daiukifune The voices alone prove just why this musical was such a success in Europe and Asia. All of the cast have been decorated with various musical honours in and out of live theatre in Quebec (with the exception of Helene Segara, a native French pop singer, and Garou, a newcomer to the live entertainment circle). Their strong musical backgrounds made this show absolutely irresistible.Garou's performance as Quasimodo could not have been more perfect as his rough voice accurately portrays the heartbreaking sadness of the character. Helene Segara is sweet without being distasteful (one of the only Esmeraldas who does not plaster herself all over Phoebus right from the get-go), and is powerful with her voice when she needs to be while retaining a lighter sound when required. Daniel Lavoie's voice fits Frollo perfectly, but his songs seem lacking when compared to others. Patric Fiori and Julie Zenatti are wonderful when they sing together as Phoebus and Fleur-de-Lys, but both are equally strong in their individual roles. Luck Mervil's Clopin is strong as the leader of the Gypsies, though his notes are mercurial and quite unpredictable at times. And lastly, Bruno Pelletier narrates and threads the entire story as Gringoire, his voice ever so brilliantly bringing out the mood of each scene. The acting, on the most part, is very well done. Considering that most of these actors have done some kind of theatre in the past, there are very few exceptions, mostly to do with dancers and the lack of interaction between the characters.The style of presentation is really very refreshing, and it doesn't seem to matter that these actors no longer sing to each other but to the audience through very obvious head-mics. There are some small concerns with the pre-recorded tracks and chorus, but this little cheat is forgiven in view of the awesome live performances by the cast. This kind of presentation along with the dancers who often become an extension of the set makes this musical seem more like a pop/rock concert, perhaps more appealing to a younger audience. The choreography is very expressive, and the dancers set the perfect rhythm and feeling for each piece of music performed. The acrobatics, however impressive, never upstage the performers, striking an even balance. The dark, cold and rather barren feeling of the empty stage evokes a sense of modernism, and enhances the tragedy within the story.Plamondon's libretto strengthens Cocciante's music, though both are obviously very able in each of their own discipline. The plot stays true to the book and omitted only things unnecessary in this particular depiction of the story. The English subtitles are accurate enough for one to appreciate the lyrics, and several of the songs do translate well into English. But when available, the original French language audio track is the best to listen to in order to appreciate how the music carries the lyrics, even if the audience isn't fluent in French.If there is anything left to be desired, it is actual editing of the made for TV/DVD version. For the most part it does its job well. Besides giving a clear view of what the actors are doing individually and what the dancers are doing, the editors added some cropped closeups within a distance shot to give the feeling of the entire stage. However there are some very, very clichéd stills inserted in attempts to emphasize certain things (such as the insert of Phoebus' face at the end of Beau Comme le Soleil, depicting Fiori straining for a note). That being said, one can at least be appreciative of being able to see what the actors look like.Overall, a wonderful musical/performance that delivers an enjoyable experience, and a very successful attempt at an innovative presentation. It is absolutely a worthwhile musical to spend some time appreciating.

Risto Pohjola Despite not being a true musical performance this is truly a great performance with great singers.Garou with his special voice as the hunchback.A performance i really like.I could sense the pain in his voice.Beautiful Helene Segera as Esmeralda.A vulnerable soul in a racist world.Patric Fioiri as the confused soldier not knowing to whom to give his love.Daniel Lavoie as the priest Frollo torn by the love for Esmeralda and his faith.Bruno Pelletier with his beautiful voice playing Gringoire the poet. Great dance and stage work. Well written music that express all the feelings from each character Great ensemble in a great piece of musical history.

iuliawo I'm a great music lover and musicals are among my favorites movies. I've seen as many musicals and musical comedies as I could, but Notre-Dame de Paris is still the best so far. All the singers involved have extraordinary voices and good acting talent, the dancers have been so carefully chosen that their performance simply amazes you. Richard Cocciante's music is simply divine and unique. Although a great music writer (see also Le roi soleil) and singer himself, Notre-Dame de Paris is the greatest success of his life. The story generally follows the plot Victor Hugo established in his famous novel with some very witty modifications operated by Plamondon. The words are so artfully chosen that one can simply transfer back to Hugo's epoch and relive the story despite the fact that it now takes place on a mere stage. This is the reason why I think this great musical is generally more valued by French speakers or at least with some knowledge of French.As about the cast: Garou is just perfect for the part of Quasimodo (unforgettable and unique voice), Patrick Fiori and Julie Zenatti- two young beautiful voices to become huge stars of the French musical scene, Daniel Lavoie (just perfect for Frollo's part, human and malicious at the same time- Frollo I mean!!!),Helene Segara as a suave,elegant and refined gypsy girl- far more appropriate than the Italian or English Esmeraldas (although well-known singers such as Tina Arena played in the English version of Notre-Dame), and last, but not least, Bruno Pelletier as Gringoire, one of the most beautiful and powerful voices ever. I wonder... does this man ever breathe?Just watch this video (or go and see it in Paris if you have the chance; I'll certainly go as soon as I can) and I assure you that you will listen or watch it all over again (especially Belle, which is my favorite song ever).And one more thing: my husband has always hated French language. The moment he saw Notre-Dame de Paris has started learning it.

Cherry-Blossom "Notre-Dame De Paris" is the best musical I have ever seen! With his stunning voice, Bruno Pelletier (the most wonderful singer I have ever heard of) shines as the poet Gringoire, receiving gold and quadruple platinum for his act. Daniel Lavoie plays Jean-Claude Frollo with his powerful voice. Hélène Ségara takes on the role of Esmeralda spectacularly, and Luck Mervil plays the part of her guardian Clopin with passion. When Garou sings you cannot do anything but listen, since he sounds amazing, interpreting the role of the love-sick Quasimodo. Using his voice, which contains the softest sound I have ever heard, for the role of Phoebus, Patrick Fiori does a truly excellent job. And last but definitely not least, Julie Zenatti uses her unique and special voice for the role of Fleur-De-Lys, at the age of only 17. Richard Cocciante (music) and Luc Plamondon (lyrics) have done the very difficult job of sticking to the story by Victor Hugo, and still managing to create a fantastic and beautiful musical. Because of its success, it has been translated into different languages such as (for instance) English and Italian. This masterpiece is most honestly worth your time!