How about a trip?

That’s right, they don’t. And what’s the best part of watching musicals? It’s similar yet different. Each time you watch it. The first time is like getting acquainted with the story, everything sounds new to your ears, and you don’t know what’s going to happen next. Even if you do know the plot and the ending – the emotions you feel whilst watching, stay there intact. It’s pretty much like watching/reading your favorite movie or a book. The excitement doesn’t fade with time, right?
Not to mention that it’s an incredible experience, because it is a live performance, meaning that we see true art happening on stage. There are many factors behind that: actors, dancers, script, music, light, special effects. Our senses are being “attacked” from every side.
And the feeling of actually being there, sharing it with people and yet experiencing it privately – it’s very magical. And addicting. A whole new world, indeed.
And that’s just one of many reasons why watching musicals is such a pleasant activity.
I’ve always wondered how it feels like from the other side. From a spectator’s point of view, we only see an outer shell of it. It looks so easy and fun, we almost forget how much of enormous work those people involved are putting into it. Not to say that’s it’s not a great job – quite the opposite. It’s beautiful yet very demanding. And for those who do it out of love for music and performing – a massive respect, really!

As a huge fan of musicals, I’d like to take you on a short journey, I hope you’ll like it just as much as I will. Even if you don’t like musicals, don’t feel discouraged, and try out some of the songs I’ll present you. If you change your mind – it’d be the best outcome of the whole thing.
In this post, I’ll shortly introduce you to French musicals – these are my beloved.

#1 Roméo & Juliette

Everybody knows the story of Romeo and Juliette, but I guarantee you, that this version is absolutely fantastic and a must-watch. I can’t even count how many times I’ve watched this – and that says for itself! It is such a pity, that I hadn’t had a chance to watch this in person…

#2 Notre Dame de Paris

Perhaps many of you know the Disney version - The Hunchback of Notre Dame or maybe even saw the cathedral once in Paris. Or maybe read a novel written by Victor Hugo. Or maybe… something else. There are many adaptations concerning this story, yet I highly recommend you to watch the musical – why? Because nothing is better than watching a great spectacle and listening to a wonderful music, AT THE SAME TIME.

#3 Les Misérables

Another novel written by Victor Hugo. What a splendid writer, wasn’t he? For those who read it in school as a set-text, the musical will be a nice reminder or maybe an even better experience… Anyway, it is a very interesting image of French society from 19^th century. It’s one of those titles, that will push you to think about it afterwards.

#4 1789, Les Amants de la Bastille

Now, that’s an exceptional musical, and it’s fairly new – from 2012. It’s set during the French Revolution, all the figurative characters appear, such as: Georges Jacques Danton, Maximilien de Robespierre and Camille Desmoulins. Although the main story is about relationship between Ronan – a peasant revolutionary, and Olympe – assistant governor. Their love blossoms in difficult times of history, will it last? Watch it, to get the answer.

#5 Robin de bois

Or Robin Hood. It’s amended, though, and has little in common with the original story, asides from main characters. Long story short, Robin and Marianne have a son, who’s being kidnapped and imprisoned by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Naturally, Robin and his followers are coming to his rescue, and in between that have many adventures. This particular musical won’t let you sit calm, it captivates you from the very first moment. And the soundtrack is very enjoyable too.

Now, that’s just a few French musicals that are worth watching, I hope some caught your attention. If not, let’s meet in the second post about musicals.

 

We are moving from France to other parts of the world.