Vive La France, Vive La Piaf!

Since 2015 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Edith Piaf, it is an appropriate year to have a touring company present “Piaf! Le Spectacle,” which we saw at the Zeiterion on Sunday. The show is done in two halves. The first does Piaf as street musician, getting by on hand-outs from the crowd. The cast are dressed in a manner reminiscent of the era, and the giant backdrop screen has a marvelous series of montages showing Paris of the 1930’s and 1940’s. After intermission, the second half showcases Piaf as international star, and the singer is now in a little black dress while her band members have changed into tuxedos. The visuals show us Piaf on magazine covers, a montage of her famous lovers, and Piaf in glamorous locales. Marvelous as are the photos and visuals, the show succeeds because of the music. Anne Carrere IS Edith Piaf, though with perhaps a slightly better voice! The songs of the first half were less familiar, while the second half featured all of the Piaf signature songs (La Vie en Rose, Je ne Regrette Rien, Padam, etc). The band includes a piano, bass, accordion and percussion, and while at times a bit too loud, was generally excellent. Ms Carrere has a sparkling personality to go along with her magnificent voice. She got the audience to sing along for one song, and pulled men out of the audience to join her as props for a few songs. A great show.