Written By Ray Hendriks

Well, I'll write exactly what happened (and hope I don't bore anyone
with this long story). This is what happened:

Last Wednesday-night we (Dean, Willem-Peter, Jolanda and myself) went to
London. One of the first things I wanted to do on Thursday was of course
going to the Dominion Theatre to buy tickets for 'Notre Dame de Paris'.
When we walked in I saw this huge poster of Tina as Esmeralda; she
looked GREAT!! But then I saw the list of actors who were playing that
night and Tina was NOT mentioned. I asked the ticketseller when Tina was
to play. She said probably on Friday and Saturday, BUT she couldn't be
100% sure... We decided to buy tickets for Saturday, since 'Notre Dame'
was only begun one week earlier, so it would be strange if Tina would
take her second (official) Saturday off.
On Saturday-afternoon we went back. I wanted to make pictures of the
Dominion Theatre and have a look at the players-list. I was thrilled to
see Tina's name was on top of the list!!! But then I heard it was the
playerslist of the matinee-show which had just finished. It could change
for the evening-show... Then I asked the doorman where I could find the
stage door. He told me how to get to the door, so we had a look where it
was exactly. About 15 people were already waiting, but I didn't have the
feeling they were there for Tina.
Dean spoke two French girls who were waiting for any actor, because they
were huge fans of the 'Notre Dame'-show. They had seen it in France and
had just seen the matinee-show. They said they liked the English version
better. (Must be because of Tina :-)) They thought Tina was still
inside. I saw several people going in and I asked someone if she could
ask Tina to come outside to give me some autographs, and that I had
travelled from Holland just to see her. She asked someone inside about
Tina, but they said Tina had left for dinner. BUT Tina would be back,
because she had to play that night. (I was sooooo relieved!!!!)
Dean, Willem-Peter and Jolanda wanted to have some dinner before the
show, but I just didn't want to leave anymore (knowing that Tina had to
come back). So I told them to have dinner and that I would wait for
Tina. They walked away and I was thinking: "What if I don't recognise
her??" Several people were walking in, but they didn't look like Tina at
all. Then I looked around to see from where she could come. Then at the
end of the street I saw HER!!!!!!!!!! She was very short, hair stuck up
and wearing sunglasses, but somehow I just KNEW it was her. I called to
the other end of the street, where Dean, Willem-Peter and Jolanda were
still walking. Dean looked around and thought: "Now, why is Raymond
going to talk to a stranger?" But then he realised it was our Tina and
he, W-P and Jolanda came back.
I was so thrilled, my heartbeat up in my throat, emotions flying high. I
was so nervous! I said something like: "Excuse me, are you Tina Arena?"
I didn't give her time to answer. I was one flow of words. "Could you
please give me an autograph?" She said she would if it wouldn't take
long, because she was in a hurry. I had four CD-booklets with me. She
signed all four:
- Don't Ask: "Raymond, love Tina Arena"
- In Deep (Australian): "Raymond, love Tina x"
- In Deep (French edition): "Tina Arena"
- Notre Dame de Paris: "Tina Arena X"
I told her I was a big fan from Holland and that 'I want to spend my
lifetime loving you' had been a giant top 10 hit for months. I said it
was difficult to get her singles, because Sony doesn't release any
singles anymore here. She was frank and open saying: "Raymond, I don't
care about Sony. I care about my carreer." (I loved it, how she used my
name several times, when she spoke to me). She made it clear she wasn't
happy with the people at Sony. She also said there will be a new album
next year.
Mark, we also told her you would come to see her next month! Then I
asked if she would pose with me for a picture. She did! Meanwhile Dean
had taken several pictures already.
Then she walked on. But at the door she was stopped by the other fans. I
was so lucky I saw Tina in the street... I had her all for myself for a
few minutes!!!!!!!!! :-) Feeling extremely happy, I walked on. Passing
the French girls the said: "You just missed Tina Arena! She has just
entered the theatre!" I smiled and said happily: "I know!!! I just met
her!"
Seeing the show 'Notre Dame de Paris' I was in for another surprise. I
have the CD, which includes four songs by Tina. But the real show has
many more songs than what has been released on CD. From the songs which
are NOT on the CD, Tina has a part in many. It was almost like a Tina
Concert. And that was great, because I didn't like 'Notre Dame' much as
a musical. I know the story, but Jolanda didn't and still doesn't. She
loved the music, but couldn't follow the storyline. It is an allsong
musical (no spoken words). It looked great, but as for the story... all
four of us thought it could have been presented better and that it was
difficult to follow the story and that the acting of other artists was
poor. The other thing we all agreed on: Tina was brilliant! She sang so
easily and full of power.
Some people didn't like it at all, the show was sold out, but after the
break some people had left. On the other hand there were alot of French
who cheered and clapped after every song! At first they seemed
especially fond of the male-characters, but slowly it became clear they
were impressed by Tina aswell. (I thought it strange: Tina is so popular
in France: they should know who she is).
Well, that's my dream come true: meeting Tina!!!


