Review: NOTRE DAME DE PARIS at Sejong Center For Performing Arts

What makes a musical have the popularity for more than 10 years? To answer this question, we can simply look at NOTRE DAME DE PARIS, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in Korea. Based on the novel written by Victor Hugo, NOTRE DAME DE PARIS has been a best-selling musical in Korea for the past few years. Its opening number, 'The Age of the Cathedrals' is a popular audition song and was sung in different media platforms by several popular musical actors. That is why this year's production gained more attention than ever. The grand 10th-anniversary production of NOTRE DAME DE PARIS is currently performing in the Grand Theater of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts until August 5th.

When hearing the word, Notre Dame, most people commonly think of the Disney-produced animation, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. However, the musical NOTRE DAME DE PARIS is based upon the novel written by French novelist, Victor Hugo. Ever since its 1998 debut in Paris, it has been successfully played in all kinds of different countries such as Japan, South Korea, Spain, and etc. Also, it has been translated into seven different languages, clearly showing its international fame. In Korea, NOTRE DAME DE PARIS gained much attention due to its unique cast of acrobats and dancers instead of an ensemble like other shows.

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS is a sung-through musical, filled with 51 numbers in total. Not only are there a lot of music, dancing takes a huge part in this piece of work. When looking at the big picture, it is more a combination of music and dance, all coming to one big performance piece. The sets are quite simple, there are not a lot of changes, and hangers are fixated on the wall for the acrobatic dancers. Not only that, because the sets are simple, lights are an important source in the musical because it portrays and emphasizes certain feelings of a character or scene.

One scene to keep eyes wide open is the 14th song of Act 1, La Cour Des Miracles. This is a scene where the leader of the homeless and refugees, Clopin talks about true equality no matter their race, religion, skin color or criminal background. The poet of streets, Gringoire happens to trespass the palace of the outcasts and is put into the situation of being hanged. He is rescued by Esmeralda who agrees to marry him in name only. The singing of the actors is amazing too but the choreography is just breathtaking. The energy of the dancers and the powerful vocal of Clopin make the whole scene vibrate with light and power.

The story of NOTRE DAME DE PARIS is a bit outdated and filled with some clichés, however, we cannot ignore the fact of how beautifully tragic it is. Don't miss the moment to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this soul touching story that will be forever engraved in your memories.

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS plays until August 5th in the Grand Theater of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at 60,000 and can be purchased at the ticket box and online at www.interparkglobal.com. Be sure to check the cast prior to buying the tickets.

For more information, please visit www.interparkglobal.com.

Photo Credit: Mast Entertainment

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