Second Chance (musical)

Second Chance is a rock opera conceived by Stéphane Prémont and Frédérick Desroches about high schoolers' not-so-easy lives. The central character, Johnny, sees his life turn sour because of rumors, betrayal and bad communication. The story deals with suicide, anorexia, drugs and teen pregnancy. It is based on his first play entitled Holding Out for Hero, presented in 1994. He started composing the musical version of the show in 2008, and the finished product was ready later that year, in August. The original run started on March 15, 2009. A French production opened in February 2010 at the Quebec City Salle Dina-Belanger. It was the first professional production of the show.[1]

Second Chance
Original Quebec City Production
MusicFrédérick Desroches
LyricsStéphane Prémont
Alexandre Martel (French adaptation)
BookStéphane Prémont
Jean-Pierre Cloutier
Joëlle Bourdon
ProductionsMarch 2009 Quebec City February 2010 Quebec City

Stéphane Prémont recently received the "Personnel Engagé" Prize at the "Forces Avenir" gala presented June 14, 2008 at the Capitole's Cabaret in Quebec City.[2][3][4]

Productions

The original run of the musical played at the 400-seats Externat Saint-Jean-Eudes' Auditorium under the name Second Chance. The show was performed nine times between March 15, 2009 and March 21, 2009. Stephane Prémont and Émilie Desgagnés directed the production, François Ouellet designed the lighting and Jean-François "Frisco" Roy was the sound engineer. Roxanne Rondeau, Justine Bilodeau, Sarah Morin and Valerie Goulet-Marceau were the choreographers, and Genevieve Brousseau was the vocal arranger.

A new production opened in February 2010 in Quebec City. There were several major changes in the plot, including the translation of the show into French by Alexandre Martel and the show's name changed to Au Pied du Mur. It was a two-week run at the Salle Dina-Bélanger. Jean-Pierre Cloutier, "Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Québec" alumni, directed the new production.[5]

Musical numbers

Roles description and original cast members[6]
English Name French Name Voice 2009 Original QC Cast 2010 French Cast
Johnny O'haraDavidBaritenorYannick VezinaHugo Lapierre
Jennylee HarrisonMarie-LeeAltoMarie-Michèle LamoureuxMarilyn Grenier
Randy HarrisonFélixTenorPierre-Luc DionneHugo Charland
Ana LopezAnnaMezzo-sopranoMarie-Chantale DallaireMarie-Ève Lepage
Patrick ThompsonPatrickBaritoneAnthony JulienHubert Bolduc
Melissande LafleurMélissaContraltoLaurie MorinMarisol Forest
Heather CrossEstherSopranoMarilou Ferland-DaigleJulie Langlais
Ed LafitteÉdouardTenorLouis-David FaucherSimon Dufresne
Mr. O'haraM. O'haraBaritoneChristopher AugerStéphane Prémont
Mr. WebsonMme. ChampagneSopranoPhilippe-Olivier GiguèreMary-Hélène Gagnon
Ethan VinsonVictorBaritenorRaphael DésiletsAlexandre Martel
Mary Jane SmithJoëlleMezzo-SopranoLaurie DroletSarah Mceniry-Potvin
  • 2010 French Cast Understudies : Yannick Vézina (Patrick u/s),[7]
  • 2009 Original Quebec City Cast Ensemble and understudies : Genevieve Brousseau (Ana u/s), Stéphane Prémont (Mr. O'Hara u/s), Alexandre Martel(Ed u/s), Justine Bilodeau, Sarah Morin, Valérie Goulet-Marceau, Roxanne Rondeau
  • Previous roles that were cut during the productions process :
Character Last Production Performer Reason
Shawn Crowley09 Original QC CastLouis MorinMixed into Randy
Lester Jackson09 Original QC CastNickolas Munger-BernierMixed into Patrick
Kristen Johnson09 Original QC CastAudrey DionCut
Sue Ellen Polanski09 Original QC CastMartine ChamberlandCut

On-stage band
NameInstrument
Frédérick DesrochesConductor, Keyboard
Billy ChabotElectric Guitar
Olivier BibeauElectric Guitar
Louis-André LabadieBass Guitar
Alexandre BibeauDrums, Percussion
Frédérique Beaulieu-AsselinCello

Official website

Au Pied du Mur

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-10-31. Retrieved 2009-09-09.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-12-07. Retrieved 2008-10-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-10-02. Retrieved 2008-10-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2009-09-11.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-10-08. Retrieved 2009-09-18.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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