For the second summer in a row, La Cité de l’Énergie here in Shawinigan is putting on a show based on the Amos Daragon series of fantasy books. The author, Byran Perro is a local boy who made good so it makes sense that they’d want to feature his work. Now, to be up front, I have some friends who are extras in the show, so I may be a little biased when I say it’s a good show that’s worth seeing. But it’s really not that bad and worth seeing once, so there.
I attended the preview showing for friends and family last year and again this year. There’s not a whole lot that’s been added so if you saw last year’s show, you’re good. For those of you who haven’t seen it, how can I describe it? It’s an impressive undertaking with acrobats, giant puppets, choreography, animated projections, fireworks and water fountains (it’s riverside).
The sets are large and well designed. Rather than pausing between each act to reset the stage (though the sets do get moved around), the whole auditorium rotates from one set piece to the next as required. I had never seen a show at La Cité de l’Énergie before so the first time the stage moved I was quite surprised. I guess I spoiled it for the rest of you though, didn’t I?
My favorite of the acrobatic acts is the very first one. The others are good, don’t get me wrong, but the first act really wowed me.
I haven’t read the Amos Daragon series of books. From the narration I’d say it feels a lot like a shonen manga in that it seems designed to stretch the story out for as long as possible. Amos, a twelve year old boy (though you’d never guess it from the presentation), is the chosen one who will bring balance to the powers of light and dark. He must collect the four magic masks and the sixteen power stones that fit within them. The masks don’t play a super big part of the story in the play. Amos only receives the one mask and stone here. Perro definitely didn’t reinvent the wheel in the story (he named one of his gorgons Medusa for crying out loud). Actually, if I were grading the show purely on the story, I’d say stay away. The presentation though is what elevates the material to something worthwhile.
I should add, that the show is in French (we ARE in Quebec). The show starts at sunset, (fireworks and projection and all) rain or shine, and is 90 minutes long with no interruptions so there’s only one presentation per evening. It runs Tuesday through Saturday from July 2 to August 17. If you’re in the Shawinigan area this summer and you enjoy outdoor theatre, stop for the show.