To be discovered until December 30, 2018, this show truly gives traditional revues a new lease of life with a skillful mix of burlesque, rock, exuberance and quirkiness.
Gathering the two passions of the famous designer with a stripped jersey: fashion and show, the “Fashion Freak Show” makes us travel for about 2 hours (including a 20-minute intermission) in Jean-Paul Gaultier’s head and body who, from his younger days, wished to become a designer. His teddy bear, Nana, was even his first guinea pig, suffering his “stylistic” experiments.
Then, in 1976 arrives his first fashion show, the departure to London and the celebration as well as the crazy nights at the Palace in Paris and the countless collections that made his fame.
With a company including about fifteen actors, dancers and artists, each more talented than the other, the designer tells us about his world packed with creativity, dreams and excess.
This breathtaking show is amazing and definitely disproportionate but proportionate to the character that Jean-Paul Gaultier is.
Through this half-revue, half-fashion show, show, the designer shows his life, reveals how he gazes at our society, but he also pays tribute to all those who inspired him. Movie, music, dance, the references are plentiful.
By the way, we gladly discover, shaped like video appearances, several celebrities who collaborated with Jean-Paul Gaultier such as Rossy de Palma as the school teacher trying to curb the young Jean-Paul, as well as Antoine de Caunes as the Queen of England, Catherine Deneuve as a fashion show speaker, Cristina Córdula as herself. We actually laugh of a lot with Catherine & Liliane’s act watching the “Fashion Freak Show”. We’re moved with Catherine Ringer’s superb voice paying tribute to Francis Menuge, the designer’s partner who died of AIDS in 1990.
Created as a real celebration, the show sees things big. Insane staging, exclusive and iconic outfits as well as of course, music with irresistible tracks. All in all, 50 years of pop culture flash before our eyes: rock with hits such as “Nightclubbing” by Iggy Pop, “Walk on the wild side” by Lou Reed or Marilyn Manson’s version of “Sweet Dreams” as well as Guesch Patti songs “Etienne” and even “Le Freak” without forgetting “Tout le monde il est beau” by Zazie revisited especially on the occasion.
Managing the "Fashion Freak Show"? Big names. In addition to Jean-Paul Gaultier, the staging is cosigned with movie-maker Tonie Marshall, choreographies are by Marion Motin (Stromae, Christine & The Queens and "Résiste" musical choreographer). For the music? Nile Rodgers, founder of the band Chic and the famous song "Le Freak". Please! The whole is produced by Thierry Suc who produced among others Mylène Farmer's tours. We also have Eric Soyer for the scenography and Raphaël Cioffi, the libretto author.
Among the casting, the “Fashion Freak Show” was right to bet on Bétrice de Demi Mondaine, an underground rock singer noticed in The Voice France. For the show, she shows her incredible singing, acting and dancing talent. And it’s definitely a big discovery during the set of the corset enhanced by The Doors “Light My Fire”.
In other words, sexy, funny, moving, dynamic, colorful… the whole supported y a quality soundtrack and more than talented actors, the “Fashion Freak Show” really conquered our eyes and ears. Who'd have thought that at over 60 years old, fashion's enfant terrible is still surprising us!
Please not that since September 18, the “Fashion Freak Show” offers premiers before the opening night on October 2, 2018. It will be performed at Folies Bergère until December 30, 2018.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 18, 2018 to June 16, 2019
Location
Folies Bergère
32 Rue Richer
75009 Paris 9
Prices
En avant-première, à partir de: €23
Après les premières, à partir de : €30
Official website
jpgfashionfreakshow.com
