The songs of legendary Belgian lyricist and composer Jacques Brel are infused with such potent human experience that they evoke a moving and powerful response in the listener. This musical revue of the songs of Jacques Brel is brimming with the heartfelt sentiment of Brel’s response to the human experience and his ability to create poetic expressions out of those experiences. The depth of his simple response is what makes his songs so powerful and personal for the listener.

Set in a jazz club in the Montmartre Arrondissement (District) of Paris, the owner, Jacques and his lineup of entertaining acts fill the bar with intoxicating tunes and haunting lyrics that spill into the streets of Montmartre. Sung by a cast of powerhouse singers able to emote their way through Brel’s thoughtful, sometimes funny and often heartfelt songs.

For fans of the well-known and popular Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, this revue will offer you many of songs featured in that show with several wonderful additions. For all you not-yet fans who may wonder what Jacques Brel has to offer, consider this: he’s been covered by Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand, John Denver, Celine Dion, Nirvana and David Bowie. Packed with wit, intelligence, and raw human emotion, Brel’s songs radiate stories of love and loss, hope and despair, humor and pathos.

Jacques’ opens for guests at 7 p.m. so plan to arrive early and visit our on stage bar to purchase your souvenir cup with a complimentary beverage. All proceeds benefit the Musical Theatre Alliance student organization. You can walk around the set or relax at one of the tables while you enjoy your drink. Spend an evening at Jacques’ and experience the timeless poignancy of the songs of Jacques Brel.

Call the BOX OFFICE at 936.294.2339 or visit www.shsutickets.com to purchase your tickets online. General admission tickets are $15. Discounted tickets are priced at $12 for senior citizens and students with a Bearkat One Card.

The Erica Starr Theatre is located in the University Theatre Center at 1740 Bobby K. Marks Drive and 17th street between the Newton Gresham Library and the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center.

MEET DIRECTOR LAURA AVERY:

Dr. Laura Avery is Associate Professor of Voice and Head of Musical Theatre in the Department of Theatre and Musial Theatre at Sam Houston State University.  She holds level III certification in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method specializing in training contemporary musical theatre singing styles. Dr. Avery earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in voice science and pedagogy from the University of Houston.  Dr. Avery’s students perform regularly in Houston, New York, and in national tours. She is a member of The Musical Theatre Educator’s Association, The Voice Foundation and The Voice & Speech Trainers Association.

MEET THE CAST

PRODUCTION STAFF

Music Director, Dr. Eric Gundersen
Choreographer, Kyle Craig-Bogard
Stage Manager, Michael Larson (Junior, Theatre Education major)
Assistant Stage Managers,  Joshua Bowman and Nanci Martin
Costume Design, Kristina Hanssen
Light Design, Bryce Dansby (Senior, Design Technology major)
Scenic Design, Nic Graves
Sound Design, Bryan Nortin
Props Master, Charly Topper
Technical Director, Craig Brossman
Assistant Technical Director, Malcolm Nichols
Costume Shop Supervisor, George Curry
Poster and Photography, Gavin Calais (Senior, Musical Theatre major)

ORCHESTRA

Piano and Accordion, Dr. Eric Gundersen
Drums and Percussion, Steve Hambright
Guitar, Frank Debretti
Bass, Conrad Guthrie
Reeds, Ray Gonzalez