Notre-Dame de Paris (musical)
Notre-Dame de Paris is a sung-through French-Canadian musical which debuted in Paris in 1998. It is based on the 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris (also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) by Victor Hugo. The musical's music was composed by Riccardo Cocciante, and the lyrics were written by Luc Plamondon.
The musical tells the tragic story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre-Dame cathedral, and his unrequited love for Esmeralda, a beautiful Romani woman. Other prominent characters include Frollo, the Archdeacon of Notre-Dame, who is also consumed by lust for Esmeralda, and Captain Phoebus, a soldier torn between his duty and his desire for Esmeralda.
Notre-Dame de Paris is known for its dramatic and powerful music, blending operatic vocals with contemporary pop and rock elements. The original production featured elaborate staging and choreography, contributing to its widespread appeal. The show has been translated into numerous languages and performed in many countries around the world, achieving significant commercial success. Key songs from the musical include "Belle," "Le Temps des Cathédrales," and "Vivre." The musical’s popularity led to multiple recordings and international tours.