Seekers of theatrical gems should definitely head for the Fred-Barry room at the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier where a high-quality youth production entitled Jules & Joséphine.
This play intended for ages 10 and over (but which will also appeal to adults who have kept their childish heart) tells the fabulous journey of Joséphine Verne, an adventurous and resourceful Quebecer, who decides to cross the Atlantic to meet a distant cousin named Jules. , who dreams of writing fantastic stories. Only problem: an ocean crossing was not a simple thing in 1848…
To get there, Joséphine and her friend Jacquot will have to demonstrate a lot of ingenuity, but also a sense of poetry. Because sometimes you have to go so far as to look the Moon in the eyes for the wildest dreams to come true…
A sweet madness
This text which will delight little dreamers, budding poets and future adventurers is inspired by the writings of the great Jules Verne. The author Philippe Robert was able to extract all the flavor from his prose, but also add a sweet madness to the whole. The lines bring out hearty laughter while provoking reflection among the young audience, particularly on the need to take control of their destiny.
The four actors in the cast portray, with a sparkle in their eyes, the gallery of characters that parade on stage. In the role of Joséphine, Clara Prévost is luminous, as is her sidekick David Noël, who plays Jacquot ready to do anything to follow his friend in her adventures.
Milène Leclerc and Yann Aspirot play a host of completely crazy secondary characters who come to cross paths with our two adventurers. Think of LA Madeleine des Îles which bear her name. Or a duo of clowns waiting for the public in a lunar circus…
PHOTO MARIE-ANDRÉE LEMIRE, PROVIDED BY THE DENISE-PELLETIER THEATER
The decor imagined by Francis Farley Lemieux is of great beauty. And with an ingenuity that commands admiration.
When directing, Frédéric Bélanger surrounded himself with very inspired designers, capable of giving this story a setting that matches it. The scenography by Francis Farley Lemieux is sumptuous, with its two spiral staircases which move to become sometimes the basket of a balloon, sometimes the deck of a schooner.
Jonathan Beaudoin’s costumes (splendid) and Julie Measroch’s accessories fit perfectly with this fanciful story where it is possible to collect magma from the center of the Earth with a single iron cup.
Sow the seed
No doubt, this show could have a lasting impact on the young people who attend it. Because Jules & Joséphine has all the assets to sow the seed of a lasting love for theater among young audiences. Everything that can constitute the beauty of this living art – the force of the imagination, the power of evocation, the scenographic creativity and the humor of well-written lines – is brought together here.
Here is a show to which we wish a long life. Besides, a quick message to those looking for tickets: several performances are sold out, but additional ones could be announced shortly. And a tour would be considered. So keep your eyes open.
Visit the show page
Jules & Joséphine
Text by Philippe Robert, direction by Frédéric Bélanger. With Clara Prévost, David Noël, Yann Aspirot and Milène Leclerc
Fred-Barry Room at the Denise-Pelletier TheaterUntil March 8