Chongqing—On May 20th, the French musical Notre-Dame de Paris, adapted from Victor Hugo's classic novel, will dazzle audiences in Chongqing with five consecutive performances at the Shiguangnan Grand Theatre from May 22nd to 25th. The announcement was made during the "2025 Performing Season in Nan'an" launch event and the musical's Chongqing premiere press conference, where cast members interacted with fans through games, Chongqing dialect lessons, and heartfelt discussions about the production.
At the premiere press, the lead actors of Notre-Dame de Paris posed for group photos with audience members. (Photo/Chongqing Performance Arts Group)
Since its debut 27 years ago, the musical has captivated global audiences with its 55 powerful musical numbers and visually stunning stage design, reimagining Hugo's timeless tale of love, fate, and humanity. At the event, lead actors Roxane Filion (Ésmeralda), Thomas Bronzini (Frollo), Eric Jetner (Phoebus/Gringoire), and Philippe Tremblay (Quasimodo) shared their personal connections to the story and performed iconic showcases, igniting the crowd's enthusiasm.
Fans shared lively interactions with the lead actors of Notre-Dame de Paris. (Photo/Chongqing Performance Arts Group)
When asked about their favorite musical moments, Roxane Filion highlighted Ma Maison C'est Ta Maison (My Home Is Your Home), describing it as "a heartfelt scene where Quasimodo first introduces Ésmeralda to his home, Notre-Dame Cathedral. Their emotional interaction is deeply moving." Philippe Tremblay chose Les Cloches (The Bells), praising its "rich emotional layers and dynamic physicality, which make the performance both challenging and exhilarating."
Roxane Filion shared her favorite song from the musical Notre-Dame de Paris. (Photo/Chongqing Performance Arts Group)
The cast also distilled the essence of the musical into single words. Thomas Bronzini selected "universal", explaining, "The story explores themes like love, choice, betrayal, and morality—issues that resonate across cultures." Philippe Tremblay emphasized "injustice", referencing Quasimodo's poignant solo Dieu Que Le Monde Est Injuste (How Unjust the World Is, O God), reflecting on marginalized groups' societal struggles. Roxane Filion playfully opted for "intense" without explanation, while Eric Jetner answered by singing a line from "Fatalité" (Destiny). The actors later electrified the stage with live performances of Être Prêtre et Aimer une Femme (To Be a Priest and Love a Woman), Bohémienne(Gypsy), and Belle, immersing the audience in the musical’s sweeping French romanticism.
The cast members Thomas Bronzini, Eric Jetner, and Philippe Tremblay performed the beloved song Belle live, igniting cheers from the crowd. (Photo/Chongqing Performance Arts Group)
The musical anchors a robust lineup of performances announced for Chongqing's 2025 season. Highlights include dance legend Yang Liping's Peacock, the iconic play Legendary Beauty, stand-up comedy My Middle-Age Era, the poignant drama A Village in Taiwan, the historical thriller Along the River During the Qingming Festival, and the family-centered play Father. These productions signal a thriving cultural scene in the city, catering to diverse artistic tastes.