French musical megahit makes American debut on Vegas Strip

Robert Macy

Friday, Jan. 21, 2000 | 9:39 a.m.

Known for its showgirls, pop singers and white lions and tigers, the Las Vegas Strip would seem the least likely of places for the American debut of a Paris megahit musical.

But "Notre Dame de Paris," which opens to the general public Saturday, drew cheers from a preview audience Thursday night, eliciting a sigh of relief from producer Wayne Baruch. Baruch said he now feels vindicated for picking Las Vegas over New York City or Los Angeles.

The musical - built around the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame - opened in Paris in the fall of 1998. Within less than a year, it became the most successful musical in French history, selling more than 2 million tickets and 7 million CD's in Europe.

Baruch secured the U.S. rights to the musical and went looking for a venue. He found it at the new Paris Las Vegas hotel-casino, a French-themed resort complete with 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower which opened on the Las Vegas Strip last September.

Backstage after Thursday night's preview performance, Baruch said he felt he made the right choice in picking Las Vegas.

An appreciative audience cheered at times through the compelling musical, then gave a five-minute standing ovation at the conclusion of the show.

"I'm excited about the response," he said. "I never dreamed the audience would react this way."

Illusionists Siegfried and Roy, headliners on the Strip for more than a quarter-century, were among the guests.

"Absolutely incredible," Roy said, when asked his assessment.

"We're going on a great adventure," Baruch said. "A lot of people said this would never work in Las Vegas. I'm confident now. To see this reaction tonight, it's like a dream come true."

The musical is set in Paris in 1482. Bolstered by spectacular staging, a haunting musical score and outstanding dancing, the two-hour show captivated Thursday night's crowd, drawing applause and cheers throughout the evening.