A BROADWAY-styled musical called “Joie de Vivre” will be put on by the Laramade Musical Theater on December 4 at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). Some may recall that last year, Laramade held a show by the same name, “Joie de Vivre”, which is French for “Joy of Life”, aimed at raising the bar of theatre in Guyana, with a fusion of both local and foreign artistes on the same stage.
This year’s production tells of a group of artistes at a nightclub who desperately want to be liberated, but are being controlled by a domineering boss.
However, one brave soul will seek to fight through the challenges. “It’s a universal story; it’s a very relatable musical, and will resonate with viewers,” said the musical’s producer and director, Launce Northe.
Northe and his team held a press briefing at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday, sharing with media personnel the plans he has afoot for this theatrical production.
A HUGE SUCCESS
Northe says last year’s show was such a resounding success, and the support so impressive that the team just could not resist coming back again this year; but this time around, they wanted to do a full-blown, Broadway-styled production to give Guyanese a taste of what it’s like.
“What we’ve seen is that there is a void for this type of art form in Guyana, so we’re hoping to stay here for a while,” Northe said.
And to help fill this void, Northe’s crew is hoping not only to become a more permanent fixture in the Guyanese culture, but also to incorporate some of the Guyanese culture into their productions.
Laramade’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Linda Northe says that this year’s production will see Guyana’s diversification being well represented.
“In this production, we have representation of all of the races in Guyana, showing them all coming together to perform and demonstrate unity,” she said.
She also drew attention to the fact that creating a thriving home for this art form in Guyana will bode well for Guyana’s tourism industry, as well as providing an opportunity for local artistes to showcase just how talented they are.
CAST
The show’s cast includes former Classique Dance troupe members such as Meleesa Payne, Travis Bowen and Paul Charles, as well as famed Guyanese vocalist Charmaine Blackman, violinist Adaeze Lumumba, and dance instructor, “Shaft”. It will also involve other local theatre stalwarts like Desiree Edghill, and Margaret Lawrence.
The show has the blessings and support of the Ministry of Education, which continues to advocate for more accent on the arts in schools.
Apart from the show at the NCC on December 4, there will also be a matinee performance for schoolchildren on December 8.
Another hosting of the show is billed for the poolside of the recently refurbished Tower Suites on January 1, 2017.