Theaters Paris

The Comédie Caumartin is one of those popular theaters where laughter has been the order of the evening for decades. Numerous plays by Georges Feydeau, Tristan Bernard and Sacha Guitry, as well as "one-man shows", are on offer. Built in 1906, this 400-seat theater was named the Comédie Royale before adopting its current name in 1923. It closed in 1932 and was revived 20 years later by Jacques Fabbri's troupe. From 1960 to 1980, it presented "Boeing Boeing", Marc Camoletti's timeless vaudeville. Since then, one boulevard play follows another.

The presentation of European plays in their original language, with French surtitles, is one of the original features of this magnificent 780-seat hall, which is also largely devoted to the French classical repertoire and creation. Punctuated by jolts linked to the historical events that have marked Paris, the existence of the Odeon has been quite eventful. Inaugurated in 1782 by Marie-Antoinette, the hall was built for the Théâtre-Français troupe - architects Marie-Joseph Peyre and Charles de Wailly. It backs onto the Luxembourg Gardens. The Marriage of Figaro, by Beaumarchais, was created there. The Odéon was closed in 1793 for uncivilization and became a place for political gatherings during the Terror.

Returning to show business, the Théâtre-Français changed its name to Odéon in 1796. During the Revolution of 1830, the Place de l'Odéon was a rallying point for the insurgents. The end of the 19th century was marked in particular by the performances of actresses Sarah Bernhardt and Réjane, as well as by the success of L'Arlésienne, by Alphonse Daudet and Georges Bizet in 1885. The beginning of the following century gave the Second Théâtre-Français two important directors, André Antoine and Firmin Gémier, personalities who greatly influenced the development of dramatic art in our country.

A new change came in 1959 with the arrival of Jean-Louis Barrault at the head of the establishment. In the company of Roger Blin, he mounted pieces by Claudel, Beckett, Ionesco, Duras, Sarraute... In 1965, a ceiling painted by André Masson was delivered. May 1968 arrives and the occupation of the theatre by students in revolt. When it reopens, the theatre is given a new status, that of an experimental and test centre. The Odeon then hosts various shows including those of the Theatre of Nations. In 1971, it became the national theatre and was to focus on "creation and research to promote the progress of national and world theatrical aesthetics. Patrice Chéreau and Antoine Vitez work there, as well as Giorgio Strehler, director of the Théâtre de l'Europe, a structure which is joined to the Odéon National Theatre in 1983. Definitively autonomous in 1990, it is directed by Lluís Pasqual, then by Georges Lavaudant from 1996. After three years of work during which the Odéon was decentralised to the Berthier workshops in the 17th arrondissement, the theatre opened again in 2006. In the meantime, the institution has been assigned these workshops as a second site. The current director is Stéphane Braunschweig. The Odéon, according to his ideal, now aims to be "a theatre open to the world and to the crossroads of generations".

This theatre owes the love of an English impresario to his dancer. In 1919 Sir Alfred Butt built it for Régine Flory, on the Palladium model of London. He is named Palace Theatre. During the Roaring Years, you can see the Ballets Russian, classical music concerts, pianiste. And operettas, that until the 1970 s. The site then welcomes all kinds of shows: concerts rock and song - Jacques Higelin… - plays by Jérôme Savary, Robert Hossein… -, musicals - Starmania… Before returning to the Pleyel room in 2006, the Paris Orchestra was in residence some time ago. Becoming a subsidiary of Stage Entertainment, the place was the subject of work in 2007 and reopened to focus mainly on the dissemination of performances mixing theatre and music (the Lion King…). The renovated room can accommodate 1628 spectators and there are 6 bars - three on the ground floor, one on the first balcony and two on the second balcony. Finally, a collection of contemporary art presents works by, notably, Robert Combas, Thierry Bisch, Patrick Boussignac, Hélène Guetary, Raya Sorkine…

Monumental, facing the Eiffel Tower, in a gigantic building built on the Chaillot hill by architects Léon Azéma, Jacques Carlu and Louis-Hippolyte Boileau for the 1937 Universal Exhibition, the Théâtre National de Chaillot is a mecca for dance and music. It was here that Jean Vilar established the Théâtre National Populaire - TNP - in 1951. Today, the venue boasts several seats, and has established itself as a must-see dance venue.

Before this superb neo-Renaissance theater was built in 1900, an ^18th-century music salon already existed on the same site. In 1931, the Ranelagh became a renowned art house cinema. It gradually returned to theater and music, as well as circus arts, notably with the successful performances of Howard Buten as the clown Buffo. The current 300-seat auditorium has retained its character, with carved oak panelling lining the orchestra and balconies.

