The 2001 French cult classic “Amélie” follows the story of a young waitress who one day decides to start secretly helping those around her. In 2015, the film was adapted into a musical and premiered at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. This fall, the ARC Theater Department brings “Amélie the Musical” to the ARC Mainstage Theater. The production will premiere on Oct 10 and run until Oct 26.
“Amélie the Musical” follows Amélie Poulain in her quest to quietly do kind deeds for those around her. The musical features a fun, upbeat and catchy score, poignant and often silly lyrics, colorful costuming and immersive set design. This production, directed by Tracy Martin, an adjunct professor in the Department of Theater Arts and Film at ARC, is the cumulative effort of six staff members, six faculty members and many ARC students.
“We want it to be playful and imaginative and colorful. That’s really important to me, because that’s what’s going on in Amelie’s head, always,” Martin said.
Although Martin is doing an adaptation of the London version of the show, she says she draws inspiration from the playful feelings, vibrant music and costuming of the Broadway adaptation.
Martin adds that she feels that the pandemic and our current political system have forced people and told them to believe that the world is disconnected and lonely. However, she finds that young people, like college students, have been fighting against that and creating spaces for community. She hopes to portray that sense of community and kindness in “Amélie the Musical.”
“I’m seeing that young people are rebelling against that with warmth and generosity of spirit, and I think that they will enjoy the joy of connection that the characters find in the show,” Martin said.
“Amélie the musical” is a show that many college students can relate to. The story centers around a protagonist who is shy and not like others. It is a show about loneliness, finding community and romance.
“It’s a show that I find really relatable as a college student girl. I mean me and Amelie, we are like two peas in a pod,” Lilah Rankin, an ensemble member in the cast said. “It’s about going through life and figuring things out, and I think that’s something that everyone can find something to relate to.”
The theater will also be putting on a “Dinner Theater Night” in conjunction with the Oak Cafe on Oct. 23. The menu will feature a French-themed dinner and clever references to the food mentioned in the show.
Whether they’re a fan of the film “Amélie,” a lover of French food or someone looking to find connection and community, there is a little bit of something for everyone in the ARC theater department’s production of “Amélie the Musical.”
More information and tickets to “Amélie the Musical,” can be found here. Any questions regarding the dinner theater night can be directed to Tracy Martin at [email protected].
