On The Rocks

Louise Pitre (front), Diane Leah (back). Photo by Michael Cooper.

Silver-haired and elegant, Louise Pitre is often hailed as “Canada's First Lady of Musical Theatre." Best-known for her Tony Award nominated performance in Mamma Mia, and for celebrated turns as Fantine in Les Miserables and the title character in Edith Piaf, Pitre has dazzled theatre audiences for more than three decades. However, as she emerges onto Theatre Passe Muraille's Mainspace stage in her autobiographical solo show On the Rocks, she is simply a French-Canadian girl with big dreams and an even bigger voice.

Clad in a men's tuxedo and tails, Pitre begins by animatedly telling the story of her childhood in Montreal, making use of English and French, as well as both words and song. Accompanied by Diane Leah on the piano, Pitre's stories of her father's fast cars and her love of running around without a shirt as a little girl are peppered with bursts of song, through which a great deal of emotion is conveyed. Songs are not the only way in which Pitre expresses herself, however, as she unveils several of her childhood drawings throughout the production, to much applause and laughter, which illustrate her young dreams of becoming a mother and wife, as well her dream of wearing a Cinderella ballgown. She laments that the first picture did not turn out as she'd hoped, but the second one came alive when she starred as the lead in Mame last year, which allowed her to wear the most spectacular costumes she had ever seen.

On the Rocks is a deeply personal portrait of Pitre's life, on and off stage. Some experiences are clearly difficult for her to reminisce about, and the sadness present in these stories is shared by the audience. The painful moments, however, are balanced out by highlights such as Pitre's Barbie fashion case from the 1960s, complete with clothing she made herself. Pitre also shares her complete joy and surprise at finally meeting the love of her life, Joe, and this is expressed beautifully through song.

Don't miss this jewel of a production which kicks off Theatre Passe Muraille's 2013/14 season. Pitre is a true entertainer, and On the Rocks a showcase of her talent and versatility as an actress. The audience leaves the performance feeling as though Pitre is an old friend to whom they can relate, while her powerful, showstopping singing voice lingers in the theatre long after the curtain has been drawn.

On The Rocks runs until September 29 at Theatre Passe Muraille. Visit passemuraille.on.ca For more information and to buy tickets.