The revelation of The Cunning Widow at the Parisian Bouffes theater? Without a doubt.
Since September 10, the date of the general election in which Purepeople had attended, conquered, Tom Leeb transforms almost every evening into Harlequin, a fanciful character and reference of commedia dell'arte. A transformation not just successful but breathtaking. In The Cunning Widowa play written in the 18th century by Carlo Goldoni and brought up to date by the Italian director Giancarlo Marinelli, Tom Leeb sets the pace and impresses the spectator. The actor, singer and son of Michel Leeb, is surrounded by Caterina Murino in the role of the famous cunning widow, a young, beautiful and rich Venetian who meets four suitors of different nationalities. All very singular, the four men have only one goal: to conquer Rosaura's heart and obtain her hand.
The cunning widow (Caterina Murino) and her four suitors
First of all there is the Frenchman Monsieur Le Blau (played by Vincent Desagnat), always excessive, the Englishman Milord Runebif (played by Thierry Harcourt), flighty, the Italian Count Bosco Nero (played by Pierre Rochefort , son of Jean Rochefort and Nicole Garcia), very jealous, and finally the Spaniard Don Alvaro de Castille (played by Vincent Deniard), with a strong character. Coveted on all sides and undecided in the face of her four suitors, Rosaura can count on the precious help of her companion Marionnette (played by Sarah Biasini, daughter of Romy Schneider) to guide her in her choice. Harlequin, played by Tom Leeb, does not covet Rosaura's heart but occupies a central place in the play. And all the light immediately falls on him.
In the new episode of the original format On stage with, performed from the stage of the magnificent Parisian Bouffes theater (located rue Monsigny in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris), Tom Leeb says a little more about his character Harlequin and his unconventional entrance which has its effect.
Tom Leeb and the acceptance of his unconventional stage entrance as Harlequin
“I sit at the edge of the stage, a few centimeters from the faces of the first spectators“, he tells us. It's a little intimidating for them, so it is for me. It's a bit of a strange time“, admits Tom Leeb, who is satisfied with being able to bring his character to life from the very first moments, when the curtain has not even risen yet.
For the actor, this first appearance in the public, in the room, singing with a guitar in his hand, and not on stage, allows him to give the “ton“from the room:”It’s a story told in song. (…) The curtain rises on the music, It’s a very good idea that I had to accept“, he admits. And indeed, this unconventional idea from Giancarlo Marinelli is a very beautiful audacity that works to perfection!
To see it for yourself, The Cunning Widow (co-produced by Fimalac) plays until November 24 (Tuesday to Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.) at Bouffes Parisiens.
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