BWW Interviews: Louise Pitre and Joe Matheson on Green Door Cabaret

Earlier this month, I trekked down to The LOT (aka The Lower Ossington Theatre) to experience my first show in the Green Door Cabaret series. I knew very little about what to expect other than it was a rare opportunity to see two of Canada's most talented musical theatre performers, Louise Pitre and Joe Matheson, performing original music in a very intimate space. Knowing little about the series but much about these two performers, I figured it was worth the trip to check it out. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed.

Green Door Cabaret is the result of producer Robert Missen's desire to revive what used to be a thriving cabaret scene in our city. What he has done is quite spectacular, in that his series of performances afford people the opportunity to see some of Toronto's biggest stars in a small cabaret environment. Having only previously seen Louise Pitre either on stage in some of her hit shows (Les Miserables, Mamma Mia) or in concert at much larger venues, I found it difficult to imagine what it would be like in such a small space. It was incredible. Louise and husband Joe Matheson (of Toronto's Jersey Boys) spent an evening engaging the audience (along with pianist Diane Leah). They laughed, cried, shared stories and sang original works written by the trio which had never been performed before.

This is the beauty of cabaret. It showcases not only the wonderful talent that we have here in Toronto, but also affords the audience the chance to feel as though they are getting to know the performers. Through song and stories, Louise and Joe opened their hearts to those lucky few people who were smart enough to already know what I learned that night - cabaret is where its at! When they laughed, we laughed and when they cried, we cried.  By the end of the evening everyone was on their feet in support of the event.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to have a brief chat with the duo in between sets, and took the opportunity to talk to them about what made them decide to do cabaret, as well as what keeps their love alive and their marriage so special:

What prompted you guys to do a cabaret of your own material at this stage in your career?

Bob Missen asked me if I wanted to do a cabaret! I originally hesitated as it isn't something I normally do. I tend to do stage shows and concerts and had just had a big concert at the Jane Mallet but he was persistent and said that I could do whatever I wanted. So I approached Joe and we started talking about how we never get to do our own stuff. Then we spoke to Diane (Leah, the pianist and head of The MCC Toronto Choir) and got her on board. Next thing we knew we were doing an entire program of our own original material. It's very different and very exciting!

What has it been like performing your own stuff for the first time?

A little bit odd, especially since some stuff has been performed by others but never by us. So to sing it out of context and in concert is fun but extremely nerve wracking! It's a bit like being onstage without a piece of clothing - I feel naked! The performance matters a whole lot more because you really want people to like it.

But you two have worked together before right?

Yep, a couple of the songs tonight are from a show that we wrote together which has been performed at a few theatres in Ontario and in concert. We haven't done a lot together though and we met doing a workshop so we would love to get to work together more.

You both seem blissfully happy, and it shines in your performance and in your music. Marriage is hard at the best of times, but even harder in this business. What's your secret?

We are more important than anything else. Our relationship is more important than a show, a house, a car, a city etc. When one of us has a really good gig the other one goes with them and mans the drawbridge. We try and work together and take turns as well.

Basically, if we have to be apart we have a rule, it can't go longer than three weeks. We have to see each other and spend time together. Joe put his whole life on hold for me when we did Mamma Mia. He came to NYC without even having his work visa just to be with me. I don't think I could have handled that gig without him. I know it would have been too much and too long. When you stop talking about the everyday little things, you are really in trouble.

When and Where?
Green Door Cabaret Series
The Lower Ossington Theatre

Friday and Saturday nights from now until the end of November

For more details or to see which performers will be featured, please visit the website at http://lowerossingtontheatre.com/cabaret or follow The Lot on Twitter at @LOTheatre

Photo of Joe Matheson and Louise Pitre by Racheal McCaig Photography