The international musical sensation Notre Dame de Paris was on stage at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for a limited engagement thru July 16, 2023. Following its New York City debut last year, which was seen by over 30,000 people in just 12 performances, Notre Dame de Paris returned to New York City to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Translated into nine languages and performed in 23 countries, the musical brings to life Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, set against the backdrop of the iconic Paris Cathedral in the 1400s.
Our personal take
Having had the privilege of experiencing this spectacle for the third time, we can confidently say that each viewing has left us even more excited than the last. The magic and power of this production seem to deepen with each performance, drawing us further into its captivating world. From the stunning performances to the awe-inspiring set designs, every aspect of the show continues to impress and amaze us. It is a testament to the enduring appeal and timeless quality of Notre Dame de Paris that it can elicit such strong emotions and keep us coming back again.
It is a moving, heart-wrenching tale of unrequited love, hatred, intrigue, and larger-than-life characters. From exhilarating rock dances to poignant lyrical segments, the show’s numbers traverse a range of emotions.
Our Review of the Recent Notre Dame de Paris Performance
Angelo Del Vecchio’s portrayal of Quasimodo, the disfigured bell ringer of Notre Dame, was nothing short of breathtaking. His raspy voice sent shivers down the spine, eliciting tears from the audience time and time again. Opposite him, Elhaida Dani shined as the beautiful and resilient Esmeralda, a tragic heroine who becomes the object of desire for numerous men.
Supporting the central duo, Daniel Lavois delivered a show-stopping performance as Frollo, the archdeacon whose faith and vow of celibacy crumbled in the face of Esmeralda’s beauty. Jérémy Amelin, as Phoebus, the army captain enthralled by Esmeralda, portrayed his character’s obsession with intensity and vulnerability.
The backdrop of the main story highlights the plight of Paris’ marginalized masses, including immigrants like Esmeralda, who exist on the fringes of society, subject to the whims of the Church and the Court. Their search for asylum resonates powerfully in today’s world. The exhilarating dances of these characters, complemented by thrilling circus-style acrobatics, add an extra layer of dynamism to the production.
Guiding us through the narrative was Gian Marco Schiaretti as the troubadour Gringoire, whose mesmerizing voice lingered in our hearts long after the final curtain call.
The show reached its climactic end with the audience on its feet, clamoring for more. And the cast, led by Gian Marco Schiaretti, delivered one final rendition of the show’s signature song, “Le Temps des Cathédrales,” leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witness this extraordinary performance.
