Marc Messier presents this fall on the stages of Quebec his first solo show, Alone… on stage! The actor retraces, comments and replays the past years. He thus demonstrates all his talent as a storyteller, actor and even humorist.
Because if this show is not one of humor strictly speaking, it is on a note always comical that Marc Messier tells himself. His monologue borrows from the different arts that Messier practiced in his long career. Theater, poetry and humor coexist under the roof of the Outremont Theater during the performance.
The decor is sober. Three swings and a chair. Marc Messier is all in black at the start of the performance, then in a gray suit after the intermission. The lighting is modest, the staging elementary (but thoughtful).
It will be a spectacle in all simplicity. A man and his stories. An attentive audience, eager to know what the actor has to tell him. In the room, early admirers, but also younger spectators, and even a few children.
The monologue revolves around the ego. His especially, as a character who accompanies Marc Messier on stage. By following this vein, he retraces all kinds of funny or touching moments, provides comments on his daily life or his profession. He questions himself, does not hesitate to go towards self-mockery.
Some anecdotes are directly linked to moments in his career. Those who know Marc Messier’s career will find their way there better. But these more pointed links are rare. The actor speaks to everyone most of the time.
The show, written with Louis Saia and Mani Soleymanlou (who also signs the staging), unfolds with great fluidity. While he narrates a story at one point, the next moment, Messier plays a role, puts his dramatic talent at its service. He explains a situation then the interpreter, supporting imitations.
PHOTO SARAH MONGEAU-BIRKETT, THE PRESS
Marc Messier on stage at Théâtre Outremont, Thursday evening
Marc Messier is a regular on boards. The one who went on stage 3000 times with theatrical comedy Brew at one time today unwraps his text with the captivating ease of someone who has done this all his life.
Some sound effects and light effects help its narration. A return to the past, until the 1950s, is accompanied, for example, by a little period music. This transition allows him to refer to the historical figures of his youth. Then, he returns to his own story, tells about his youth in Granby and the beginning of his adult life, the most interesting stories of the evening. His childhood friends, his first love, the discovery of his love for the theater, his first roles, “the crazy and exhilarating life of an artist”, the andropause, the approaching death… Everything happens. And Messier serves us a lesson in life in passing.
For two and a half hours (intermission included), we laugh and we are moved, we learn about the life of the actor. Alone… on stage! is a biography in the form of a monologue, nicely narrated and staged. To tell his story, Marc Messier hardly uses any artifice, he only needs his presence to delight his audience. His presence as well as his funny and beautiful stories.
The show Alone… on stage! will be presented across the province in the spring of 2022. Three additional news have been announced: in Brossard on March 16, in Montreal on April 8 and in Quebec on April 18.