Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Reviewed by Holly Bartges

At the time he wrote and performed his musical review, Jacques Brel was indeed alive and well and living in Paris. Lung cancer ended his physical life in 1979. Lung cancer, however, could not erase his spirit, his talent, and his influence. Currently, Jacques Brel Is alive and well and living at the Theatre Café in true cabaret form.

Paul Page, Erica Sarzin-Borrillo, Karen LaMoureaux, and Paul Curran in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris at the Theatre Café.

After a highly acclaimed run last summer for the Theatre In The Park, director Donald Berlin engaged his over-the-top talented cast of Erica Sarzin-Borrillo, Karen LaMoureaux, Paul Page, and Paul Curran in the Theatre Café, nestled inside the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Brian Miller, whose technical know how takes him all over the Denver Metropolitan area designed the set and lighting.

Yes, there’s the magnificent Dracula performance by the Colorado Ballet at the Buell Theatre, Always … Patsy Cline blasts full-force back into the Galleria Theatre, The Denver Center Theatre Company opened last week with the hilarious thought-provoking Dirty Story and officially opens The Misanthrope Thursday. After experiencing the awesome music of Jacques Brel in the intimate setting of the Theatre Café, I would pit Jacques Brel against any of the astonishing productions at the DCPA. I know that’s a mouthful, but it’s a truth that needs to be broadcast in bright lights above the Galleria.

It has been several years since I heard BrelÕs music. His explicit music wedded to lyrics with precise brilliant “wordology” combined with Berlin’s musical direction and four of Denver’s top actors provides a night to remember. With humor, poignancy, style, and simplicity, Brel digs deep into human nature. Although he writes about Brussels, Amsterdam, bullfighting, sailors, whorehouses, loneliness, being in love, and being in love and being rejected, anticipation of death, and the sheer joy of being alive, he unveils a perception that drives to the heart of the soul. His music sings the lyrics, and his lyrics play the music. Turn Berlin loose with that combination along with Borrillo, LaMoureaux, Page, and Curran and the result is one pure, magnificent theatrical experience.

With a touch of sly humor, Brel tackles distinct observations of the world surrounding him such as Marathon, Matilda. Madeline, Timid Frieda, Jackie, The Bulls, Brussels, Old Folks. I will never again be able to walk into a nursing home and not hear the lyrics giving voice to those who no longer can speak.

Each song provides a visual masterpiece painting. Some of them splattered in watercolors, some stroked in oils, some of them elusive charcoal drawings, but all brilliant, stunning, thoughtful. Carousel shows unique perspective of the crazy insane world we call home as it tumbles through the universe around and around up and down.

Berlin knew exactly what he was doing when he handpicked his cast. With stylized choreographed movements facial expressions, eyes, and eyebrows breathe their own dance to the universal music. The three-piece orchestra with Richard Shore, Conductor, Wendy Wheaton on the keyboards, and Kurt Ochsner percussionist, works hand in glove with the music and the classic four.

So you marveled with it in the Park last summer, try it on for size at the Theatre Café. So you’ve never heard of Jacques Brel. It is about time you did.

Although there was little love lost between Brel and America, the U.S. embraced him with grandeur. Every year hundreds of venues perform his production. For more background Google the web to find his official website maintained by his daughter. There you can even hear his voice in partial interviews and performances. An animated performer, the magical four at the Theatre Café aren’t far behind.

Curran and Page will tickle your socks as they sit in the audience drinking their beer providing a fun-dosed commentary on the middle class.

Borillo takes the depth of love to a higher plain with “I Love,” even though she can’t remember ol’ what’s his name. It’s the places, the experiences, and the memories that matter. Borrillo’s powerful voice paints the landscape with affection and pointed humor.

LaMoureaux takes “Carousel” on a sky ride with her golden delicate powerful voice.

The company has taken liberties to update the 1960s perceptive lyrics. Brel undoubtedly would have done the same.

Miss this production, and you will wish you hadn’t. It wants to be alive and well at the Theatre Café a very long time.