Key Takeaways:
- Louise Pitre, Canada’s first lady of musical theatre, is still active and vibrant at 69 years old, with a new role in the musical Kimberly Akimbo.
- Pitre has had a long and illustrious career, with leading roles in productions such as Les Misérables, Piaf, and Mamma Mia!
- She credits her happiness and sense of wonder for her ability to keep performing at a high level, despite her age.
- Pitre’s latest role in Kimberly Akimbo is a perfect fit for her, as it allows her to tap into her sense of childlike wonder and excitement.
- She believes that sleep, exercise, and a positive attitude are key to maintaining her energy and vitality.
Introduction to Louise Pitre
Louise Pitre, recognized as Canada’s first lady of musical theatre, has had a long and impressive career in the performing arts. With a resume that includes leading roles in acclaimed productions such as Les Misérables, Piaf, and Mamma Mia!, Pitre has proven herself to be a talented and versatile actress. Despite her many accomplishments, Pitre is still going strong at 69 years old, with a new role in the musical Kimberly Akimbo. This production tells the story of a lonely teenage girl with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age rapidly, and Pitre has found the role to be a perfect fit for her at this point in her life.
The Role of a Lifetime
Pitre has stated that playing the role of Kimberly Levaco in Kimberly Akimbo is "maybe the most perfect" part for her at this point in her life. She credits the show’s message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity for resonating with her, and admires the character’s maturity and chutzpah. Pitre had previously promised herself that she would slow down and stop accepting leading roles, but she made an exception for Kimberly Akimbo, citing the show’s beauty and importance. With a grueling schedule of eight shows per week, Pitre is still able to keep up with the demands of the production, and attributes her energy and vitality to her happiness and sense of wonder.
The Secret to Her Success
So, what is the secret to Pitre’s success and longevity in the performing arts? According to her, it’s all about sleep, exercise, and a positive attitude. She prioritizes getting enough rest and sticking to a regular workout routine, which she believes has been the key to maintaining her energy and vitality over the years. Pitre also credits her happiness and sense of wonder for her ability to keep performing at a high level, despite her age. She believes that it’s essential to maintain a sense of childlike curiosity and excitement, and to approach each new experience with a sense of awe and appreciation.
Working with a Younger Generation
Pitre has also spoken about the joy of working with a younger generation of actors, including her 18-year-old co-star Thomas Winiker. She believes that working with people who are younger than her has helped to keep her feeling young and vibrant, and has allowed her to tap into her sense of wonder and excitement. Pitre has said that it’s a "gift" to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of people, and that she feels grateful to be a part of the production. With her experience and expertise, Pitre is able to bring a level of depth and nuance to her role, and her chemistry with her co-stars is undeniable.
A Career of Highlights
Throughout her career, Pitre has had the opportunity to play a wide range of roles, from Fantine in Les Misérables to Edith Piaf in Piaf and Donna in Mamma Mia!. She has spoken about the challenges and rewards of each role, and has said that she feels grateful to have had the opportunity to play such iconic characters. Pitre’s experience and versatility have made her a beloved and respected figure in the performing arts, and her latest role in Kimberly Akimbo is just the latest example of her talent and dedication. With a career spanning decades, Pitre continues to inspire and delight audiences with her performances, and her legacy as Canada’s first lady of musical theatre remains unparalleled.
