Claude Bégin to Lead the Cast of Quebec’s ‘Grease’ Premiere
Quebec is gearing up for a sensational theatrical event: the premiere of ‘Grease’ performed in French! The production, a first for the province, will feature Claude Bégin in the iconic role of Danny Zuko. This exciting news has been generating buzz amongst theatre enthusiasts and fans of the classic musical.
The concept for this unique adaptation originated directly from Claudia Bouvette and Éléonore Lagacé, who expressed their excitement on social media. Éléonore Lagacé described the opportunity as “unprecedented,” adding, “Two roles to explore, deepen, and play. We feel privileged to experience this with a friend we consider a sister. It will be grandiose. And above all, full of love.”
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Alongside Claude Bégin, the production boasts a talented ensemble cast including Joël Legendre, Julie Ringuette, and Mathieu-Philippe Perras, totaling around thirty artists and musicians. The show will feature a blend of French dialogue and the beloved, timeless hits from the original 1978 film, such as “Summer Nights” and “You’re the One That I Want,” performed in their original English versions. This innovative approach, according to Entourage (the production company), is a Quebec first.
Alexis Pitkevicht will direct the musical, with Team White handling choreography and Guillaume St-Laurent leading the musical direction. The production promises a fresh and exciting take on a beloved story.
Performance Dates and Locations
The initial run of six performances is scheduled for Espace St-Denis from December 11th to 17th. Following this, the production will move to Salle Albert-Rousseau in Quebec City in August 2027. This extended timeline allows for a comprehensive and polished production.
Claudia Bouvette’s Rising Star
Claudia Bouvette, the driving force behind the concept, continues to build a diverse and impressive career. Currently, she can be seen in the short series Papa(s), available on TV5 Unis’ website. She was also nominated for “Album of the Year – Anglophone” at the recent ADISQ Gala for her album, Diary for the Lonely Hearts. ADISQ is a key organization in Quebec’s music industry.
This production marks another exciting chapter in Quebec’s vibrant arts scene, and with Claude Bégin at the helm, it’s sure to be a hit!
Article by Jonathan Gagnon, La Voix de l’Est. La Voix de l’Est is a regional newspaper covering Eastern Townships news.
