I was lucky enough to spend time living in Paris, in the Pigalle/9eme. Do not go to Moulin Rouge or any of those tourist cabarets in those few blocks along Blvd Clichy. It's touristy and trashy like Times Square. One of the interesting things about Paris that I haven't seen really in other major cities is that they have a solid community for solo shows. They even have schools specifically focused on the craft.
The cabaret culture is what has traditionally and continues to be what dominates Paris. I would try to tap into that, and read up on the many offerings. You can find them in French or English. If you like a mature, stunning, and modern show, then I would suggest is the new show called "Fantasma", by Savary and Zaffuto. There are also many traditional torch song shows if you prefer something less risqué. If you speak French, there are also a handful of small theater productions. You just have to do a thorough search.
As previously mentioned, Opera Garnier, Magodor, etc are all venues with great work. If you're looking to focus on music theater like you find in NYC, you'll have a difficult time. Aside from 1 or 2 productions like Le Roi de Lion (Lion King), it's just not a place you'd go for that experience. Most of Europe is the same. As musical theater is not a European art form. Most dont have a lot of experience with it, even in a very large Euro city. If you're there at the right time, you could catch a touring show.
One thing I suggest on general in Paris is that you make time for walking aimlessly. I would do that a lot when I first got there, and discovered so much without a plan. It has such a rich culture in the arts, and you'll find small galleries, or performance venues tucked away on a tiny street.
Fantasma
https://www.theatredesvarietes.fr/spectacles/fantasma-circus-erotica/?fbclid=PAAabivPaK5zdH-9d26fK4TKWBUq_V2x6Tv-I5ashtxh1azerx4QNQPaSsYp0
Updated On: 4/11/23 at 04:13 AM
