In 2017, Laurent Campellone and Thomas Jolly revived this recently recovered jewel. Performed at the Châtelet during the Opéra-Comique’s restoration, the show is now returning to the place that inspired it, with Gaëlle Arquez in one of the finest cross-dressing roles of the repertoire.

Young Fantasio has lost interest in life and dreams about changing skin. Just as the King’s jester dies… Why not step in? No one loved the deceased as much as Princess Elsbeth, but she’s been doomed to a stark marriage of convenience.

The new court jester prompts the princess to listen to her heart. But how far will she surrender?

Offenbach met Musset at the Comédie-Française and owed him his initial success “La chanson de Fortunio”. The romantic dimension of Fantasio as revisited by the poet’s brother totally inspired him.

Libretto by Paul de Musset based on the theatre play by Alfred de Musset
Created at the Opéra-Comique on 18th January 1872

Musical direction Laurent Campellone• Stage direction Thomas Jolly • With Gaëlle Arquez, Jodie Devos, Franck Leguérinel, Jean-Sébastien Bou, François Rougier, Anna Reinhold, Thomas Dolié, Mathieu Justine, Yoann Le Lan, Virgile Frannais, Bruno Bayeux, Louison Bayeux, Juliette Gauthier • Choir Ensemble Aedes • Orchestre de chambre de Paris

See all the cast

Estimated duration : 2h45, including intermission - Salle Favart
165, 135, 110, 75, 50, 35, 15, 6 €

Show performed in French with French and English surtitles

The doors of the opera-house open 45 minutes before the performance.

Audio description (EN)

Some operas are available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.
More info on this page

People with reduced mobility

16 seats are dedicated to people with reduced mobility, on reservation at the box office or by phone. Access to the lift is located 5 rue Favart
+33 1 70 23 01 44 | accessibilite@opera-comique.com

Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing

Headsets and magnetic loops are available at the ticket inspection desk, on deposit of your ID. Material in Braille and large prints is available free of charge, on site.

Relax sessions

Relax sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability (autism, multiple disabilities, mental or psychic disability, Alzheimer…) may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

Aged 10 and older

Les pléiades

Around the show
As you will discover, each lyrical production will be supported by “Pleiades” extending and enriching its content in accessible, offbeat, prospective or intimate formats.

Event

Fantasio evening

December 15 to 21, 2023

Concerts and recitals

Masterclass at the Académie

December 20, 2023

Seminars

Women at the Opéra-Comique

December 08, 2023

Young audiences programme

Offenbach's dream waltz

May 02 to 04, 2024

Family event

Young audiences programme

Sharing songs

December 05 to 06, 2023

Before the show

To discover

45 minutes before the performance : The keys to the show with the dramaturge of the Opéra Comique.

Salle Bizet | Free

To relax

The intermission bar offers drinks and light refreshments as soon as the theatre doors open.

Accessibility

Relax session | Sunday 17 December at 3 pm
Relax sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

Audiodescription (In French) | Friday 15 December at 8 pm and Sunday 17 December at 3 pm
This opera is available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.