It was a highly anticipated event. Twenty-five years after its creation at the Palais des Congrès on September 16, 1998, Notre Dame de Paris, the famous French musical and one of the great successes of its genre throughout the world, celebrates this notable anniversary at the David H. Koch Theater of the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York. In French with English surtitles.
Although ignored by the daily press, which is quicker to take an interest in works that are supposed to remain on display for longer, Notre Dame de Paristhe emblematic work of Richard Cocciante and Luc Plamondonwas unanimously approved by so-called secondary publications, whose importance to the general public should not, however, be minimized.
This is how David Walters, writing for The Front Row Centeran internet platform that does a weekly round-up of New York’s multiple shows and attractions, described it in these words that say it all: “It’s grand opera, a bit Cirque du Soleil, pop-rock historical drama, musical theatre, spectacle, extremely physical dance, it’s Notre Dame de Paris… I’m going to call it “music show”. I have never seen anything of such magnitude. The decor is that of a cathedral in all its elevation which allows the action to continue right up to the hangers while remaining intimate. The music is a mix of classical and pop-rock that not only pushes the action forward, but contains the symmetry of a poetic style over emotionally charged imagery. The choreography is amazing in its purely physical aspect, which fits with the feelings and internal conflicts of the characters. The lights create beautiful images of the action and the actors, and accentuate the movements and pauses. The costumes are light, they characterize the characters well while allowing them to express their individuality… This immense show, by its libretto, its music, its vision, its staging and its vocal quality, will remain in your memories for a long time. »
Jay © Alessandro Dobici Elhaida Dani © Alessandro Dobici
As for Eli Johnson, in a comment published by Substack, a website that explores current affairs through various themes, including live performance, he writes: “Fully sung from curtain up to the end, the work […] turns out to be an admirable production full of beauty, even if it sometimes struggles to exploit the deepest moments of Victor Hugo’s story… But where it fully succeeds is in its astonishing choreography and in its sets of all beauty… It’s a high-value show that opera and ballet aficionados will appreciate, which perhaps explains why it’s presented in a hall where the New York City Ballet usually performs. »
But the prize goes to Hi Class Livinga high-quality magazine, which titles « Notre Dame de Paris is a triumph again at Lincoln Center” for an article that doesn’t mince its praise: “After having the privilege of seeing this show for the third time, we can honestly say that it left us completely spellbound after each performance. Its magic and its attraction are more and more significant, and each time attract us more in this captivating universe. The ever more realistic interpretations, as well as the incredible sets, everything in this presentation continues to charm and amaze. From his rock dances to lyrical moments full of emotion, the musical moments explore a whole palette of feelings. Angelo Del Vecchio as Quasimodo, the completely disfigured bell ringer, is absolutely sensational. His hoarse voice sends shivers down the spine, and frequently brings the room to tears. At his side, Elhaida Dani is resplendent in Esmeralda, the seductive and tragic heroine who becomes an object of desire for many men… The show reaches its climax when, at the end, the public standing up asking for more; all the artists, led by Gian Marco Schiaretti, unite to offer a final “Times of the Cathedrals” which will touch the hearts of the spectators of this extraordinary performance for a long time. »
The play, which was to remain on view until July 9, has added several performances until July 16, the date of its now announced closure.
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2023-07-02 10:24:35
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