There are endless ways to make the most of winter in Monaco, from
relaxing on a beachside restaurant terrace, to pampering yourself at a luxury
spa, to sipping a classy cuppa in a prestigious team room... or perhaps taking
in a show! Here’s a rundown of the biggest cultural events taking place in the
Principality over the festive season.
When one musical hides another... Following the global smash hit West
Side Story in October, it’s the turn of Madagascar: the Musical
to take Monaco by storm! The family show based on the Dreamworks movie
of the same name is coming to the Grimaldi Forum for three thrilling performances from 1 to 3 December.
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The stunning steel and glass designed Forum in the Larvotto district
will also be hosting the Monaco Dance Forum, where the curtain will be raised
on the new Ballets de Monte-Carlo season with a special performance featuring a
huge cast of artists. The inclusive dance company 6e Sens and Dk-BEL have invited disabled people for the occasion on 14 December, to explore
the idea of aesthetics and the meaning of beauty. Hervé
Koubi and his Sol Invictus will then take up the baton with their stunning show blending dizzying
acrobatics and virtuoso hip-hop dance.
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The final week of the year will see two more performances that promise
to live long in the memory. From 20 to 23 December, acclaimed waltz "La valse, l’enfant et les sortilèges" will bring together an incredible 240 artists on stage. The new creation
by Jean-Christophe Maillot is based on Ravel’s 1925 opera of the same name, one
of Prince Rainier III’s favourite works. Then from 30 December to 4 January, a
new interpretation of Carmen from award-winning choreographer Johan Inger will usher in the New Year.
For music-lovers, Electrophazz who will be lighting up the stage at the Thursday Live Sessions on 14
December. The unique group have forged an explosive mix of jazz, R&B, and
hip-hop over the last fifteen years.
Two venues, two different vibes, all in one very eclectic Principality.
On the same date, the Théâtre Princesse Grace will host the December debate of
philosophy group Les Rencontres Philosophiques on the theme "Having a voice". An evening of cerebral delight, where members of the audience can
discuss fascinating ideas with special guest personalities invited for the
depth of their knowledge and expertise.
The Théâtre Princesse Grace will also be the venue for Paul Taylor’s new show "Bisoubye X". The British comedian who has lived in France for years will be serving
up his distinctive brand of bilingual Franglish humour in a side-splitting stand-up
routine. For ages 12 and over.
Meanwhile, the Théâtre des Variétés, will be screening a quite
exceptional documentary. Made as part of commemorations marking the centenary
of the birth of Prince Rainier III, the film “Rainier III par lui-même” (“Rainier III in his own words”) paints an intimate portrait of the man, the sovereign, and the
politician through interviews and speeches, with narration by Fanny Ardant. A
documentary not to be missed!
35 triumphant years, 140 million spectators, and more than 70 major
awards...the numbers speak for themselves. The Phantom of the Opera is indisputably one of the most successful and popular musicals of all
time. The spectacular show will be
coming to Monaco for a fortnight of twenty performances like no other, at the
prestigious Opéra Garnier from 16 to 31 December.
Photo credits:
©Alice Blangero - Los Ballets de Montecarlo / Ópera de Montecarlo / Jesus Vallinas / Benjamin Vergély / Mark Dawson Photography / Grimaldi Fórum Mónaco / Direction de la Communication / DR