Julien Lacroix, a controversial Quebec comedian, is set to make his return to the stage. His new solo show, produced by Juste pour rire, will kick off a comprehensive tour across Quebec starting on March 13. This preliminary version, dubbed “rodage,” will be performed in Chambly. It marks the beginning of over 25 scheduled performances throughout the province, including a notable stop in Montreal in May, continuing until November 25.
Upcoming Performances and Future Plans
The revamped full-length show is planned for another tour in 2027. Juste pour rire aims to strengthen its presence as a producer of solo performances and support leading artists. The organization will also collaborate with several other talents in future projects.
Background on Juste pour rire
- Juste pour rire was acquired by ComediHa! following liquidation procedures in summer 2024.
- The acquisition comes after challenges faced by the Montreal festival, starting in the late 2010s.
Controversial Past and Career Challenges
Julien Lacroix faced a severe career downturn in July 2020. This was due to allegations of sexual misconduct reported by Le Devoir, stemming from testimonies of nine women amid the #MeToo movement. Although these allegations led to the cancellation of his tour, Lacroix has not faced criminal or civil charges.
Previous Attempts at Returning to the Stage
- In summer 2022, he made a cautious attempt to return, planning to record a podcast for a small audience.
- This effort was hindered by threats, leading to failure in capturing the performance.
Recent Successes
Despite earlier setbacks, Lacroix self-produced the show “Le temps au temps,” which attracted around 40,000 spectators during a tour across approximately 150 venues. Additionally, the online viewing of one of his performances reached 600,000 views. His first solo show previously drew over 100,000 people.
Juste pour rire’s Statement
Sylvain Parent-Bédard, CEO of Juste pour rire, expressed confidence in Lacroix’s future potential. He highlighted the quality of Lacroix’s writing, solid material, and positive audience feedback from recent shows. “We recognize the progress he has made over the years and the evolution that accompanies this endeavor,” he stated, expressing enthusiasm for their ongoing collaboration.
