"JEANNE LA PUCELLE"
A NEW MUSICAL
Allan Sandler and Guy Cloutier Communications are proud to present the new musical "Jeanne la Pucelle", based on the extraordinary story of Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc). The production features a multi-talented bilingual cast of Québec artists. Previews will begin February 7th through February 11th, 1997. The French opening is scheduled February 12th, followed by the English opening on the 13th, at Theatre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts, in Montreal, Québec. Eight performances will be presented each week, alternating between French and English.
The book and lyrics of the musical "Jeanne La Pucelle" are written by Vincent de Tourdonnet, and the music is composed by Peter Sipos. It stars Quebec pop icon René Simard as King Charles VII, and the young singer/actor Judith Bérard as Jeanne. She is known for her appearances as Melodie in "Lance et Compte" and Christine Cartier in the popular TV series "Scoop". She also starred as Cristal in the critically-acclaimed French production of "Starmania" which she performed in Paris for nearly 3 years.
"Jeanne la Pucelle" was originally written in English, and its translation has been realized by none other than Antonine Maillet, the prolific and renowned Francophone author who has written more than 33 novels, 18 plays and who has done at least 9 translations.
The authors submitted parts of the music and the libretto to Snapshot Productions in the summer of 1994. Allan Sandler fell in love with the project and with his partner Roger Peace offered a trial production "Jeanne: The Joan of Arc Musical" 7 months later at the Saidye Bronfman Centre from April 26 to June 1st 1995. The show was a great success, receiving standing ovations at every performance and rave reviews from the press.
Following the overwhelming response, they began to re-work the show. In December 1995, renowned Broadway director Martin Charnin joined the team, and preparations began for a larger-scale version to be presented in Montreal initially, and then hopefully, by the end of 1997, on Broadway.
Composer Peter Sipos was one of Hungary's best-known rock musicians before becoming a Montrealer in 1980. His credits include numerous musicals and the song "Pour Vous" on Céline Dion's 1985 Album "C'est pour toi".
Bookwriter/Lyricist Vincent de Tourdonnet is a Montrealer, raised in B.C. He has won critical acclaim across Canada for his lyrics and scripts, and has taught musical theatre writing at Long Island University in New York City.
The show is directed by one of Broadway's top directors, multi-award-winner Martin Charnin. He has directed more than 50 productions (including lyrics and direction for the musical "Annie") and received numerous awards including a Tony Award, two Grammy Awards and six Drama Desk Awards.
The sets are designed by Tony Award winner Ming Cho Lee, one of the world's foremost scenic artists. His extensive credits include work in opera, dance and theatre as well as being the Chair of the Design Department at the Yale University School of Drama.
With the French version of the text assured by one of the most respected authors of the French literary world, Antonine Maillet, this amazing team is creating "Jeanne La Pucelle", undoubtedly one of the most exciting events of the 1997 Montreal theatre season.
