The Théâtre du Châtelet is an iconic cultural temple that has stood in the heart of Paris since 1862. But how much do you really know about it? Olivier Lefebvre, Head of Historical and Cultural Heritage at the Théâtre du Châtelet, tells us a few anecdotes!
1862: The Theatre's box offices
When the Théâtre du Châtelet was inaugurated, two "ticket offices" were originally planned. The first was in the "Grand Vestibule" for main seats, and the second in the "Couloirs des Queues" for secondary seats!
1900: Concerts by the Vienna Philharmonic Society conducted by Gustav Mahler
For the second concert on Tuesday, June 19, 1900 at 2:30 p.m., Mahler fainted on arriving at the Theater. He had to be carried to the concierge's dressing room so that he could lie down on a bed. Only at the end of the program is he allowed to take the podium.
1950: ANNIE FROM THE FAR WEST
On opening night, Lily Fayol (in the role of Annie) has to enter the first tableau on horseback. A burst of laughter greets the star's appearance: the horse has, in its ardor, carried off part of the set...
1965: MONSIEUR CARNAVAL
Georges Guétary and Jean Richard battle it out in the weeks leading up to the premiere of this new show written by Charles Aznavour.
Maurice Lehmann, then director of the Châtelet, mediated the dispute, and faced successive threats from the two French stars to leave the production if they refused to put their names first...
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Théâtre du Châtelet
1 Place du Châtelet
75001 Paris 1
Official website
www.chatelet.com