For everyone who wants to know which songs Tina sings in 'Notre Dame de
Paris'. As you all know Tina plays the role of Esmeralda. And as you
will see, she sings a LOT of songs!!! During the break I asked if
there's also going to be a double CD release (the show last 2 hours and
25 minutes).
I'll mark (with a star * ) the songs which have already been released on
CD.

Act One:
1.  Overture / Gringoire
2.  The age of the cathedrals / Clopin *
3.  The refugees / Clopin *
4.  Intervention of Frollo and Phoebus / Frollo & Phoebus
5.  The Bohemienne Song / ESMERALDA *
6.  Esmeralda you see / Clopin & ESMERALDA
7.  So look no more for love / Fleur-De-Lys & Phoebus
8.  The feast of fools / Gringoire
9.  The king of fools / Quasimodo
10. The sorceress / Frollo & Quasimodo
11. The foundling / Quasimodo
12. The doors of Paris / Gringoire
13. Kidnap attempt / Phoebus & ESMERALDA
14. The court of miracles / Clopin & ESMERALDA
15. The word Phoebus / ESMERALDA & Gringoire
16. Shinning like the sun / ESMERALDA & Fleur-De-Lys
17. Torn apart / Phoebus *
18. Fate / Frollo & Gringoire
19. Water, please / Frollo & Quasimodo
20. "Belle" is the only word / Quasimodo, Frollo & Phoebus *
21. Home in the sky / Quasimodo & ESMERALDA
22. The Pagan Ave Maria / ESMERALDA *
23. Your love will kill me / Frollo *
24. The Shadow / Phoebus & Frollo
25. At the Val d'amour / Gringoire & Phoebus
26. The Voluptuary / Phoebus & ESMERALDA
27. Destiny / Gringoire, Frollo, Clopin, Fleur-de-lys, Quasimodo

Act two:
28. Talk to me of Florence / Frollo & Gringoire
29. The Bells / Quasimodo *
30. Where is she? / Frollo, Gringoire, Clopin
31. The birds they put in cages / ESMERALDA & Quasimodo *
32. Cast away / Clopin *
33. The trial / Frollo & ESMERALDA
34. The torture scene / Frollo & ESMERALDA
35. I'm a priest / Frollo *
36. Phoebus if you can hear me / ESMERALDA
37. My heart if you will swear / Fleur-de-lys *
38. To get back to you / Phoebus
39. Frollo's visit to Esmeralda / Frollo & ESMERALDA
40. One bright morning you danced / Frollo & ESMERALDA
41. Free today / Quasimodo, Clopin, Gringoire & ESMERALDA
42. Moon / Gringoire *
43. A small whistle I leave you / Quasimodo & ESMERALDA
44. God you made the world all wrong / Quasimodo *
45. Live for the one I love / ESMERALDA *
46. Attack on Notre Dame / Clopin, Frollo, Phoebus & ESMERALDA
47. By Royal Law / Phoebus
48. My master, my saviour / Quasimodo & Frollo
49. Dance my Esmeralda / Quasimodo *

On the CD is also Céline Dion's version of 'Live for the one I love'.
Personal highlights: #5, #16, #31, #45.

Although 'Live for the one I love' hasn't reached the top 40 in the UK,
it is available almost everywhere: containing three different versions
of the song plus the videoclip, which is great!

Besides 'Notre Dame de Paris' we've also been to 'Whistle Down The
Wind'. Another Tina connection!

Ray

Loads of thanx go to Ray for this amazing review :)