FILIATRAULT to Direct CHANTONS SOUS LA PLUIE

Like any other artist, he prepares before a performance; he introspects, he looks over his lyrics and his dance steps. But when the lights turn on, he automatically turns into a showman, and we then remember why René Simard is a great Quebec talent. He is perfect for the role of Cosmo Brown in the new Juste pour rire musical CHANTONS SOUS LA PLUIE (french version of Singing in the Rain). Denise Filiatrault will direct the musical and it will be presented during the festival next summer. Picture a lamp post, umbrellas and a lot of water: Iconic! 

During yesterday’s press conference, Juste pour rire and Filiatrault proudly presented their new musical baby that will play July 3-14 and July 17-28 at Salle Pierre-Mercure in Montreal.

“Gilbert Rozon got the idea”, says Filiatrault. “And I answered back - Seriously? Like in the movie?”

But if anyone is capable of taking on this challenge, it sure is Denise Filiatrault.

And that’s why she surrounded herself with high calibre triple-threats to tackle the work. The iconic roles of Don Lockwood, Kathy Shelden and Cosmo Brown will be played by Renaud Paradis, Marilou Morin and Quebec’s darling René Simard.

Paradis was seen in L’Auberge du chien noir and in multiple musicals like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Fiddler on the Roof and Le Petit Roy. Morin, for her part, just finished school at Cegep Lionel-Groulx and has 14 years tap dance experience. I don’t think Simard needs an introduction. Pudding, anyone?

Mrs Filiatrault insists on the fact that her actors will be trained until the last minute to make sure that they are fully ready. CHANTONS SOUS LA PLUIE is probably one of her most challenging musicals triple-threat wise so far.

Based on a book by Betty Comden and Adolf Green, and music by Nacio Hebr Brown and Arthur Freed, the musical tells the story from silent to talking movies. It automatically makes you think of the move THE ARTIST that was just nominated at the Golden Globes. Yves Morin will adapt the book to French.

Get you umbrellas ready and reserve your tickets right now. This is something you won’t want to miss.

CHANTONS SOUS LA PLUIE, presented par Capital One

July 3-14 (options July 17-28)

Salle Pierre-Mercure

1 888 244-3155 ou hahaha.com

Photo credit:  Vivien Gaumand / Juste pour rire