Also known as the "French", this institution was created nearly 340 years ago. King Louis XIV, a great lover of entertainment, was responsible for its creation. Molière's plays are performed here, of course, but also those by Racine and Scarron. Over the centuries, the Comédie-Française has never moved from the Place Colette, just a stone's throw from the royal palace. Take the time to enter the hall and visit the museum, before attending a performance: classical or contemporary, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Located at the feet of high buildings, typical of the new 13 ^th century built in the last few decades, this district theatre subsidized by the City hall of Paris has been offering performances in 1981 to discover emerging talents, whether they are directors, actors or authors. That said, repertory works are not forgotten. A few names read on the posters in this 250-seat hall theatre: Xavier Durringer, Yasmina Reza, Fabrice Luchini, Gildas Bourdet, Jean-Pierre Miquel, Béatrice Agenin…

It is noted that a Theatre 13 Award helps young directors during a festival each year. The winner sees his work programmed during the following season. Finally, it should be mentioned that the Theatre 13 program three rounds of concerts. There is a lot for everyone.

The composer Jacques Offenbach is the pere of this very lovely dining area to Italian. Les Bouffes Parisiens are initially installed in 1855 in Carré Marigny, on the Fields-Élysées. One year later, they migrate towards passage Choiseul. Offenbach creates Orphée with the hells there, before yielding its theater in 1862 to its orchestra conductor, Louis Varney. This one made shave the room to build some another, equipped with thousand hundred places. Specialized in the lyric shows, primarily of the operettas, Puff out them Parisian present works of Emmanuel Chabrier, Louis Viarney (Musketeers with the convent), Robert de Flers, Claude Terrasse. At the beginning of the 20th century, the operetta yields the step to the theater with the creation of rooms of Henry Bernstein and Sacha Guitry (Let us do one dreamed), before returning to the light kind which made its glory - Phi-Phi, of Albert Willemetz and Henri Christiné. Willemetz takes over the leadership of the room and obtains an enormous success with Dédé, played by Maurice Chevalier. Dranem, Guitry, Michel Simon, Arletty, Pauline Carton, Elvire Popesco, then Yves Robert, Danièle Delorme are the large stars of Puff out Parisian in the decades which follow. In 1986, Jean-Claude Brialy takes again the reins of the theater, until its death which has occurred in 2007. The direction is now ensured by Dominique Dumond. Theater, only in scene, song and shows young people divide the poster.

As the Theatre of the City, of which it is the second room since 1996, the Theatre des Abbesses offers a high quality programme. Although eclectic, he is very rich in plays. This elegant Italian theatre, which is resolutely contemporary, has 400 seats on the bottom of a courtyard at the foot of Montmartre. His rehabilitation was entrusted to the architect Charles Vandenhove. The decorations of the avant-stage curtain and side galleries were carried out by the painter Olivier Debré. Part of the interior and courtyard is artist Daniel Buren, the rayures man.

Actress Silvia Monfort had long and ardently wanted this theatre, which is located on the edge of Georges-Brassens Park, but unfortunately she died before it opened in 1992. This municipal hall with 460 seats was finally entrusted to Régis Santon. Dramatic art is king, but musical theatre, dance and circus performances are frequently included in the program, as well as concerts and song recitals. The great variety of types of shows and the desire to promote emerging companies remain the strong points of this place rich in proposals and talents.

Built in 1913 for King Edward VII of England, one of the great lovers of Belle Époque Parisian life, this was the theater where Sacha Guitry premiered many of his plays during the 1920s. After extensive renovations, the theatre reopened in 2001 under the direction of Bernard Murat and Jean-Louis Livi. This handsome, vast 720-seat venue is located close to the Opéra Garnier, on a pretty pedestrian street that was pedestrianized several decades ago. Its programming, both popular and cutting-edge, is a great success.

With a history spanning several centuries, over 20 years ago the theatre underwent major renovations, after which Jean-Michel Ribes became its director. His aim is to reconcile pleasure and culture by performing texts by living authors. He multiplies quality shows by mixing genres and styles in the rooms of this dynamic establishment: Renaud-Barrault - seven hundred and sixty seats -, Jean-Tardieu - one hundred and seventy seats - and Roland-Topor - eighty-six seats -, in tiers.

The adventure of the New Theatre began in 1827. He had three successive addresses before settling in this 590-seat room inaugurated in 1921. It is one of the temples of the light show: There was a lot of music and a lot of music. Arletty, Michel Simon, Elvire Popesco, Jean Lefebvre, Jacques Balutin, Henri Guybet, Chevallier and Laspalès, Robert Lamoureux, and Marthe Mercadier surveyed his scene. In 2010, Pascal Legros took the lead in the theatre.

