Even if 45 years have passed since the broadcast of the last episode on Télé-Métropole, Symphorian had not been forgotten by the Quebec public, as the craftsmen of the adaptation for the theater of the popular soap opera of the 1970s might see.
Each time the curtains opened on the stage of the Théâtre du Vieux-Terrebonne, this summer, and discovered the decor, similar to that of the time on TV, the crowd applauded, says producer Martin Leclerc.
“People are moved and nostalgic at the sight of the decor. For actors, it’s quite rare, and quite a stimulus,” he says.
“People want to see Symphorian “, adds François Chénier, who succeeds Gilles Latulippe in the clothes of the famous concierge. “(The authors) Louis Saïa and Pierre Huet managed to recreate the atmosphere.”
The estate of Gilles Latulippe is just as enthusiastic, according to the actor. “I have beautiful photos with Mr. Latulippe’s wife in my arms. I met his son too and they loved the show.
The response was also good at the box office, says the producer. Even if 14 of the 35 scheduled performances were canceled because three actors successively caught COVID-19, it was full almost every evening for the reunion with Symphorien, Éphrem (Martin Héroux) and Mmes Sylvain (Michelle Labonté) and Lespérance (Nathalie Mallette).
Sales for the fall-winter Quebec tour are also up to expectations. In Quebec, over the weekend, more than 4,000 seats found takers for the four performances at the Salle Albert-Rousseau.
“It’s the same everywhere. We are talking regarding two or three performances in the different markets where the tour stops,” says Martin Leclerc, who will eventually announce dates in the summer and fall of 2023.
After 2023? “If the enthusiasm is there, we will be present as long as we can.”
Behind the scenes, we even whisper that the idea of a new version of Symphorian for TV is slowly starting to make its way.
“It’s early to talk regarding it, but it would be fun,” says François Chénier, adding that it would then be necessary to respect the DNA of Symphorian and not attempt to update the subject to our times.
“We would shoot ourselves in the foot. What works in theater is the authenticity of the case. People recognize the characters they loved. That’s what you have to stick to, I think.”
Symphorian will be at the Salle Albert-Rousseau, from September 16 to 18, and at the Étoile de Brossard, on November 22 and 23. For all dates: www.symphorienlapiece.com.