My Paris

I didn't know much about Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec but was swept away yesterday at the matinee of "My Paris" playing at the intimate Norma Terris theater in Chester Connecticut.
The melodies were very pleasing to the ear and I loved that the four musicians were on stage and not in a pit. The instruments included piano, accordion, guitar, mandolin, violin and bass.

The ensemble was terrific. I really felt quite privileged to see such a collection of talent in a wonderful little theater in the quaintest town on the first day of a overdue vacation. Bobby Steggert evoked my allegiance from the start. He looks quite handsome in a beard and although he is playing the 4 foot 8 inch Lautrec, his boyishness that has come through in other roles I've seen him in (Ragtime, Big Fish, Mothers and Sons) did not appear here. He had a subtlety in his approach that I found appealing. So much so that I left the theater wanting to learn much more about Lautec's life.

I have to say that Mara Davi stole the show for me. She is gorgeous as Suzanne Valadon, Lautrec's model and love interest. She sings two songs that I would choose as my favorites including "You Do It For You" which is her pep talk to Lautrec inspiring him to keep creating his art after his unloving Papa (John Glover, brilliant as usual) ridicules and disowns him. The other, "What I Meant to Say" had me pulling out the Kleenex. I haven't sobbed like that since Bridges.

Greg Hildreth, Paul Castree and John Riddle were stand outs and provided much of the humor as Lautrec's art school friends who introduce him to the decadent lifestyles of Montmartre.

I really love that Kathleen Marshall is at the helm. There is so much to see in the staging that I purchased another ticket to go back before it closes on August 16. The staging was inspired and the choreography fun. There were times though that I felt that I couldn't keep up with everything because there is so much action at different points that you are not sure what you should be focusing on. Perhaps that's the intent and it worked because I felt immediately that I wanted to see this a second time to hear the music again, see the brilliant ensemble and witness the multitude of directorial choices that Marshall makes. The one number where Lautrec and the prostitute on the chaise are lifted by the ensemble was outstanding. Amazingly dangerous I thought. All this under the exquisite lighting by Donald Holder. Such a treat. I definitely recommend!

This started out as a London musical called "Lautrec" many years ago.Do not know if the 2 songs mentioned by Melissa were in the original production or if they were written for this staging.

It did not last long. If I recall, I think the critics were not thrilled with the book. Aznavour a/k/a The French Frank Sinatra has written 1000 plus songs.. They are basically all story songs & he rarely sings songs written by anyone other than him.

He has a gazillion albums & dvd's of his concerts around the world. A ton of stamina for a guy this old traveling the world at 90 plus doing concerts. He stays on stage for 2 hours non stop. Even if you do not understand French, you can enjoy him. He wrote the famous "What Makes A Man A Man"

Updated On: 7/26/15 at 04:57 PM

I have a very good naughty version of the 2000 show.

Goodspeed recently posted a video featuring Greg Hildreth, Paul Castree and John Riddle.

"We Drink"