phoebus himself is under no apprehensions about what kind of man he is – he wants both women, one as a wife and one as a temporary mistress ("Déchiré").

The next day, Frollo summons Gringoire to Notre Dame and questions him about Esmeralda, forbidding him to touch her. Gringoire changes the conversation by asking about a strange inscription in Greek on the wall of the Gallerie des Rois in Notre Dame, the word "Anarké". Frollo tells him that "Anarké" means "Fate" in Greek. They watch as Quasimodo is dragged on stage bound on The Great Wheel as a sentence for his attempted kidnapping of Esmeralda ("Anarkia").

Quasimodo endures his punishment, but cries out for water ("A boire"), a plea that is ignored by everyone. Suddenly Esmeralda appears and gives him a drink of water from her cup, an act of kindness that deeply touches the poor hunchback. He is then released from the Wheel, and he, Frollo and Phoebus sing about their different feelings for Esmeralda ("Belle"): Quasimodo about his growing feelings of tenderness for her, Frollo about his growing fascination for her, and Phoebus (watched jealously by Fleur-de-Lys) about his wish for an affair with her before he marries Fleur-de-Lys.

Quasimodo leads Esmeralda into Notre Dame and tells her how the cathedral has been his home and sanctuary, and now it can be hers whenever she needs one ("Ma maison c'est ta maison"). In spite of her initial fear of this strange, deformed man, Esmeralda is touched by his gentleness and finds herself warming towards Quasimodo. Left alone, Esmeralda, who has never prayed before, prays to the Virgin Mary ("Ave Maria païen"), while Quasimodo thinks of her ("Si tu pouvais voir en moi"). Frollo, secretly spying on Esmeralda, realizes that his lust for her will destroy him, but knows that he cannot resist nor does he want to ("Tu vas me détruire").

That night, Phoebus is on his way to the Cabaret du Val d’Amour for his rendezvous with Esmeralda when he realizes he is being stalked by a shadowy figure. The figure (Frollo in disguise) warns him to go no further ("L'ombre"), but Phoebus refuses to heed the threat and continues on his way.

At Val d’Amour, Gringoire (who seems to be a regular customer) remarks how everyone, no matter the race, creed or color, comes here for a good time of one kind or another ... for a very low price ("Le Val d’Amour"). Phoebus arrives (he seems to be a regular customer here too) and meets Esmeralda in a private room ("La volupté"). They embrace and are about to make love when Frollo rushes in and stabs Phoebus with Esmeralda's knife (which she had placed on the floor earlier). Esmeralda collapses over Phoebus’ body, Frollo makes his escape and Gringoire, Clopin, Frollo, Quasimodo and the Chorus comment on the terrible power of Fate ("Fatalité").

Act II
Frollo and Gringoire discuss the events and scientific discoveries taking place and how some of them (such as Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press and Martin Luther’s doctrines) are changing the world forever ("Florence"). Gringoire notices how silent the cathedral is and Frollo tells him that Quasimodo has not rung the bells for three days.

Up in the bell tower, Quasimodo recounts how the cathedral bells are his only friends and loves ("Les cloches"), especially the three "Maries": "Little Marie" which is rung for children's funerals, "Big Marie" which is rung when ships set sail and "Great Marie" which is rung for weddings. His greatest hope is that they will ring for Esméralda to hear that he loves her.

Frollo asks Gringoire where his "wife" is ("Ou est Elle?"); Gringoire says he does not know and answers obliquely (but he tells Clopin, who has been searching for Esmeralda, that she has been imprisoned in the prison of La Sainte and that she will be hanged if Clopin doesn't save her).

In her cell, Esmeralda compares herself to a caged bird and calls to Quasimodo to save her, while back at Notre Dame Quasimodo wonders about Esmeralda's disappearance three days earlier and fears for her safety ("Les oiseaux qu'on met en cage"). Clopin and a group of outcasts are arrested and thrown into the La Sainte prison ("Condamnes") as Esmeralda is put on trial for the attempted murder of Phoebus and sorcery with Frollo as presiding judge ("Le procès" / "La torture"); when she refuses to confess, she is subjected to a foot-crushing torture until she cries out "I confess!" Frollo sentences her to death by hanging, but Esmeralda still professes her love for Phoebus and Frollo is left to suffer from the emotional torment of his unrequited passion ("Être prêtre et aimer une femme"). Esmeralda calls Phoebus to save her (“Phoebus”)

Elsewhere, a recovered Phoebus is confronted by Fleur-de-Lys, but he claims as an excuse that he was bewitched by Esmeralda's "sorcery" ("Je reviens vers toi"). Fleur-de-Lys tells him that he will still have her heart and love if he will swear to have Esmeralda executed ("La monture").

