The sound of... musicals

A few years ago if you wanted to see a musical in Europe you had to go to London, period. Things have changed! Now you can see a lot of interesting productions in one of our many theaters. That's precisely what I did last night when I went to Mogador to see Le Roi Lion (The Lion King). I must say, I'm not a big fan of these shows, but this one really made me change my opinion. The costumes are stunning - I'm talking stunning! - the scenery is breathtaking and the French adaptation is really well made. Nice way to start my weekend ;) Here is a little clip.

New York upon Seine!

Even if it looks like this photo was not taken in Paris, it was! And more precisely, at the last Mondial de l'automobile, the big automobile show that just took place in Paris. They had a section dedicated to taxis from all over the world throughout the ages and I thought this was perfect for today [Sunday], as I am heading to NYC. The PDP party will most likely take place on Tuesday 28, around 5:30/6:00 pm. Stay tuned for the location as I still need to arrange this [with Alexa!]. Also, I'd like to dedicate this post to Lynn (aka PHX-CDG) because it's thanks to her that I am here today;)

Bobino is still alive

Last night, on my way back home from the office, I passed by the rue de la Gaité a pretty "festive" street in the area of Montparnasse. I noticed a huge line at the entrance of "Bobino" one of the mythical music halls of Paris. The name Bobino is known to all Parisians but to be quite honest I thought it was now more or less closed. Browsing the web to know more, I found out that the place had been totally redone in 2007 and that they turned it into a Cabaret kinda place (like the Moulin Rouge or Le Lido) where you can enjoy fancy costumes and music. You'll find out more on their website. BTW, talking about music, here is a little piece that Vivky Hugo (a regular commenter) sent me today. Quite unexpected...

If you want to attend this year's PDP Picnic on May 7, please check this topic.

Hello Dolly!

My favorite trade show is back! Le Salon de l'agriculture (the International Agricultural Show) opened this Saturday and will last until March 2nd. This show is often called "the largest farm in the world" for its spreads out on almost 150 000 sq meters (1 614 586 sq feet) and shelters no less than 4,000 farm animals ! Even though it's a trade show everybody can come and attend the "cow beauty pageant", eat one of the many specialties from our provinces and meet some of the few farmers that are left in France (3.6% of the active population...).

Cirque Bouglione

There is a permanent circus in Paris. It's called Le cirque Bouglione - Bouglione is a famous family that runs several circuses in France - and it's located in Le cirque d'hiver (winter circus) a place that was originally built in 1852 (read the whole history here). They just started a brand new show, so the place is crowded. Who said the circus is dead?! Check their web site and pay them a visit, it's really worth it ;)

Magic Blackberry!

I attended the launch of a new Blackberry by a French mobile carrier yesterday evening near le Grand Palais. After the traditional introduction speech, to entertain the audience, they invited a magician on stage who started playing with the new phone and perform a few tricks with it. It was quite impressive, I must say. He ended his number with this confetti scene, which, I was sure would make a good photo ;) A nice change from the demonstration photos!

Chocolate Fashion Show

Today, I attended the "Salon du chocolat" a show entirely dedicated to... chocolate. It was created by two French people (Sylvie Douce and François Jeantet) and is so successful that it now takes place in New York, Tokyo, Beijing... One of its highlights is a Fashion show where dresses are designed by famous chocolate makers. Huge success. I took several photos of course; if you want to see some, have a look at this little video.

Piaf, the musical

After I saw Tomate's yesterday post in the forum about the Edith Piaf movie with Marion Cotillard I noticed that they are currently having a musical about her at L'Olympia, one of the most famous music halls in Paris. I haven't seen it and I won't because I don't feel too comfortable about this. I can hear the producers say "hey, the film was a big hit, let's do a musical now!" Maybe I'm being too French! Anyone has seen it? Is it good?