Musical shows in Paris: our top picks for an unforgettable experience

november 2023

Want to experience a musical show in Paris, but you don’t know which one to choose? Whether you’re a fan of cabaret shows, concerts, operas or even children’s musicals, there’s something for everyone! There’s an impressive array of musical shows on offer in Paris theatres. Without further ado, we present our top picks for a fun melodic experience with family or friends.

The Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris: an iconic musical show

If you’re looking for a colourful musical show, why not book an evening at the Moulin Rouge? Enter the doors of the legendary Parisian cabaret venue and enjoy a magical, unforgettable experience.

The Moulin Rouge’s Féerie show is a compelling event of breathtaking proportions. Before your astonished eyes, talented artists perform frenzied dance steps to the strains of lively music. They perform on a sumptuously-decorated stage, dressed in magnificent costumes.

Take the opportunity to dine in the actual hall hosting the performance. Sample refined cuisine while enjoying music from the Parisian cabaret orchestra.

Remember to reserve your place: the Féerie show attracts a large number of spectators every day, from France and beyond!

spectacle Moulin Rouge costume rouge
© Sandie Bertrand

Le Moulin Rouge, 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris

The Lion King at the Mogador theatre: the perfect family musical

An iconic venue for a world-renowned show: the stage is set for a memorable evening. Among the musicals to add to your bucket list this year in Paris, The Lion King is simply unmissable. It’s the ideal show for an exciting family time, with humour, emotion and magic aplenty!

Visit the Mogador theatre, an iconic venue in the 9th arrondissement of the French capital, to experience the remarkable adventures of Simba and his friends… in song! This extraordinary performance will leave you and your children with wonderful memories.

The Lion King, which tells the story of Simba’s conquest of the Pride Lands, is a musical show famous for its creative staging and magnificent costumes. Puppets, special effects and music take you to the heart of the savannah for a unique family adventure.

This musical show has proven such a success in the City of Lights that a new season is scheduled to run until May 2024. So what are you waiting for? Book your seats at the Mogador theatre right now and enjoy one of the most important musical creations of recent years!

spectacle musical paris Le Roi Lion
© Abacapress

Théâtre Mogador, 25 Rue de Mogador, 75009 Paris

Starmania at the Seine Musicale centre: an unmissable rock opera

Starmania is an unmissable event in Paris for fans of musicals. This famous rock opera, created by Michel Berger and Luc Plamondon in 1978, is a major work of French musical heritage. Its story takes place in a futuristic world, and still resonates today with our contemporary society.

In 2020, a new production of Starmania was created to mark the 40th anniversary of the original work. The show covers songs from the era: Quand on arrive en ville (“When We Come To Town”), Le Blues du businessman (“The Businessman’s Blues”) and SOS d’un terrien en détresse (“S.O.S. of an Earthling in Distress”) are back!

Following the undeniable success of the original, the new version of Starmania is back for a new season at the Seine Musicale centre. Hurry and book your tickets for this magnificent concert, and rediscover an iconic work of French-language music.

Le Seine Musicale, Île Seguin, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt

West Side Story at the Théâtre du Châtelet: a classic of the musical world

If stories of star-crossed lovers are your thing, book your seats for West Side Story. This American musical comedy is a contemporary reinterpretation of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The story takes place in the 1950s in New York, and recounts the forbidden love between Tony and Maria, members of two rival gangs, in song. Their passion defies the racial and social tensions of the time before coming to a tragic end.

West Side Story is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the musical genre, thanks in part to its memorable songs and innovative choreography.

The show began a world tour in late 2022. It is currently showing in France until late 2023 at Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet. Don’t waste another second! Book your tickets for this magnificent musical spectacle.

spectacle musical west side story
© Abacapress

Théâtre du Châtelet, 2 rue Edouard Colonne, 75001 Paris

Black Legends at the Théâtre le 13e Art: a century of African-American music history

How about a journey of discovery into the incredible history of African-American music? With friends or as a family with your children, visit the Théâtre du 13e Art in Paris to experience the Black Legends musical.

Following its incredible success, this show – the only one of its kind in France – returns to the Parisian stage for a second season!

This musical fresco traces major events in American history through the medium of music, from the 1920s to the election of Barack Obama. Black Legends celebrates African-American culture and its influence on worldwide popular music.

Some of the greatest African-American artists are portrayed on stage, including Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson and many others.

The staging, songs and irresistible rhythms make this show one of the most popular musicals of the moment! So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets for this incredible concert.

Le 13ème art, Avenue d’Italie, 75013 Paris

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