From The Phantom of the Opera to a stage interpretation of Dreamworks’ Madagascar, there are cultural treats aplenty for theatre fans in Monaco this festive season.
On the evening of Wednesday 22nd November, a packed audience settled into the seats of the Grimaldi Forum for the inaugural performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Don Carlo.
Directed by the legendary Davide Livermore and featuring the talents of both the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, the Italian version of this masterpiece did not disappoint, and its stars were rewarded for their efforts by applause that filled the venue.
The performance unofficially opened the festive season of cultural events in the Principality, which will include two more renditions of the story of the ill-fated Prince of Asturias on 24th and 26th November, along with numerous other offerings, from ballet to musical theatre.
Here is a rundown of what is coming up in Monaco over Christmas and New Year.
Madagascar
Four performances of Madagascar, the much-loved family tale from Dreamworks, will be held at the Grimaldi Forum between 1st and 3rd December, including two matinees. The show will be in English and last for a family-friendly hour and forty minutes, with a 20-minute intermission. Ticket prices start at €31.
The Phantom of the Opera
The next major title to grace Monaco is The Phantom of the Opera, often referred to as the most famous musical of all time. Although this iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber creation has been performed to more than 145 million fans and in 183 cities over the years, it has never appeared on a stage in France or Monaco.
That is set to change from 16th to 31st December, with near back-to-back performances scheduled for the Opéra Garnier. Tickets start at 40€.
Ballet to bring in the New Year
Carmen, as choreographed by Johan Inger, will be gracing the stage from 30th December to 4th January 2024, excluding New Year’s Day. Passionate, fiery and free-spirited, Carmen is an age-old tale of seduction and violence that will be given new perspective within the Salle des Princes of the Grimaldi Forum. The musical backdrop will be provided by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo.
Ticket prices begin at €52.
See more of Don Carlo in our Instagram reel below…
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Photo credit: Marco Borrelli / Opéra de Monte-Carlo