The Opéra bouffe du Québec (OBQ) is set to enchant audiences this October and November with La Vie parisienne, the lively and beloved comedic operetta by Jacques Offenbach.
Following a sold-out run in 2023, the OBQ will present six performances from October 26th to November 3rd, 2024, at the Théâtre des Muses in the Maison des arts de Laval.
An Immersive Parisian Experience
Under the stage direction of Alain Zouvi and the musical leadership of Simon Fournier, the production will bring together an impressive cast of 11 soloists, a 40-member choir, the OBQ orchestra, and Les Chambristes du Grand Montréal.
The performers will whisk audience members to the dazzling world of 1900’s Paris, with its charming allure and vivacious spirit. Expect spirited melodies, flirtatious intrigue, and humorous schemes as the operetta celebrates the joys of life, love, and revelry.
The creative team includes Jean Bard as the set designer, supported by Philippe Gobeille, with Jérôme Bérubé handling lighting design and Diana Ratycz providing the dazzling and very detailed costumes.
Alain Zouvi directs a talented ensemble of performers, featuring Rachèle Tremblay, Emmanuel Hasler, Jessica Latouche, Simon Chaussé, Amélie Baland Capdet, Charlotte Vigneault, Simon-Charles Tremblay Béchard, Mehdi Mikaeilzadeh, Samuel Tremblay, Caroline Yergeau, and Andoni Iturriria.
Together, they will deliver a joyful tribute to the City of Light, its grand Universal Exposition, and its iconic Eiffel Tower.
A Tale of Love, Deception, and Revelry
The story of La Vie parisienne follows two young socialites, Raoul de Gardefeu and Bobinet, who, spurned by their mutual mistress Métella, decide to pursue more refined women.
Raoul sets his sights on a recently arrived Danish baroness, taking on the guise of a guide to win her favor. He convinces the baroness and her husband to stay in his apartment, disguised as an annex of the Grand-Hôtel, leading to a series of comical and farcical situations.
From improvised banquets to mock receptions, the plot intertwines aristocrats, servants, and Parisian bohemians in a whimsical dance of mistaken identities and social satire.
As the truth is unveiled, the characters come together to celebrate the pleasures of Paris in a joyful finale.
Cast and Creative Team
- Gardefeu: Emmanuel Hasler
- Métella: Rachèle Tremblay
- Baron de Gondremarck: Simon Chaussé
- Baronne de Gondremarck: Jessica Latouche
- Le Brésilien: Mehdi Mikaeilzadeh
- Pauline: Amélie Baland Capdet
- Gabrielle: Charlotte Vigneault
- Frick: Andoni Iturriria
- Bobinet: Samuel Tremblay
- Prosper: Simon-Charles Tremblay Béchard
- Urbain: Caroline Yergeau
- Musical and Artistic Direction: Simon Fournier
- Stage Direction: Alain Zouvi
- Assistant Director: Philippe Gobeille
- Set Design: Jean Bard
- Lighting Design: Jérôme Bérubé
- Costumes: Diana Ratycz
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
- Evening performances: October 26, November 1 and 2, 2024, at 7:30 PM
- Matinee performances: October 27, November 2 and 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM
Location: Maison des arts de Laval, 1395 Boulevard de la Concorde Ouest, Laval
Tickets can be purchased by calling (450) 667-2040 or visiting Co-Motion’s website or Opera Bouffe’s official site.
About the Opéra bouffe du Québec
Founded in 1978, the Opéra bouffe du Québec is dedicated to preserving the charm and elegance of French operetta while nurturing the talents of emerging lyric singers.
Recognized as a charitable organization since January 2015, the OBQ thrives on the passion of its over 40 choristers, who sing, dance, and contribute to set and costume creation, ensuring that the joy of operetta remains alive in Laval.
For more information, visit operabouffe.org.