Unearthed thanks to the archives of the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, this version of La Vie parisienne is as it was originally conceived by Offenbach and his librettists, before the vocal limitations of the artists responsible for creating the work forced them to rework it. Acclaimed on stage for four years, this production, directed by Christian Lacroix, is coming to Versailles.

As Paris prepared to host its second World’s Fair (April-November 1867), Jacques Offenbach and his librettists put together a show for the Théâtre du Palais-Royal designed to captivate the audience expected to attend the industrial festivities. Breaking with the historical distance that had previously characterised his comic operas, Offenbach set to music the world that was his exact contemporary. In order to hold up a mirror that barely distorts the image of the international audience that had come to France to enjoy its pleasures, he drew on the sharp and satirical gaze of Meilhac and Halévy, who made numerous direct references to technological advances (notably the arrival of the railroad), Parisian entertainment venues, and the types of people one might have encountered there.

The gamble paid off, and La Vie parisienne was a phenomenal success from the moment it premièred (323 performances up until the autumn of 1869). The dazzling cast of the Royal Opera intends to make this La Vie parisienne triumph once again !

Recreation Royal Opera / Château de Versailles Spectacles.

A co-production by Bru Zane France / Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège / Opéra Orchestre Normandie Rouen / Théâtre des Champs-Élysées / Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier Occitanie / Opéra de Limoges / Opéra de Tours / Palazzetto Bru Zane.

Executive production by Bru Zane France.

Sets, costumes, props and wigs created by the workshops of the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège.

Musical edition: Palazzetto Bru Zane.

Opéra bouffe in five acts, with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, premiered at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in 1866. Complete original 1866 version.

New Royal Opera Productions.

Performance in French with surtitles in French and English.

The Hall of Mirrors will come alive with a breathtaking firework display, a majestic and unforgettable way to welcome the New Year at Versailles.

First part : 1h40

Intermission

Second part : 1h10

DOGE CATEGORY : The finest seats in the house, a complimentary programme, an invitation to a cocktail reception with free-flowing champagne (opening 45 minutes before the show and during the intermission, where applicable).

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : The finest seats in house, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

REDUCED RATE : applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

GROUP RATES : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.