As the storm appeared on the horizon on Sunday afternoon, director Joël Legendre and his band were able to warm the hearts of the audience with the presentation of Christmas a tradition in song, in the Salle Albert Rousseau.
As Grandma says about her holiday cake; You don’t change a recipe for success. Classics such as “Mon beau sapin” and “All I Want for Christmas is You” were accurately interpreted by Marie Denise Pelletier and Suzie Villeneuve, among others.
The two women, as well as Claudette Dion and Marie Carmen, all delivered breathtaking performances. On “Blue Christmas,” “Merry Christmas,” “For Children Around the World,” and “Midnight Christian,” their voices were so powerful and precise that you could have thought you were at the opera with your eyes closed.
Although simple, the decorations were inviting. The large illuminated fir trees at the heart of the stage and the few garlands were more than enough to complete the holiday spirit conveyed by the artists.
The humor of the performances between songs had the audience laughing, especially when Claudette Dion spoke. Céline’s sister seemed to be in great shape; She danced, sang jokes and ballads, always with a big smile on her face. Her voice was particularly angelic on “Snowfall,” where she was alone in the spotlight.
Joël Legendre literally shone on stage. With his gold sequin jacket, the director of this sixth edition of Christmas a Tradition in Song launched a disco version of White Christmas, accompanied by country singer Paul Daraîche. A few tracks later, Joël Legendre surprised everyone with his voice. Sitting alone on a stool to perform Les enfants du bon Dieu, he didn’t hesitate to press the sound.
The director’s imitations also hit the mark. From Ginette Reno to Céline Dion, even when he impersonated his colleague Marie Carmen, he made viewers laugh.
After the disco, Mr. Daraîche found a more familiar style and accompanied Marie Carmen on the swing tones of the song Vert sapin. The highlight of his performance, however, was Petit Papa Noël, which he performed alone, with his deep and aging voice, but still just as soothing.
Hats off to the team for this warm and high-quality show.
►Christmas, a tradition with songs, will be presented again this Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Salle Albert-Rousseau. On December 6th he will take over the management of the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.