At five o'clock in the morning of the execution, Frollo visits Esméralda's cell and to her horror confesses to her that he knifed Phoebus out of love for her ("Visite de Frollo a Esmeralda" / "Un matin tu dansais") and offers her a choice: death on the gallows or life by giving him love. When Esmeralda rejects his advances, he tries to rape her, but Quasimodo (who has secretly followed him) frees Clopin and the other prisoners. Clopin attacks Frollo, knocking him unconscious, and releases Esméralda and they flee the prison to Notre Dame for sanctuary ("Liberes").

Gringoire sings to the moon ("Lune") in which he describes Quasimodo's pain and suffering because of his love for Esméralda.

Quasimodo leaves Esmeralda asleep in a safe place in Notre Dame ("Je te laisse un sifflet"), but bitterly reflects that while he will love her forever, his ugliness will ensure that she will never love him ("Dieu que le monde est injuste"). Alone, Esmeralda hopes that she will survive for the man she loves and sings about how Love has the power to change the world even should she die ("Vivre").

With Clopin and his people occupying Notre Dame, Frollo orders Phoebus and his men to break sanctuary and attack the cathedral to drive them out ("L’Attaque de Notre Dame"). Clopin and his people resist bravely but are no match for the armed soldiers, and in the first attack, Clopin is fatally wounded. Dying, he begs Esmeralda to take his place as leader. The final battle has Esmeralda and her people facing off against Phoebus and his soldiers, but the result is a foregone conclusion – Esmeralda is captured and the outcasts defeated. Phoebus coldbloodedly hands Esmeralda over to be executed, orders the outcasts driven out of Paris ("Déportés"), and leaves with Fleur-de-Lys.

Quasimodo, searching Notre Dame for Esmeralda, finds Frollo standing at the top of one of the towers and begs him to help Esmeralda ("Mon maitre, mon sauveur"). Frollo, finally driven insane, shows him the sight of Esmeralda being hanged and to Quasimodo's horror announces that he is responsible. As he laughs wildly, the enraged Quasimodo seizes him and hurls him down the stairs of the tower to his death. As the executioners are cutting down Esmeralda's body from the gibbet, Quasimodo appears and demands that they give him her body ("Donnez-la moi"). Driving them away, he kneels beside her body and mourns her, promising to stay with her and that even in death they will not be parted ("Danse, mon Esmeralda").

After the curtain call, Gringoire leads the cast in a reprise of "Le temps des cathédrales".

Venue Info

Shanghai Culture Square - Shanghai
Location   36 Yongjia Road

Shanghai Culture Square is a regular host to musicals, concerts and dramatic theatre ranging from Les Miserables to Paw Patrol Live. While it is smaller than the Shanghai Grand Theatre in People's Square, the 65,000 square meter building that cost 1.1billion RMB and has just over 2000 seats tells you they didn't pull any punches during construction.

Shanghai Cultural Plaza is located in the center of Shanghai, bounded by Maoming South Road in the east, Shaanxi South Road in the west, Fuxing Middle Road in the north, and Yongjia Road in the south.
 
Founded in 1952, the Cultural Square was rebuilt from the former Yiyuan Dog Run. It has always played an important role in the social and cultural life of Shanghai people and is one of the important mass political and cultural activity centers in Shanghai . Since its reconstruction and opening in 2011, Shanghai Cultural Plaza has insisted on integrating modern performances, art exhibitions, and cultural experiences, taking musical theater performances as the main line, and various fashion and classic arts as auxiliary lines, with the vision of "Cultural Paradise, Dreams Blooming", Efforts are made to incubate and build an art stage for the development of musicals, lead the cultural and leisure industry, and create a cultural and ecological landmark well-known to the public.

In the past 11 years, the cultural square has performed more than 2,700 performances, attracting more than 3 million audiences, and held nearly 2,300 public welfare activities, with a total of more than 400,000 participants. Successfully introduced classic plays such as "The Phantom of the Opera", "Elizabeth", "West Side Story", "Rock and Roll Mozart", "Notre Dame de Paris", and produced "My Bucket List", "Rachmaninoff", "Romeo and Juliet", "Fan Letters" " and many other Chinese versions of musicals, the first original musical incubation plan launched in the country, hatched and presented many original musicals such as "The Empress of the Southern Tang Dynasty", "Life and Death Sign", "Sorry I Forgot", and toured all over the country . While working hard to implement the development goal of "building a landmark public cultural and art center in Shanghai", as a professional platform for musicals, it continues to explore the role of an industry integrator and holds the "Performing Arts World-Shanghai International Musical Theater Festival" every year. Industry-university-research resources support excellent original works and enhance the audience base of the musical theater industry.

At present, the cultural square has a main theater with 1949 seats on three floors. The width of the stage is 20 meters and the height is 11.5 meters. The first professional theater in China that takes musical theater as its genre.

Important Info
Type: Musical
City: Shanghai, China
Starts at: 14:00
Intervals: 1
Duration: 2h 30min
Sung in: French
Titles in: Chinese
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