Exclusive Photos Unveiled: Musical ‘Évangéline’ Stars Maude Cyr-Deschênes, Olivier Dion, Nathalie Simard
The highly anticipated musical “Évangéline” is set to make its debut soon, capturing the legendary love story between Évangéline Bellefontaine and Gabriel Lajeunesse. Audiences in Montreal, followed by shows in Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and Moncton, will immerse themselves in this tale throughout the year.
About the Cast of Évangéline
Starring in pivotal roles are Maude Cyr-Deschênes and Olivier Dion. Cyr-Deschênes portrays an ambitious Évangéline who yearns for independence, delivering powerful performances in songs like “Laissez-moi être.” In contrast, Dion takes on the role of Gabriel Lajeunesse, adding depth to the love story.
An additional character, played by Matthieu Lévesque, is Baptiste Leblanc, who competes for Évangéline’s affection, intensifying the relationship dynamics.
The Historical Context
The narrative is steeped in the history of the Acadian deportation. This crucial event significantly impacts the lives of Évangéline and Gabriel, adding layers of emotion and turmoil to the story.
Cinematic Experience
Audiences can expect a unique visual experience with elaborate accessories, set designs, and projections that transport viewers to 18th-century Acadia. The production aims to blend historical events with a modern aesthetic, offering a cinematic feel to the classical tale.
Choreography and Dance
The show features Aroussen Gros-Louis, a choreographer from Wendake, who roots the performance in Indigenous culture. This element enhances the narrative, adding depth to the overall experience.
Nathalie Simard’s Role
Nathalie Simard plays Sister Marguerite, a nun who mentors Évangéline. Her character performs the song “Au nom de toutes les femmes,” which resonates with her own experiences. Simard noted the emotional challenges she faced while preparing for this role, especially with this powerful piece.
The Ensemble and Production Details
“Évangéline” boasts a dedicated ensemble that includes ten dancers who amplify the energetic musical numbers, such as “Viens du côté du soleil” and “Vivre malgré tout.”
- 24 original songs
- 22 performers on stage
- 39 costumes
- 4 wigs, plus various hair extensions
- Approximately 325 hours of rehearsal for each artist
- 17 crew members handling backstage operations
- 2 months devoted to set construction
- Over 30,000 tickets sold to date
- More than 10,000 albums sold
As anticipation builds, “Évangéline” promises to be a significant cultural event. The combination of a compelling story, talented cast, and innovative production techniques positions this musical as a must-see spectacle in the coming months.
