Just a few months ago, Jennifer-Lee Dupuy spent her days behind the computer at the construction company where she worked full-time. But starting this week, she will take the stage at the Théâtre St-Denis to bring back to life one of the most iconic characters in American cinema: Rachel Marron, once played by Whitney Houston in The bodyguard. Her life, she testifies, changed overnight. And she doesn’t complain.
• Also read: Musical Comedy: a 100% Quebec Bodyguard
• Also read: The tragic fate of Whitney Houston
The contrast is startling, to say the least: In a downtown Montreal rehearsal space, Jennifer-Lee Dupuy multiplies the vocal acrobatics by pressing the note on “Run to You,” the flagship hit of Whitney Houston’s repertoire. Microphone in hand, silver boots on her feet, the young woman is Rachel Marron incarnate: a star at the top of her game.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
It is therefore difficult to imagine him entering a construction site or sending offers to industrial companies all week long.
unwavering passion
But she approaches these two careers and facets of her personality with the same passion. The enthusiasm in his voice doesn’t waver an iota as the conversation dances from construction to song and back again.
Jennifer-Lee Dupuy even bursts out laughing when pointed out.
“Of course I love to sing. But I also love everything to do with management, entrepreneurship and logistics. I need both areas to be happy, to feel fulfilled,” the 30-year-old singer told the Journal.
Over the years she has maintained the balance between these two worlds, making ends meet surrounded by her musicians, sometimes for corporate shows, sometimes for wedding receptions. The stage is no stranger to him, quite the opposite. But she says she has never experienced the excitement of a big production like The Bodyguard, which is expected to take the stage at the Théâtre St-Denis from this Thursday.
Voice Challenge
The jump into this universe studded with rhinestones, sequins and spotlights aimed at them was therefore dizzying. Jennifer-Lee Dupuy even hesitated before signing her contract with Musicor Spectacles. It has to be said that the vocal challenge is considerable and can make the greatest performers shudder.
Certainly there are the immortal – and intimidating – Run to You, I Have Nothing and of course I Will Always Love You, which propelled The Bodyguard film’s soundtrack to the top of the charts at the time. But during the transition from screen to stage, the storyline was expanded with the addition of key tracks from Whitney Houston’s repertoire such as So Emotional, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and How Will I Know. Enough to increase the vocal difficulty of the show.
“There is no such thing as a ‘little song,'” confirms Jennifer-Lee Dupuy with a laugh.
“It’s definitely a big challenge. Because to sing songs by Whitney Houston you have to give your all. You can’t give less than 100% every night. And just, I’m not allowed to sing them just once; but several times a week. It’s a lot of work,” she continues.
For representation
But she eventually accepted that challenge by remembering the little 8-year-old girl she used to be, the one who “freaked out” in the movie The Bodyguard. Role models who looked like them – read here: Heroines of Color – were rare at the time. And if today there are more and more of them, they are still not legion.
“I asked about so many women who could serve as role models and inspirations. Because representation is extremely important. Having more examples that look like me can only bring positive things,” she pleads.
►musical comedy The bodyguard will be shown at the Théâtre St-Denis in Montreal on Thursday. It will then move to the Capitole de Québec starting June 28, and to Trois-Rivières and Gatineau in September.
“I have accepted that my career has been up and down »
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Frédérick De Grandpré, absent from our stages for a number of years, returns to the limelight in the title role of the musical The bodyguard. The actor does not hide it, his hollow years were not the easiest. But he “refused to live in bitterness.”
“I think you could call it a comeback,” says the 50-year-old comedian.
And for a good reason. Let’s rewind first.
At the turn of the millennium, the name Frédérick De Grandpré was on everyone’s lips in the provinces – and creditworthiness. The actor had built a very enviable status and track record thanks to his roles in The Negotiator, Fortier, Jean Duceppe, Tribu.com and Virginie.
But shortly after the release of his debut album, A Martini for Christmas, his career took an unexpected turn. But crowned with success — and the Félix for Jazz Album of the Year — this foray into the song went downhill. The phone rang softer and less frequently.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Without bitterness
Nonetheless, Frédérick De Grandpré is now approaching these years of uncertainty with great composure. Not an ounce of bitterness colors its tone or its beginning.
“Some actors have a new role every season. But my way is different. I have accepted that my career has been ups and downs, ”the actor confides, resolutely, very Zen.
Photo courtesy of Musicor
Frederick De Grandpre
“It’s easy to get bitter and question yourself. But I’ve decided to see it differently: these breaks give me time to take care of my family, to pursue other passions. And when a new role comes along, I take full advantage of it,” says the man, who will soon be completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
To say he’s “exhausting” the Le Bodyguard adventure would be an understatement. We see him in rehearsal as he transforms into Frank Farmer – a character made famous by Kevin Costner in the 1992 film – to fly to the rescue of Jennifer-Lee Dupuy.
Photo courtesy of Musicor
Jennifer Lee Dupuy
“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this committed and involved in a project. I wake up at night with ideas for my character,” he laughs.
martial arts
It must be said that Frédérick De Grandpré himself is helping director Joël Legendre to build the new version of this mythical character. Because the actor is determined to capitalize on his impressive background in martial arts; In fact, he has a black belt in Taekwondo and is also dedicated to Krav-Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Joel Legendre
“Joël Legendre agreed to let me choreograph the fight scenes. In the film, we see that the bodyguard is interested in samurai culture, but we’re going a little further here. I think it gives my character some realism, it supports his chivalrous side,” he says.