When:
Thru Oct 24, 2019
at 8 P.M
Where:
Athenaeum Theatre,
2936 N. Southport Ave
Written and directed by Gil Marsalla with music direction by Philippe Villa, PARIS! THE SHOW is a tribute to the greatest French songs of the post-war years.
Both a time capsule to the past and a virtual passport to Montmartre after WWII, , PARIS! THE SHOW weaves iconic French songs through a fictional story .
In this interview, Picture This Post (PTP) speaks with the show’s producer, Gil Marsala (GM), and also cast members Anne Carrere (AC), Jules Grison (JG), and Stéphanie Impoco (SI) to give Picture this Post readers a glimpse of what this one night performance will include.
(PTP) What inspired you to create this tour?
(GM) There has been a distinctive French cabaret style since end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, exemplified by such famous places as the Moulin Rouge, the Lido, etc. It’s an aspect of French culture which is world famous, but until recently, if you wanted to experience it fully, you had to come to Paris ! In 2009, while traveling a lot, I sensed a real hunger from audiences all over the world and especially from the USA to hear the classic French songs of the 20th Century, songs made famous by great artists like Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel, Yves Montand... So I decided to produce French cabaret shows and tour them internationally. After several years of touring and producing more than 700 concerts worldwide, I'm considered as the leading producer of this kind of work, that he have opened up a huge market for this beloved material.
What sort of mood or feeling are you hoping to build with the evening's performances?
(GM) I selected the best French songs that are really famous all over the world --from French music to tell a story of love in Montmartre, Paris. I want to transport audiences to one night in Paris each evening.
Is it necessary to speak French to understand this production and its songs?
(GM) Absolutely not as emotions pass thru music and artists’ voices.
Tell us, what is it like touring in a show like this?
(AC) It’s an amazing experience as we touring all over the world with our heritage music songs from France. We have spent so many moments of fun and music all together on the stage and touring with this show. Every evening on stage becomes a dream come true… Favorite song of course is La Vie En Rose , during this song all audiences in US speak French. as they know the lyrics … !
How have the audiences reacted?
(JC) Audience reactions are amazing-- we can see in their eyes that they know all songs even if they don’t speak any words in French .. It’s very funny. A special moment is when we’ll take one person in the audience to play with us .. French people love games, but you’ll need to come to see the show to play to the game 🙂
What is it about these French songs that make them special?
(SI) Audiences love the feelings that French music gives to them -- nostalgia , love … It may remind them of good moments spent during holidays in France. It’s always passing a perfect evening spent in Paris when you come to see the show.
What do you hope audiences will feel after the show?
(AC) We definitively love to meet audience after the show. This is a great moment when we can share emotions with them, especially in the USA as they don’t see a lot of shows performed in French. Generally , they are completely impressed about the show , filled with emotions that our music has brought them.
Tickets:
$28+
For full price tickets and ticket availability visit Athenaeum Theater website or call 773.935.6875
Photos courtesy of Athenaeum Theater