Cooking shows have been hugely popular on television and have permeated popular culture. They inspired the playwrights Louis Saia and Pierre Huet. The duo used that excitement to create the comedy Yannicko’s kitchen to be performed at the Théâtre du Vieux-Terrebonne this summer.
In a nod to the most famous chef on the TV series, Ricardo Larrivee, this proposal tells the adventures of a chef-turned-media personality. Bobby Beshro takes on the role of Yannicko, whose success has gone to his head. With that, he faces a new producer, Sylvie Moreau, who would like to replace him with his son.
“I play a very authoritarian and manipulative woman who wants to change everything,” the 58-year-old actress said in an interview. The play is a satire on a cooking show film set. We see a lot behind the scenes with all the people interested in the production.
A first
This is Sylvie Moreau’s first time taking part in a summer play.
“It had never worked,” she said. I was either filming or taking a summer break after acting a lot during the theater season. Everything was coordinated this year.”
The actress, who is just wrapping up filming season two of L’air d’aller on Télé-Québec, also plans to use her chalet in Saint-Hyppolite in the Laurentians to have a great summer. “We’re late at the theater and I get up late the next day,” she says. It’s a schedule I really like!”
A bit of technology
Louis Saia, who directed the show, had approached Sylvie Moreau about embarking on the adventure. The man behind hits like “Les Voisins” and the “Les Boys” film series won her over. “I really admire her work,” says the actress. It’s also about a creation that I’ve always enjoyed making. It’s like an experiment or a laboratory where everything has to be invented.”
The actress notes that the characters are “very strong and full of character,” which sets the stage for making audiences laugh. Joanie Guérin, France Parent, Claude Tremblay and Émile Dufour are also part of the cast.
Sylvie Moreau emphasizes that this production relies on technology, including projection. “It works really well,” she says. It’s pretty spectacular. These are very experienced designers who developed this.”
Viewers are thus invited to a play that was anything but staged with little means.
Yannicko’s Kitchen will be presented at the Théâtre du Vieux-Terrebonne from June 28th to August 5th and in Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Gatineau and Trois-Rivières in September.