The beginning of this year is a perfect time to make a little list of my current cultural selections—the ones I recommend and the ones I am burning to discover.
I’m mixing a bit of everything in this cultural potpourri: concerts, dance, theater, exhibitions, operettas, so that everyone can find something that suits their tastes. The only form of organization comes from my attempt (successful, I hope) to present them to you in relative chronological order, from the nearest to the furthest in terms of dates.
Table of Contents
The Film Score Concert at the Grand Rex
While I am a film buff, I am also a fan of film scores, and I’ve lost count of how many soundtracks I own at home…
I am therefore extremely eager to attend this exceptional concert tonight at the Grand Rex, dedicated to French film music. On the evening’s program, the Philharmonic of the choir and orchestra of the grandes écoles (65 musicians) will perform the most famous soundtracks from the history of French cinema for two and a half hours, in the presence of a large number of composers.
Grand Rex Friday, January 10, 2014 - 8:00 PM price: from €18 to €78
_
In groupie mode for the 2080 set at the Dame de Canton
On January 16th, I’m setting sail, because I will be at the Dame de Canton, among other places. Indeed, I won’t hide that I can’t resist the joy of playing the groupie every time 2080 performs in Paris.
This performance will be no exception to the rule, and if you want to discover the geek electro of 2080, I encourage you to pop over to the Chinese junk at the Dame de Canton; who knows, maybe we’ll cross paths…
Caiman Philippines + Rouge Kiwi + 2080 Thursday, January 16, 2014 Dame de Canton - 8:30 PM Tickets: €8 / €6
_
A musical feast in Pantin
Because I think mixing music and gastronomy is a rich idea, I am curious to attend the musical banquet offered by the city of Pantin at the Salle Jacques Brel at the end of January.
This 2-hour opera-bouffe presented by the Sequenza 9.3 ensemble and the Cabaret Contemporain is likely to be a truly magical moment.
Between the tables, a vocal quintet and an instrumental quartet will alternate revisited Renaissance songs and contemporary creations.
Pantin Musical Feast Tuesday, January 28 at 8:30 PM Salle Jacques Brel / Pantin
_
Anne, The Musical
The event show “Anne, The Musical” will be performed again on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at the Théâtre du Gymnase – Marie Bell for an exceptional performance.
This original adaptation inspired by the “Diary” of Anne Frank is a true musical tribute to this young girl. Modernity is very present here, as rap and slam mix with lyrical accents and ballads.
Anne, The Musical Thursday, January 30, 2014 Théâtre du Gymnase 38 boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle 75010 Paris
_
A botanical exhibition in the Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes
Noces Végétales is the first Parisian exhibition by the designer Tzuri Gueta. This exhibition, proposed by the Fondation Ateliers d’Art de France and the National Museum of Natural History, will be held in the Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes until February 2, 2014.
A poetic exhibition that makes you crave a little exoticism in our Parisian life.
Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes 57 rue Cuvier - 75005 Paris Open daily except Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Admission: €6 / €4
_
Extended Run: The Father, by Florian Zeller at the Théâtre Hébertot
For several years, I have been fascinated by Florian Zeller; I couldn’t tell you why, since I’ve never seen one of his productions, but there it is.
When I saw that his play, currently being performed at the Théâtre Hébertot by Robert Hirsch and Isabelle Gélinas, had been extended, I told myself it was finally time to see what I think of this author! Especially since I saw Isabelle Gélinas on stage in Lyon several years ago and I really like this actress.
The Father by Florian Zeller Extended run until February 2 at Théâtre Hébertot 78 bis boulevard des Batignolles - 75017 Paris
_
Le Petit Faust by the Compagnie des Frivolités Parisiennes
Le Petit Faust is one of the main pieces of the Parisian cultural heritage. This parody of Gounod will be performed from January 17 to 26, 2014 at the Théâtre Déjazet, which was created under the impulse of the composer himself, Hervé.
The Compagnie des Frivolités Parisiennes, which I’ve already mentioned here, is reviving Hervé’s three-act opera-bouffe for 6 exceptional performances.
The pitch: Faust is an old schoolmaster who runs a class of boys and girls. Marguerite is brought to him by her brother Valentin, who is going off to war; she turns the school upside down and runs away. Faust, rejuvenated by Mephisto, runs after his beauty, finds her at a public ball, and abducts her in a carriage after killing her brother. The ghost of Valentin appears to the culprits and drags them to hell. We find the four main characters of Gounod’s Faust… parodied with biting humor!
My opinion: a very funny play accessible from a very young age. A very good way to start discovering comic opera. I only regret that the play isn’t subtitled like at the opera, because on some sung lines, I admit I didn’t understand the entire text.
Le Petit Faust Théâtre Déjazet 41 bvd du Temple 75003 Paris duration: 1h40 without intermission
_
Tango in an exhibition
The show “Un tango pour Shelomo” is about discovering Argentine tango around the sculptures and paintings of the famous artist Shelomo Selinger.
I don’t know much about tango, even though I find this dance very sensual. So this will be, I hope, the opportunity for a more complete discovery of tango in an original context, which is what attracted me first and foremost to this show.
On the program: 6 dancers, 3 musicians, and a singer will perform to the rhythm of the sculptor’s worlds.
Un Tango pour Shelomo January 18 to 19, 2014 Espace Rachi – Guy de Rothschild / 75005 Paris price: €18 / €24
_
Flowers for Algernon at the Théâtre Hébertot
A rather atypical play being proposed this coming February by the Théâtre Hébertot, once again, which I would be quite curious to discover.
The pitch: Algernon is a laboratory mouse. Two researchers want to increase its intelligence. Encouraged by the progress, they try the experiment on a man. Charlie is simple; his IQ does not exceed 68. But he wants to learn, especially thanks to Miss Kinian, his teacher whom he is secretly in love with. The operation is a success. Then begins the peaceful struggle between Algernon and Charlie against a backdrop of the discovery of knowledge, intelligence, awareness, love, until… This cult short story by Daniel Keyes has led to numerous creations, including an Oscar-winning film.
Théâtre Hébertot from February 7 to March 30, 2014 78 bis boulevard des Batignolles – 75017 Paris
_
Mr. & Mrs. Dream, Pietragalla at the Grand Rex
I have been waiting for this show for about a year, so I am dying of impatience to attend it at the Grand Rex. I am a great fan of contemporary dance and am therefore curious to discover this mix of genres, this virtual and danced tale, in the words of the Pietragalla-Derouault Company.
My opinion: A play of rare poetry, also with a lot of humor and offbeat elements. My only regret is not having seen it danced by Pietragalla, replaced at short notice by Clairemarie Osta, who is clearly not up to the level of her colleague. For his part, Julien Derouault is simply mesmerizing; what a magnificent dancer!
Grand Rex / Paris from March 12 to 29, 2014
And what is your schedule for upcoming cultural outings? If you have suggestions or opinions to share, don’t hesitate to leave a little comment!
