Stephen Sondheim's Passion Will Make Paris Debut at Théâtre du Châtelet; Season Announced

The Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris has announced its 2015-16 season, which will include three American musicals: Singin' in the Rain, Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate and Sondheim and Lapine's Passion.





All three musicals will be performed in English with French subtitles.

The Robert Carsen-directed production of Singin' in the Rain will return to the Théâtre du Châtelet after a triumphant run in 2014. Dan Burton (currently starring as Tulsa in the West End production of Gypsy) will likely reprise his role as Don Lockwood. The Paris production features musical direction by Gareth Valentine, costumes and sets by Tony Award winners Anthony Powell and Tim Hatley and choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear. The Orchestre Pasdeloup will be conducted by Stephen Betteridge. The production will play 50 performances, Nov. 27, 2015-Jan. 15, 2016.

Cole Porter's classic musical Kiss Me, Kate will be directed by Châtelet regular Lee Blakeley, with sets by Charles Edwards, costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel and choreography by Nick Winston. David Charles Abell will conduct the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris. Kiss Me, Kate was last seen in Paris in 1993, in a French-language production adapted and directed by Alain Marcel, at Théâtre Mogador. Kiss Me, Kate will play ten performances, Feb. 3-11.

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Passion will have its French premiere at the end of the season. Over the last five years, Sondheim musicals have been prominently featured at the Châtelet with A Little Night Music (2010), Sweeney Todd (2012), Sunday In The Park With George (2013) and Into The Woods (2014), all of which have been directed by Lee Blakeley. This time, French film actress Fanny Ardant will helm the production. Opera star Natalie Dessay will play the role of Fosca. No further casting has been announced. Passion will play eight performances, March 16-24.

For more information visit chatelet-theatre.com. *

Stéphane Ly-Cuong is a Paris-based freelance writer and director (stephane.lycuong@gmail.com).