Paris, 1482: a malformed hunchback bell-ringer falls in love with a gorgeous gypsy dancer, thereby bequeathing the world one of history’s most beautiful love stories. If you were as touched by Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s mournful tale as we were, don’t miss Riccardo Cocciante’s excellent musical adaptation of the classic. Since its Paris debut in 1998, the French-Canadian musical has become an instant success. In fact, according to the Guinness Book of Records, Notre-Dame de Paris had the most successful first year of any musical ever. It’s one of the Shanghai Culture Square’s biggest performances of the year. The English version of the popular musical is written by Will Jennings, a multi-Grammy-winning songwriter whose previous works include “Tears In Heaven” and “My Heart Will Go On.” With a cast of more than 400 actors and 53 songs including fan favorites like Celine Dion’s “Live for the One I Love,” this will be a truly exciting evening for musical fans.

DETAILS

What: Musical: Notre-Dame de Paris

Where: Shanghai Culture Square

How much: RMB80-1,280

When: Fri., Dec. 2-Sat., Dec. 24, 2pm & 7:15pm

Tel: 6472-6000