The room itself is already a show. Trained in Italian, with about 800 places, it shines a thousand éclats. The th century atmosphere dominates and enchants. It is a jewel in a historic area. The Royal Palace, where it is located, began to be built by the will of the Cardinal of Richelieu. He then called himself the Cardinal Palace. The theatre was built in 1784 in this area, which became property of Philippe d'Orléans. The architect is Victor Louis, who expands the room in 1791. He then took the name of his director, Miss Montansier, an important woman in the middle of this period. In 1831, a famous comedian named Dormeuil took over. The place was named at the Palais-Royal theatre. They play vaudevilles. There were many pieces of Eugène Labiche - Embrace-us Folleville, the Straw hat of Italy… -, Parisian Life, Meilhac, Halévy and Offenbach… In the 1960 s, the comic vein irrigates again and again this room - Achard, Roussin, Dorin… In 1973 stands here the first of La Cage aux folles, Jean Poiret with the author and Michel Serrault. It is a historic triumph, which, elsewhere, will last until 1979! There will then be other successes, including Merry Easter, the same Poiret with Maria Pacôme and Nicole Calfan - from 1980 to 1983 - or the shows of the Unknown and the Quartet. A real palace of laughter royal!

Le Lucernaire was founded in 1968 by actors, authors and directors Christian Le Guillochet and Luce Berthommé, and in 1984 was awarded the label of "Centre National d'Art et Essai". Great artists such as Laurent Terzieff and Daniel Emilfork, as well as young companies, have created or revisited contemporary and classic texts here. There are two auditoriums, one "black", the other "red". Le Lucernaire also has three Art et Essai cinemas and a gallery dedicated to young photographers.

A rococo facade and garlands and painful masks: no doubt, when you enter here, we are sure that there will be from the show! It is what already guests of this address said that has a century and a half of existence. From materials recovered from the demolition site of the theatre of the Exhibition of 1867, the keeper of a bar François Jamin built a café-concert in rue de la Gaîté. Le Concert de la Gaîté-Montparnasse opens in 1868. Georges Dorfeuil son takes what over at the beginning of the 20th century and brilliantly young artists including Maurice Chevalier and Georgius. During the Roaring Twenties, the room offers song recitals, bare one, dramas, all without visible logic. La Gaîté becomes a variety of room where singers and chansonniers occur: Roger Nicolas, Fred Adisson, Gina Manès... In 1945, the actress Agnès Capri, who played at Jouvet and Pitoëff, they setup a theatre of avant-garde where a young called novice Marie-Juliette Gréco passes. After a closed at the beginning of the year 1950, the adventure started again in 1958 with Michel Fagadau. Until 1978, it manages the room and showcases much shows. Then, variety theatre and share the poster: Do and Valley, Jean-Roger Caussimon, Luis Rego, Le Père Noël is a refuse, by Beautiful... The large actors passed by all the Gaîté since: Catherine Rich, Pierre Arditi, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Fanny Ardant, Niels Arestrup...

Curtain lift for Michel Theater! Or rather "reopening" since this place, founded in 1906 by Michel Mortier, already has more than one story to tell its audience. Bought by Francis Nani, CEO of the Palais du Palais Royal, he began his new life, ready to make discovery, surprise and seduce, particularly with the boulevard comedy that made the reputation of the place. For more than 100 years, laughter has been resounding in this theater of 350 seats! During its existence, Théâtre Michel has never deviated from its original vocation: Entertain the public and highlight new talent. A challenge he is always prepared to face!

Marie-Antoinette was responsible for this hall. Built in 1781, it hosted lyrical performances until 1794. After a few years of neglect, it was reborn as the Théâtre de la Porte-Saint-Martin. Romantic dramas, notably by Dumas and Hugo, were performed here. The theatre burned down during the Paris Commune and was rebuilt in 1873. Cyrano de Bergerac and Chanteclerc were created here. The alternation between classical and contemporary music keeps the place beating.

From its construction in 1925 - architect: Auguste Bluysen - this theatre has preserved an Art-Deco aesthetic. The room, of seven hundred places, is dominated by red and gold - decorator Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann. It presents parts intended for a wide audience. Yvonne Spring, Pierre Fresnay, François Citéa, Francis Perrin, Roland Giraud, Charlotte de Turckheim played. Among the authors who attended their work are Edouard Bourdet, André Roussin, Jean Anouilh, Marcel Achard and Françoise Dorin. The Michodière is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the boulevard theatre.

The theatre of the Marais began in the th century. At the time, the Marais is already a fashionable neighborhood and popular actors look for a place where they could represent themselves. It is then that the "marsh of the Marais" is formed in the room of the palm game street Old-du-Temple. This is where Corneille's first "Le Cid" will be played in January 1637. After a few years of success, the theatre took fire in 1644 and was completely renovated. The troupe no longer met the same success and it was only at the end of the th, with a renovation and the parts of Beaumarchais, that the theatre regained its lustre of yesteryear. Today, this place, which is located in Volta Street, lives with modern pieces. Since 2009 the theatre of the Marais is managed by Sébastien Autret, Charles Petit and Quentin Paulhiac. The great story continues…