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A Riveting Tale: Unveiling the Wonders of 'Notre Dame de Paris' Musical

  • Writer: Mirae Kim
    Mirae Kim
  • Mar 28, 2024
  • 2 min read

Upon experiencing the musical "Notre Dame de Paris" for the first time, I was struck by an unexpected mixture of excitement and shock. A narrative centred around three men vying for the affections of a gypsy woman, all while plotting against each other? The sheer audacity of such a premise was beyond my imagination. However, as the performance unfolded before me, it became evident that this production was far more than just its unconventional plot.


What captivated me most were the various elements of the musical. The depth of the lyrics, the quality of the dance choreography, and the cast's stage skills made me go into raptures about the show.


While watching the stage, the performance gave me a more significant impression than the special effects. Compared to the other major musicals such as 'Cats' with a giant boot falling from the ceiling, 'The Phantom of the Opera' with a crashing chandelier, and 'Les Miserables' with a colossal barricade setting, Notre Dame de Paris has much fewer stage effects and sets. The important thing is that even though there aren’t as many unique stage effects as in other musicals, the stage does not seem empty during the show because the performers' dramatic dance numbers and excellent singing ability fill the stage abundantly. This is achieved through the performers' captivating dance routines and exceptional vocal performances, which command the stage with abundant energy and emotion. Moreover, the sporadic appearance of stage equipment is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing rather than overshadowing the performance.


The musical 'Notre Dame de Paris' is a show based on Victor Marie Hugo's novel. It includes several detailed expressions depicting the French society and politics of the 15th century, making it difficult to adapt it into a musical. Yet, the musical adeptly navigates these obstacles by reinterpreting the story, imbuing previously overlooked characters with newfound significance. These alterations contribute to a more fluid and engaging narrative flow, enriching the overall experience for the audience.


The poetically expressed soundtrack lyrics also incredibly well express the musical's contents from the actual characters' point of view. 


'Il est venu le temps des cathédrales, Le monde est entré

Dans un nouveau millénaire'


These are the lyrics of [Le Temps Des Cathédrales]: ' The era of cathedrals has come, and the world has reached a new millennium.' This part of the lyrics talks about people's hope for the new millennium from the point of view of the French people, who were full of expectations at that time. However, at the end of this song, it describes the fate of the Cathedral Millennium as tragic from the perspective of people who let down their expectations. These changes in the lyrics' point of view throughout the show helped me immerse myself in the character's emotions.


In every aspect, from its history to artistic value, "Notre Dame de Paris" excels, earning it resounding acclaim from audiences. It is a musical that continues to enthral, inviting repeated viewings without ever losing its allure.







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