Notre Dame de Paris Musical Returns to Italian Stages in February 2026

Sophie LaurentDecember 13, 20253 Mins read8

Summarize:

The iconic musical production ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ is set to make its grand return to Italian theaters from February 26, 2026, with an astonishing 120,000 tickets already sold. This theatrical phenomenon, which first premiered in Italy in 2002, will commemorate its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2027, marking a quarter-century of profound emotions, captivating music, and poetic storytelling.

A Timeless Masterpiece Returns to Italy

At the heart of this incredible project is Riccardo Cocciante, the musical’s composer. His masterful adaptation, with Italian lyrics by Pasquale Panella, brings to life Luc Plamondon’s original French texts. These, in turn, are based on Victor Hugo’s celebrated novel, which dramatically recounts the tragic love story between Esmeralda and Quasimodo, set against the majestic backdrop of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Since its Italian debut, ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ has deeply resonated with Italian audiences, a nation with a rich tradition in musical theater and opera. The production has played a significant role in fostering a love for this fusion of art forms, evolving into a popular phenomenon that has attracted 4.5 million spectators in Italy alone over the years. It has firmly established itself as one of the most enduring works in Italian culture.

Universal Themes and Enduring Appeal

‘Notre Dame de Paris’ continues to flourish without aging, its strength derived from the universal themes conveyed through its characters. The narrative explores marginalization, the fear of difference, and the burden of prejudice, serving as a powerful reminder that diversity is a resource, not a threat. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to portray the fragility and contradictions of the human experience: the quest for belonging, the yearning for justice, and the desire for love. These elements, decades later, affirm this modern popular opera as a classic capable of transcending generations and borders.

The Italian version of the show, first launched in 2002, was produced by David Zard, founder of one of the most prestigious and influential live entertainment production companies. Zard was instrumental in bringing legendary artists like Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Genesis, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, and Madonna to Italy. Recognizing the need for a suitable venue, Zard boldly commissioned the construction of the GranTeatro in Rome, a decision that provided the show with an appropriate setting for its Italian premiere. Zard’s vision, dating back to the 1970s, was to demonstrate the voice and potential of young people, challenging the notion of a ‘lost generation’. His career was marked by perpetual challenges against the impossible, culminating in numerous triumphs and innovations that significantly enriched the Italian music scene.

A Cultural Phenomenon: Global Reach and Italian Impact

‘Notre Dame de Paris’ has achieved cult status in live entertainment, consistently topping theatrical charts and surpassing the attendance of major rock and pop live concerts. This modern popular opera has been translated and adapted into nine languages (French, English, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Flemish, Polish, and Kazakh) and performed in 20 countries worldwide, drawing over 18 million international spectators. Of these, 4.5 million have been in Italy alone. Over two decades of its Italian history, the show has visited 49 cities, staging 181 events and a total of 1,548 performances.

The magic that renders ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ timeless is also woven through its dance, which seamlessly blends diverse styles-from classical ballet to breakdance-offering audiences an ever-evolving visual spectacle. Complementing this is the powerful musical component: the songs performed on stage are not merely theatrical pieces but standalone hits that enjoy a life beyond the show itself. This unique combination of styles, movement, and sound gives birth to a new form of contemporary popular opera, rooted in the grand European tradition of dramatic musical theater while embracing modern concert and live performance direction techniques.

Credits:

Music: Riccardo Cocciante
French Author: Luc Plamondon
Italian Author: Pasquale Panella
Director: Gilles Maheu
Choreography: Martino Müller
Set Design and Realization: Christian Rätz
Costumes: Fred Sathal
Lighting: Alain Lortie
Sound: Manu Guiot
Arrangements: Riccardo Cocciante – Jannick Top – Serge Perathoner

Casting:

Esmeralda: Elhaida Dani
Quasimodo: Giò Di Tonno
Frollo: Vittorio Matteucci
Clopin: Ange de l’Ancien
Gringoire: Gianmarco Schiaretti
Phoebus: Graziano Galatone
Fleur-de-Lys: Camilla Rinaldi

And over 30 additional artists, including dancers, acrobats, and breakers.

Upcoming Tour Dates (2026-2027):

February 26 – March 15, 2026 – Milan @ Teatro Arcimboldi
March 17 – March 29, 2026 – Milan @ Teatro Arcimboldi (NEW DATES)
April 3 – April 7, 2026 – Jesolo (VE) @ Palazzo del Turismo
April 18 – April 19, 2026 – Eboli (SA) @ PalaSele
April 24 – April 26, 2026 – Pesaro @ Vitrifrigo Arena
May 7 – May 9, 2026 – Reggio Calabria @ PalaCalafiore
May 22 – May 24, 2026 – Montichiari (BS) @ PalaGeorge
May 27 – May 31, 2026 – Lugano @ LAC
July 1 – July 5, 2026 – Genoa @ Teatro Carlo Felice
July 10 – July 12, 2026 – Senigallia @ Piazza Garibaldi (NEW STAGE)
July 17 – July 19, 2026 – Royal Palace of Caserta @ Piazza Carlo di Borbone
July 22 – July 24, 2026 – Ferrara @ Piazza Ariostea
July 30 – August 1, 2026 – Lanciano @ Parco Villa delle Rose (NEW STAGE)
August 12 – August 14, 2026 – Sabaudia @ Arena del Mare (NEW STAGE)
August 6 – August 8, 2026 – Olbia (SS) @ Olbia Arena
August 24 – August 30, 2026 – Palermo @ Teatro di Verdura
September 10 – September 13, 2026 – Torre del Lago (LU) @ Gran Teatro Giacomo Puccini
October 1 – October 4, 2026 – Verona @ Arena di Verona (NEW STAGE)
October 9 – October 11, 2026 – Bergamo @ ChorusLife Arena (NEW STAGE)
October 22 – October 25, 2026 – Messina @ PalaRescifina
October 28 – November 2, 2026 – Naples @ PalaPartenope (NEW DATE)
November 10 – November 15, 2026 – Bari @ Palaflorio
November 18 – November 22, 2026 – Florence @ Nelson Mandela Forum (NEW DATE)
November 27 – November 29, 2026 – Conegliano (TV) @ Prealpi SanBiagio Arena
December 4 – December 6, 2026 – Turin @ Inalpi Arena
November 7 – November 8, 2026 – Bari @ Palaflorio (NEW DATES)
December 11 – December 13, 2026 – Casalecchio di Reno (BO) @ Unipol Arena
December 16 – December 22, 2026 – Trieste @ Teatro Politeama Rossetti
December 26 – December 29, 2026 – Rome @ Palazzo dello Sport
January 2 – January 6, 2027 – Rome @ Palazzo dello Sport (NEW DATES)