"The Young Girls of Rochefort" at the Lido

1/ Gypsy

Natalie Dessay and Neïma Naouri in "Gypsy" © Jean-Louis Fernandez

The story : A fable about ambition, control, and emancipation. Born into a show business family and pushed by her domineering mother, Rose, Louise (aka Gypsy) becomes a burlesque star. Inspired by "The Memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee," the musical premiered on Broadway in 1959, in an original production choreographed by Jerome Robbins.

The voices: In this French version, Natalie Dessay embodies a Rose with impeccable precision: a former virtuoso soprano, she makes the transition from opera to musical theatre by adopting a more spoken-word style, even incorporating belting, a vocal technique from musical theatre, far removed from traditional operatic conventions. Opposite her, Neïma Naouri, her daughter both on and off stage, plays Louise/Gypsy. This passing of the torch also reflects, on stage, this shift in technique and performance, and explains the production's success, acclaimed from its French premiere and now in high demand on tour.

when: From June 7 to 23 in Strasbourg (Opéra) and Mulhouse (La Filature). More information at operanationaldurhin.eu

2/ The Young Girls of Rochefort

Marine Chagnon in "The Young Girls of Rochefort"

The story : In Rochefort, twin sisters Delphine and Solange dream of love and Paris, while a troupe of traveling performers arrives in town. This stage version captures the blend of sunny joy and melancholy so characteristic of Jacques Demy. The show is adapted from this iconic film, with music by Michel Legrand.

The voice: With Marine Chagnon, the musical comedy offers itself a Solange with lyrical DNA: a mezzo-soprano trained at the Conservatoire de Paris, then at the Académie de l'Opéra de Paris, and joining the Troupe de l'Opéra national de Paris in 2023. Her background (baroque, major roles, opera stage) brings to the musical comedy that "extra" in musical precision and text delivered with conviction, essential in Legrand, whose score, although it may seem light, is formidable to hold.

when: Until June 14 at the Lido. More information at theatredulido.com

3/ Les Misérables

"Les Misérables" © Thomas Amouroux

The story : Adapted from Victor Hugo's novel, "Les Misérables" follows the journey of Jean Valjean, a former convict hunted by Javert, against a backdrop of social misery, love, and insurrection, culminating in the barricades. A grand tale of redemption and justice, it is driven by a choral dramaturgy where the personal intertwines with history. Originally produced in London and on Broadway by Cameron Mackintosh, this French version was directed by Ladislas Chollat.

The voice: Benoît Rameau embodies this "dual-cultural" profile that pushes boundaries: a musical rigor inherited from classical music, applied to sung drama. Having trained at the academies of Opéra Fuoco, Philippe Jaroussky, and Les Arts Florissants, he has also distinguished himself in the art song genre. His performance as Jean Valjean, the iconic role, leaves a lasting impression, where his tenor voice and classical training give him all the necessary attributes to captivate audiences.

when: Returning to the Théâtre du Châtelet from November 12, 2026 to January 10, 2027, after a tour in Lyon, Nantes, and Lille. More information at chatelet.com

4/ West Side Story

Neïma Naouri in "West Side Story"

The story? A modern reimagining of Romeo and Juliet on the shores of Manhattan, "West Side Story" tells the tale of the impossible love between Maria and Tony, caught between two rival gangs. An urban tragedy driven by a soundtrack that blends lyrical fervor, Latin rhythms, and street energy. The work originated in the 50s and was later popularized worldwide by the film adaptation of Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise's novel.

The voice? In the stage version of "The Amazing Keystone Big Band", Neïma Naouri, as Maria, brings her character to life in a jazzy adaptation conceived as a family show, where the orchestra makes Bernstein swing (America, Maria, Tonight…).

When? February 13th at the Reims Opera House. More information at billetterie.operadereims.com.

5/ Chicago

Waku Malanda in "Chicago" © Cyril Bruneau

The story : Chicago features two women accused of murder who will stop at nothing, even turning their trial into a musical comedy. The show depicts an America where justice, media, and entertainment are intertwined. Created in 1975, Chicago draws inspiration from true crime stories of the 1920s and holds the record for the longest run on Broadway.

The voice: In the supporting role of Mama Morton, Waku Malanda perfectly embodies this leap from opera to musical theatre. A trained musician, she added an operatic dimension to her career by attending the conservatory. Having appeared in The Lion King, she arrives in Chicago with an operatic technique applied to an art form that demands deeply felt, embodied singing.

when: Until April 26 at the Casino de Paris. More information at
casinodeparis.fr