Louise Pitre in Concert: A Terrific Concert!

Photo: Ottawa  Citizen

Take a fine singer with a pleasant personality equally at home in English or French. Add a first-class accompanist at the piano.Present in an intimate setting.This is a recipe for a terrific concert. And that is just what multi-award winner Louise Pitre provided in Perth on Friday, October 19. Whether she performed one of the songs from the hit musical Mamma Mia, in which she starred in Toronto and on Broadway, or an Edith Piaf song such as La Vie en Rose, she took her own advice to contestants in the CBC show Over the Rainbow — she is one of the judges — to feel the song and interpret the emotions in it honestly.

Every number, unobtrusively and effectively supported by pianist Diane Leah, was packed with passion, warmth, sadness or joy as required.

As Pitre pointed out, laughing, as it was her show, she could present any numbers that she chose and, along with songs from shows in which she had starred, she selected a Mama Rose number from Gypsy, the original French version of My Way and many more numbers that had special meaning — with stories attached — for her. Her short comments or explanations of songs were always tastefully delivered, a further relief from the awkward and often embarrassing patter of some entertainers.

Louise Pitre’s straightforward warmth underlined that simple is best in delivering a totally satisfying evening’s entertainment.

A presentation of the Perth Performing Arts Committee