Opéra Comique
Place Boieldieu - 75002 Paris
Capacity 1200 seats
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme at the Opéra Comique
Opéra Comique
Until March 26, 2023
In French surtitled in French & English
Location
Duration
3 hours
With intermission
Details
Opera
For all audiences
In French surtitled in French and English
Highlights: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme at the Opéra Comique
At the second performance of this comedy-ballet, The Bourgeois Gentleman, Louis XIV reportedly said: "I am completely satisfied with your comedy, this is a true comedy with cunning jokes; continue to work in this same genre, and you will bring pleasure to my life". The work is a model of its kind and places music, song, and dance on the same level, all of which are perfectly integrated into the action. The Bourgeois Gentleman is an absolute French classic with refined music. You will find this comedy-ballet a wonderful way to get to know the French spirit of the time. And if it couldn't get better, it's all taking place in the beautiful hall of the Opéra Comique!
Story: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme at the Opéra Comique
Mr. Jourdain, a bourgeois of modest origins who is proud to have become rich, tries to acquire good manners by embarking on apprenticeships that seem worthy of his status as a gentleman. It soon becomes clear to us that the play was not to the taste of the courtiers of the Sun King's time, who tried to prevent it from being performed. Today, at the Opéra Comique, the famous comedy-ballet, The Bourgeois Gentleman, is reborn with intelligence, humor, and poetry, directed by the facetious Jérôme Deschamps and under the baton of two great specialists in baroque music: Marc Minkowski and Thibault Noally. Could it get any better?
Reviews
Opéra Comique
Place Boieldieu - 75002 Paris
Opéra Comique
If you take a walk in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, you will be delighted to discover in the small, quaint Place Boieldieu, a superb building of beautiful proportions topped by six caryatids: the Opéra Comique, a theatre house in Paris, which celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2015. You will be surprised to learn that this gold and red auditorium, also known as Salle Favart, is considered the first modern theatre in France because it was the first to be designed with fully electric equipment for both public and stage lighting.
That doesn’t rest as the only surprise… Despite its name, the Opéra Comique doesn’t only perform comic operas, a particular kind of musical show that mixes sung arias with spoken theatre (the ancestor of the musical), but a wide range of operas as well! It was in this venue that works that are now internationally known were created, such as Berlioz's La Damnation de Faust, Delibes's Lakmé, Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande... but also Massenet's Manon and Bizet's Carmen! This hall has welcomed the finest composers and never ceased to welcome works from the contemporary repertoire. Viva la musica! Viva l'opera!
Fast facts Capacity: 1,200 seats Handicap Accessible: Yes Air conditioning: No Chauffage: Yes
FAQ
How do I get to the Opéra Comique?
The Opéra Comique is accessible by metro lines 3, 7, 8, and 9 and the nearest stations are Opéra, Quatre Septembre, or Grands Boulevards. The Opéra Comique is also accessible by the RER A at the station Auber or by bus lines 20, 32, 39, 29, 45, 74, and 89. Our customer service department can be contacted in case of difficulty from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, please consult the map above.
What do I do when I get to the Opéra Comique?
We invite you to arrive 45 minutes before the beginning of The Bourgeois Gentleman, and present your ticket at the front desk. The Opéra Comique’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
What does my ticket entitle me to?
With the purchase of a ticket, you can attend a presentation that will give you access to the "keys to the show" and the possibility of singing in the rotunda under the direction of a professional conductor.
Is it a show for travelers or French people?
Both! The Opéra Comique has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for 300 years. The legendary opera-ballet, The Bourgeois Gentleman is sung in its original French, and subtitles in both French and English are provided so that audiences can appreciate it in one of France’s most iconic venues.
Is there a specific dress code at the Opéra Comique?
No, there is no specific dress code at the Opéra Comique, however, proper attire is always appreciated.
What should I do if I am late?
The doors are closed as soon as the curtain rises. Access may be refused or subject to certain conditions.
Can I take photos during the performance?
In order not to disturb the artists on stage, and for the comfort of other guests, you are not permitted to photograph, film, or record the performance for the duration of The Bourgeois Gentleman. As long as the performance is not currently in session, feel free to take a snapshot of the Opéra Comique to remember your night out!
Is tipping customary at the Opéra Comique?
Ushers at the Opéra Comique do not accept tips.
Subtitles or “surtitles”?
Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatrical equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French the word “sur” means “above.” At the Opéra Comique, the text is projected both on the sides of the auditorium, and centrally directly above the stage.
Is there a coat room at the Opéra Comique?
A free cloakroom is available in the entrance hall of the theater. The Opéra Comique does not accept means of transport such as scooters, skateboards, or folding bikes. For security reasons, travel bags and suitcases are not allowed.
Covid-19 Information
Specific measures and obligations may apply to this show. Before making your reservation, please check the updated information on our Covid-19 page: https://www.theatreinparis.com/en/page/covid-19