The stage is set, the excitement is palpable, and the enchanting world of Jacques Offenbach’s La Périchole is ready to captivate audiences once again!
After a triumphant return in 2022, Opéra bouffe du Québec (OBQ) takes immense pride in presenting this beloved opérette, renowned for its lively and rhythmic tunes, as well as its profound sensibility.
Directed by the brilliant Alain Zouvi and guided by the musical prowess of Simon Fournier, La Périchole brings together a stellar cast of nine soloists, a choir of over forty voices, and the OBQ orchestra to transport you to the enchanting world of Peru.
This musical journey is set to grace the stage from October 28th to November 5th, 2023, at the Théâtre des Muses within the Maison des arts de Laval.
For the third consecutive year with OBQ, Alain Zouvi collaborates with his partner in artistic excellence, Monik Vincent, to lead an outstanding team of opera singers and actor-singers.
The talented ensemble includes Rosalie Lane Lépine, Thomas Vinals, Geoffroy Salvas, Alexandre Iannuzzi, Éric Thériault, Martin Héroux, Léa Jourdain, Natasha Demers, and Geneviève Bastien, who will immerse you in the tormented love story of La Périchole and Piquillo, two street performers struggling to make a living from their art while passionately loving each other despite their challenging choices.
The Tale of Love and Laughter
In the heart of Lima, La Périchole and her beloved Piquillo lead a life steeped in hardship. The Viceroy, Don Andrès de Ribeira, who secretly joins a local festivity, notices the young woman worn out by hunger and offers to take her to the royal court.
Overwhelmed by destitution, La Périchole eventually agrees and bids farewell to Piquillo. The new favorite of the Viceroy must be married, and fate brings her and Piquillo together in an unexpected twist. Drunk and disheartened, Piquillo unwittingly marries his beloved. When he regains his senses, he can only denounce La Périchole’s treachery, leading him to be thrown into the “recalcitrant husbands” dungeon. Through a series of comical misunderstandings, he manages to escape with La Périchole, who had never stopped loving him.
The Stellar Cast
La Périchole – Rosalie Lane Lépine
Piquillo – Thomas Vinals
The Viceroy – Geoffroy Salvas
Don Pedro – Éric Thériault
Panatellas – Alexandre Iannuzzi
Tarapote/the notary/the prisoner – Martin Héroux
Guadalena, Frasquinella – Léa Jourdain
Mastrilla, Ninetta – Natasha Demers
Berginella, Brambilla – Geneviève Bastien
Artistic Leadership
Musical and Artistic Direction – Simon Fournier
Stage Direction – Alain Zouvi
Choreography and Assistant Stage Direction – Monik Vincent
Set Design – Marianne Lonergan Pilotto
Lighting and Technical Direction – Carol Lechasseur
Costumes – Diana Ratycz
An orchestra of around fifteen professional musicians forms the backbone of the OBQ ensemble.
Performance Dates and Ticketing
October 28 and November 3, 2023, at 7:30 PM
October 29, November 4 and 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM
Maison des Arts de Laval – 1395, boul. de la Concorde Ouest
Box Office: 450-667-2040 or Online Ticketing or OBQ’s Official Website
About Opéra bouffe du Québec
Opéra bouffe du Québec has been a prolific producer of opérettes in Laval since 1978. Their mission is to breathe new life into the timeless classics of opérette, making them relevant for contemporary audiences, while also providing a platform for emerging talents in lyrical singing. Recognized as a charitable organization since January 2015, OBQ thrives thanks to the dedication of more than forty passionate choristers who not only sing and dance but also manage the company and contribute to the creation of sets and costumes. For more information, visit OBQ’s official website.