Three years ago I was in Paris as Notre Dame was burning. I was there when we realised that she would stay standing and that the glorious Rose Window was intact. That day was in my mind when I entered the Alliance Française to see Quasimodo produced by Sing'Theatre says Expat Choice reporter Beth Hollahan who goes on to shares her thoughts with readers after the recent launch of Quasimodo.
The first thing I saw was the reproduction of that Rose Window. The second thing I noticed was the crowd - the theatre was filled with people out to share the theatrical experience. For the next ninety minutes I was transported back in time to Victor Hugo's Paris. The lovely Esmeralda transfixes the hunchback, the priest, the soldier and the poet.
We see their struggles and passions and human failings as the story unfolds. The company of Quasimodo is comprised of seasoned performers and newbies and is not lacking in talent. Their voices ring out and fill the theatre with the love, longing, loneliness and lust.
The staging and choreography are nuanced and add richness to the production. I sat next to a young boy, about seven years old He was transfixed the entire show, clapping enthusiastically after each musical number. Getting a glimpse of the magic through his eyes made the experience more memorable. Theatre really does take us in and hold us captive until the final bow.
I highly recommend grabbing a ticket before the run is sold out. Sing'Theatre just announced an extension until 30 April so jump on over to Sistic to grab yours to be transported to the magic of Paris, and witness the truly unforgettable story - The Hunchback of Notre Dame, came to life on 15 April, exactly three years after the famed Cathedral was engulfed in flames, an event that devastated the world and has been such a success with audiences, the show will extend until 30 April.
Quasimodo, A Musical Story features songs from the internationally lauded smash-hit musical Notre Dame de Paris, famously known for its intoxicating music and deep emotional appeal.
Quasimodo is a dramatic tale of impossible love and jealousy doomed by injustice and hypocrisy, which remains timeless and relevant in today's society. Experience this musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's (Les Misérables) 1831 novel Notre Dame de Paris which follows the perils of the kind hunchbacked bell-ringer of the Cathedral, Quasimodo.
Watching from the spires of Notre Dame, Quasimodo falls in love with Esmeralda, a captivatingly sensual Bohemian girl. Adding to the emotional web are the morally conflicted Priest Frollo and the unfaithful Captain Phoebus, who also longs for Esmeralda's love. In this tale of lust and love so true, who shall emerge unscathed?
Directed by Nathalie Ribette, Quasimodo features a stellar cast of both established theatre talents (Hossan Leong, George Chan, Vanessa Kee) as well as theatre debuts (TJ Taylor, Joash Zheng, Preston Lim and Gabrielle Rae Sammy)
Quasimodo runs until 30 April 2022 at Alliance Francaise Theatre, thanks to the support of presenting sponsor BNP Paribas.
Quasimodo will feature English versions of songs from "Notre Dame de Paris", the smash-hit musical that has become a phenomenon all over the French-speaking world. The musical breaking box- office records in France, Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland have been performed in 23 countries translated into 9 languages, and seen by over 13 million people.
Sing'theatre's motto is "Performing for a better society" by promoting social dialogues within the Singaporean Community. Through Quasimodo, Sing'theatre hopes to spark conversation surrounding the importance of embracing diversity and tolerance for a more inclusive society.
Recently graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts, Joash Zheng, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, and will play the title role of Quasimodo is in hopes that the privilege of being able to play the lead will help families who support individuals on the spectrum feel less alone. "I am exceedingly grateful for Sing'theatre for taking the chance on me, and I hope that as a whole this production will wear down the stigma around having conversations regarding neurodivergence.”
Alliance Française - Venue
a. 1 Sarkies Rd, Singapore 258130
Sing Theatre - Information
s. www.facebook.com/Singtheatre
Tickets - www.sistic.com.sg/events/quasimodo0422
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