‘PIAF! Le Spectacle’ returns to Dubai Opera for just two, exclusive performances next month on 22 October 2022, as part of the 60th anniversary global tour. Paying homage to the legendary career, life and music of the iconic singer and performer Édith Piaf, the show will take audiences on an immersive journey to celebrate the timeless music of Piaf during an enrapturing 90-minute performance.
Broadway Entertainment Group is proud to bring the show back to Dubai Opera and mark six decades since the musical icon’s passing by sharing six inspirational facts and ways to celebrate the legacy of the French chanteuse.
See why the grand dame’s music has influenced, inspired and been covered by countless stars during the last six decades, including Lady Gaga, Grace Jones and Cher.
One of Piaf’s most recognisable songs ‘La Vie en Rose’ offered inspiration for the soundtrack of BAFTA award winning film, A Star Is Born, with superstar Lady Gaga covering the iconic tune. Beyond gaining inspiration from the song itself, Gaga’s look and heartfelt romantic display when performing the song in the film is an ode to Piaf. This song has also been famously covered by Louis Armstrong, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Donna Summer as well as Iggy Pop. This is not her only iconic piece of music which as offered inspiration to the greats, with Cher having covered “Milord”, whilst La Toya Jackson and German band Rammstein each offered their take on ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’.
Pay homage to Piaf’s enduring connection to live performance
During her triumphant career, Piaf performed numerous times all over the world at iconic venues such as the Moulin Rouge in Paris, and New York’s Carnegie Hall. Pay homage to Piaf by sampling a variety of special pre-theatre aperitif drinks specially created for the 60th anniversary tour served at L’APERO at Sofitel Downtown Dubai, which will honour Piaf’s memory and be a nod to the songs, which made her famous.
Learn about the early life of the Parisian powerhouse who was born into a family of artists
Édith was born into a family of famous artists. Her father Louis Alphonse Gassion was an entertainer and began his career as a circus performer, later becoming a contortionist, whilst her mother, Annetta Giovanna Maillard was a singer and equestrian artist. Piaf who lived through a difficult childhood was quoted as saying that ‘Singing is a way of escaping’ from the challenges of her early life spent living in poverty.
Be moved to tears by this breathtaking performance
Edith Piaf stole the hearts of global audiences, lighting up stages and filling rooms (despite her diminutive 4ft 8 inch stature), with her powerful voice and magnetic personality. The singer was aware of the impact of her voice on listeners and later theatregoers from an early age, claiming that she wanted to ‘make people cry even when they don’t understand my words’, noting the power of her voice to move audiences to tears.
Watch Piaf’s iconic and moving story brought to life on the Dubai Opera stage by the talented Nathalie Lermitte
The French singer and actress, who started her career at the tender age of six, released her first single at the age of 12, has had a life as dedicated to music as Piaf herself. In 1997, Nathalie took on the role of Edith Piaf on stage. The musical achieved international acclaim due to Hermitte’s dedicated and emotional performance. Returning to the befitting role again in 2004, Nathalie’s performance was again welcomed and celebrated by critics. Throughout the last 25 years, she has continued to dedicate herself to the role and ensure Piaf’s magical story lives on with audiences all over the world.
Enjoy special access to archival videos and immersive content
The show not only tells the tale of the glowing career and life of vocalist Edith Piaf, through her unforgettable, captivating songs, brings to life incredible scenography and immersive projections of unpublished images of Edith Piaf.
Tickets are available for sale on Dubai Opera.
About Broadway Entertainment Group:
Broadway Entertainment Group (BEG) is a unique organization that integrates intellectual property, production, and distribution of first-class entertainment internationally. With an established network of international venues and presenters over the years, BEG has successfully expanded into the emerging markets of the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
BEG is currently touring The Little Prince. Past musical productions include: The Phantom of the Opera at Dubai Opera, DreamWorks’ SHREK the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS and Evita, Broken Wings, Thriller! Live, Formidable! Aznavour, Spamalot, Ghost the Musical, Kinky Boots, The Illusionists, and The Kite Runner.
Chief Executive Officer, Liz Koops has produced shows internationally for over 25 years and toured productions in 40 countries including: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Slava’s Snowshow, Catapult, Fosse, Bounce, Circus Oz, Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors, Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs, Gumboots, Lady Salsa, Fosse and Mum’s the Word, Miss Saigon, Starlight Express, Chicago, Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Izzard, Ningali, Lift Off Live, Lano and Woodley, Paul Capsis, Lady Chatterely’s Lover, Lady Salsa, Wadaicho Ichiro, Annie Sprinkle, Rudy Coby andthe Royal National Theatre’s production of An Inspector Calls.
