Yu Yuanfan aimee3031@126.com IT is one of the best-known and most acclaimed musicals in French. Its instant success in 1998, the year of its debut in Paris, earned it recognition from the Guinness Book of Records as having the most successful first year of any musical ever. More than 2.5 million copies of its album have been sold in France, making it one of the best-selling albums in the country. This December, the French musical “Notre Dame de Paris,” one of this year’s most anticipated Festival Croisements events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and France, will enchant musical fans at the Pingshan Theater. The show will be performed in French with Chinese subtitles. Based on French novelist Victor Hugo’s romanticism masterpiece of the same name, the musical is set in 1842, when refugees and the homeless swarm before the entrance to the famed Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, seeking assistance and refuge. Among them is Esmeralda, a young and beautiful Romani girl who captures the heart of three men. Quasimodo, the hunchbacked and ugly bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, dares not to express his love for her. Frollo, the cathedral’s archdeacon, struggles with his desire for her despite knowing this lust will destroy him. Phoebus, the captain of the Royal Archers that has engaged with the nobly-born Fleur-de-Lys, wants her as a temporary mistress. As these lives intertwine, a tragic story unfolds beneath the majestic cathedral. The musical’s last China tour in 2019, with 130 performances in 14 cities over 20 weeks, was a box-office success with wide accolades. “Belle,” one of the musical’s most famous songs, was performed by its main cast and Chinese opera singers during this year’s Spring Festival Gala, a testament to the show’s popularity in China. In addition to the ear-pleasing songs by Riccardo Cocciante and Luc Plamondon, the musical also captivates audiences with its impressive dances, which innovatively blend elements from classical ballet, modern street dance, acrobatics and extreme sports. “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent,” said Hugo, whose works have inspired countless musical compositions. At 26 years and counting, “Notre Dame de Paris” continues to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. Whether you seek a compelling story, beautiful melodies, or deep thematic exploration, the 150-minute show promises an extraordinary experience. From now through Aug. 3, spectators can enjoy a 20% off early-bird discount on the purchase of 680-yuan, 880-yuan, 980-yuan and 1,080-yuan tickets for the musical. Each person can buy a maximum of six tickets at discounted prices. Pingshan Theater membership cardholders can enjoy additional discounts. For those who purchased tickets for the musicals “Notre Dame de Paris” in 2020, “Romeo et Juliette” in 2023, or “Mozart, L’opéra Rock” in 2024 through the Pingshan Theater’s official WeChat account, a 100-yuan coupon has been automatically sent to their account. This coupon can be used when spending 500 yuan or more on purchasing “Notre Dame de Paris” tickets. Please remember to select the coupon option when placing your order. Time: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19-21; 2 p.m., Dec. 21-22 Tickets: 180-1,080 yuan (early-bird discounts available until Aug. 3) Booking: WeChat account “PingShanTheatre” Venue: Pingshan Theater, Pingshan District (坪山大劇院) Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山廣場站), Exit D1 | 