3 reasons to go see this magical show

Since Wednesday, May 19, 2021, the cultural venues have finally reopened. Among the events not to be missed, aufeminin’s editorial staff highly recommend the musical “Merlin, the musical legend.”

Merlin, the musical legend is one of those shows that we looked forward to without really knowing when we could see it. This time, it’s the right one: the creation of MarieJo Zarb, arrives from June 19, 2021 at the Folies Bergère, in Paris. So don’t hesitate not to book your tickets to be able to laugh, sing and move you with artists delighted to be able to return, finally, on stage. During their intense rehearsals, but in a warm atmosphere, we had also met them. Camille Mesnard, Natalia Pujszo, Mathilde Libbrecht, Clémence Bouvier told us: rehearsing in the hope of finding an audience one day was vital for these artists who, during the pandemic, were deprived of a profession, but also, and above all, a reason for living: “It’s a breath of fresh air that has been taken away from us for a long time.”

Merlin, the musical legend revisits the myth around the famous enchanter, here embodied by Arnaud Leonard. If he lives as a hermit in the heart of a forest, his destiny leads him on a quest, that of the Grail, of which only he knows the power and the origins. His meeting with Arthur, worthy of Excalibur, and the Knights of the Round Table, will be decisive in saving the people. If you are still hesitating before taking your seats for Merlin, the musical legend, at the Folies Bergères, here are three facts about this musical that should convince you.

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Against all expectations, it is also a female show

Merlin, the musical legend, it’s not just a story of knights fighting with swords, as the title of this musical may indicate. In reality, four feminine facets are exploited: they are the characters of Morgane, Azenor, Viviane and Guenièvre, interpreted respectively by Camille Mesnard, Natalia Pujszo, Mathilde Libbrecht, Clémence Bouvier. According to them, their roles have a central place in this musical: “These four female characters are powerful. They are strong women.”, they explain to aufeminin.

Moreover, even the character of Guinevere brings a totally different dimension: “Guinevere, we know her above all as being in a relationship with King Arthur and cheating on her husband with Lancelot. There, we really highlight the human side of the story. The vision given on Guinevere changes, she leaves completely the patriarchy. ” And it’s the same with the other female roles: each one brings something to the male characters and has a story in its own right. Even Azénor, written especially for this stage version. All this innovative look at the place of women in the legend of King Arthur, we owe it to a woman, of course. MarieJo Zarb imagined, created and wrote Merlin, the musical legend so that the spectators also find their account and that they are finally fairly represented.

“Merlin, the musical legend” will appeal to all audiences

For all these reasons, Merlin, the musical legend is accessible to a wide audience. By rewriting the story, and dusting it off, MarieJo Zarb hopes to see as many families, as couples and friends. The female characters are perhaps less, but there are as many songs performed by women than by men. Little girls will find what they are looking for when they see Azénor fight, fans of musicals will be delighted with the rhythm of songs that remind us of the most famous French variety musicals. No doubt, with Merlin, the musical legend : the target is wide and everyone can celebrate their reunion with culture by going to see a show like this one.

We simply missed the theaters

Is this a resurrection of culture? Maybe. In any case, despite the difficulties encountered, the production of Merlin, the musical legend did not give up. The rehearsals took place even though no one knew when the theaters would reopen. However, the troupe had no choice and that was the motto of the production during this totally unclear period: “We ourselves, on the eve of the rehearsals, didn’t know if we were really going to start working on this show. Then, the production pitched us, explaining to us that there was no choice: there was no choice. had to rehearse. At least the show would be ready as soon as the theaters could be reopened. And that was a very courageous decision on their part. “, explained Camille Mesnard, Natalia Pujszo, Mathilde Libbrecht, Clémence Bouvier in an interview.

The passion of this troupe of artists, producers, singers, composers, dancers and costumers reminds us of the crucial importance of culture in our lives. Taking into account all the work and investment that a show requires only makes you want one thing: to go back to theaters and discover a show live, as before, or almost.

Musical comedy Merlin, the musical legend starts on June 19, 2021, at the Folies Bergère, in Paris.
Dates at the Folies Bergères:

  • June 19, 20, 27 and 30, 2021.
  • July 3 and 4, 2021.
  • Resumption from October to December 2021.

Melanie Bonvard

Mélanie deciphers pop culture from a societal angle and questions the female gaze in films or even series, because everything is a question of gaze, she …