We are very excited to announce that in the spring of 2023, after celebrating its 100th outdoor pandemic performance, the LES ILLUSIONNISTES project is making its official leap to the stage!

​

"1927. Forced to replace his longtime stage partner three days before their show's grand premiere, a declining vaudeville performer, newly self-recycled as a magician, must contend with a moody, mocking new musician who comes to mess up a crucial presentation for an influential producer. ''

​

​

Borrowing the codes of silent cinema and Backstage Musicals, this deconstruction of the cabaret magic repertoire and performance of a woman-orchestra with unusual instruments (vibraphone, crystal glass harp,...) layered in electronic loops, a couple of telepaths invite all generations to this dysfunctional recital that is classic, self-deprecating and bewitching, .

 

In close collaboration with director and playwright Philippe Robert, set design Francis Farley, musician Andrée-Anne Roy and the world authority of modern magic Jim Steinmeyer, Marc-Alexandre Brûlé tackles a fresco theatrical and musical dynamic and compact to blur the boundaries of our perceptions and prejudices and, under cover of the fascinating aesthetics of the Golden Age of Magic, to pursue rigorous research that questions the place of magic in contemporary circus.

 

​

Interpretation:

Andree-Anne Gingras-Roy

& Marc-Alexandre Brûlé

​

Dramaturgy & staging:

Phillip Robert

( Come What May, La Roulotte)

 

Illusions & magic:

Jim Steinmeyer

(Beauty & The Beast, Mary Poppins, Aladdin)

 

Scenography:

Francis Farley

( Cirque Éloize: Fiori-Seul Ensemble, Hotel, Saloon)

​

Suits:

Jessica Poirier-Chang

(Green Curtain, Stratford)

​

Lights:

Tristan-Olivier Breiding

​

​

Produced with the invaluable support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec and the Conseil des Arts de Montréal.

 

And a huge thank you to Evelyne Chagnon and the entire team at Théâtre Alphonse-Desjardins in Repentigny for hosting us in production residencies.

 

The show is eligible for the Destination Cirque – EnPiste financial assistance measure. Mediation activities available.