Adaptation of Gabrielle Roy's nostalgic tale is subtle and sweet

A Théâtre Cercle Molière and Flammèche Théâtre production adapts Gabrielle Roy's summer story into a 75-minute stage piece that uses live-sound instruments and overhead projector imagery to evoke the rural soundscape.

When summer returns to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Gabrielle Roy (played by Marie-Ève Fontaine) returns to her seasonal writing retreat in Cet été qui chantait. Théâtre Cercle Molière and Flammèche Théâtre present the 75-minute stage adaptation that traces Roy's visits and memories. The production foregrounds a carefully constructed natural soundscape and analogue visual techniques rather than recorded effects. The piece frames memory, family ties and the surrounding rural world through simple stage objects and shadow play. What we know: - The production runs about 75 minutes and adapts Gabrielle Roy's summer story. - Marie-Ève Fontaine plays Gabrielle Roy; Natalie Labossière appears as Mr. Émile and helps manipulate a marionette representing Roy's sister Bernadette. - Sound designer Gérald Laroche recreates ambient sounds — including train, birds and frogs — live on stage using flutes, whistles, harmonica and vocal techniques instead of recorded tracks. - An overhead projector with hand-filled transparencies supplies moving natural imagery, drawing a connection to illustrator Louise Pomminville's barnyard work. - Scenic design places plants and stone between performers and the audience; the review notes that scenic detail is difficult to appreciate beyond the first three rows. - A quiet river sequence places the sisters on the drop-leaf table as Gabrielle removes Bernadette's shoes so she can feel the water. Summary: The production offers a gentle, understated exploration of memory, familial connection and the natural world, relying on live sound and shadow play to shape its atmosphere. Undetermined at this time.