Gregory Charles must not have slept much lately as The Melody of Happiness, which he is directing, is coming to St-Denis throughout December. This new challenge allowed him to work again with children – including his daughter – forming a huge choir of nuns and immersing himself in songs he loved since childhood.
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“We are coming out of a pandemic that has seen several of our fellow citizens skinned. So we need a show like this, which is beautiful and where we see three generations drawing from their deep human values to emerge from despair,” Gregory sincerely believes.
He faced quite a challenge for his production: he produced two versions, one in French and the other in English. And each includes around thirty actors, dancers, singers and musicians, including children. All actors have stunt doubles, and toddlers have more than one. Working with toddlers doesn’t have to be easy! “As for the children, I had no trouble; I’ve spent my life working with children. I have conducted choirs. Of course it’s more difficult to have twenty young people playing seven young people, but time shows us that we made the right decision during these pandemic years. Every day there are people who are sick. It’s more demanding, but we have to be able to offer performances for a month. Additionally, we are continuing the show next summer and at the rate our children are growing, there may be some who need to switch roles!
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THE SONG BEFORE THE GAME
By his own account, he approaches this show more musically than theatrically. “From what I’ve been told, this may not be the approach that is generally preferred,” he notes. I really like this responsibility that has been entrusted to me. We have something beautiful in terms of dance, really beautiful in terms of singing, choirs… I think it will be the most choral version ever performed because there are a lot more nuns! Usually it’s 4, but in my version it’s 16! I think that gives a nice effect.”
He admits to knowing The Melody of Happiness’ repertoire inside and out. “When I was a kid, I saw it a million times! And I’ve helped other people build versions. I think people will enjoy this version.”
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PROUD OF HIS DECISIONS
For the Maria interpretation, Gregory did not choose a singing actress, but a young opera singer who was unknown to the general public: Klara Martel-Laroche. “Clara is great! Looks like she’s always been Maria!”
Actor Éric Paulhus, who plays Captain von Trapp, has a theatrical background. “He’s a younger captain, a good actor. And he has a background as a singer – I taught him when he was younger.”
NO PRIVILEGES FOR HIS DAUGHTER
Gregory’s daughter Julia stars in the English version. Is it difficult for him to act more like a director than a father to her? “Not at all. And it has nothing to do with me, it has to do with her. She understands that I talk to her on stage the same way I talk to other kids. We’ve done shows together before, and she knows , that what happens on stage is important and urgent. She knows that we are not doing psychology, we are trying to achieve the best possible result. She understands it really well. She doesn’t pretend that she has any special privilege or contact with the director, but sometimes when rehearsals are over, there’s an extra hug.
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HE WILL ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS
Yes, despite the work, Gregory misses something during the holidays. “I will be present for the troops almost every day. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do other things too. I have in-laws in Manitoba; maybe we’ll go. And we will be doing some activities during the holiday season.
Beginning this Saturday, December 3rd, The Melody of Happiness can be seen at Montreal’s Théâtre St-Denis throughout December.
The show will take place at the Salle Albert-Rousseau in Quebec City in the summer of 2023.