Starmania
August 7th, 2024
Place Bell, Laval, QC
The revival of the rock opera Starmania, created in 1979 by French singer-songwriter Michel Berger and Quebec lyricist Luc Plamondon, started an exciting 14-date run in Laval last night! We were in attendance for an opening night to remember.
Set in the dystopian city of Monopolis, eight characters live their different journeys: from the “Étoiles Noir” (the Black Stars), a terrorist group led by Johnny Rockfort and Sadia, to the political race between Zéro Janvier and Gourou Marabout, Stella Spotlight the actress fallen from grace, the journalist Cristal who gives it all up for love, and the impossible love story between Ziggy and the waitress Marie-Jeanne. The story covers themes of power, politics, rebellion, medias, homosexuality, love, and an overly present death. Despite the story being written 45 years ago, the story has never felt more modern. The political race gives undertones of US presidential race, the themes of terrorism known all-too-well around the world, a world that is going mad.
The musical is directed by French wunderkind Thomas Jolly, who just did the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris. From the decors, to the costumes and impressive lights, the production is absolutely breathtaking. Having seen the French run of this revival back in 2022, I had my reservations about moving it from a venue strictly for shows (La Seine Musicale, in Paris) to a hockey arena with a much different audience layout. However, the challenge was well handled, with every seat in the house feeling immersed in the action and the production remaining intact!
For the revival, a new lineup was cast, picking lesser-known names, the majority of them being from Quebec. But what they might lack in stardom (yet!), the cast makes up for in immense talent. The role of Johnny Rockfort isn’t an easy one, but William Cloutier picks up the high notes of “SOS d’un terrien en détresse” with as much ease as Daniel Balavoine back in the day. Amidst a cathedral of light, David Latulippe stuns with “Le blues du businessman”. Adrien Fruit’s dancing during “La chanson de Ziggy” is iconic, and Alex Montembault belts out “Le Monde est Stone” in a way not many could!
Overall, this media premiere of Starmania was a glorious homecoming success, and one of the must-see shows of the summer. The show will be at Place Bell until August 18th, visit evenko’s website for information and more tickets.
