Daniel Lavoie: official website

The Little Prince, the most eagerly awaited musical of the year

Star Academy magazine
April 2002

After "Roméo & Juliette" and "Les Dix Commandements", a big comeback is announced for the musical in the coming autumn. One of the most eagerly awaited is an adaptation of the well-known Petit Prince. Here is our exclusive information on this magical show.

The return of a winning duo

Inspired by the fantastical story by Saint-Exupéry, Le Petit Prince is getting off to a strong start in the next theatrical season. Composed by Richard Cocciante who co-wrote the libretto of Notre Dame de Paris, this show will star a company of young artistes of whom several will alternate the role of the Petit Prince. They will be taken in hand by Daniel Lavoie, ex-Frollo in Notre Dame de Paris, as the airman. First night is on the 1^st October 2002 and the single is to be released at the end of April, the album at the end of May. It goes without saying that everyone is impatient for it.

DANIEL LAVOIE

As Frollo he conquered the whole world. Taking the rôle of the airman in Le Petit Prince is a new challenge for him.

How was the project of adapting "Le Petit Prince" born?
Daniel Lavoie: Richard Cocciante, the composer of this musical, had the idea. It was two years ago in London that he first spoke to me about it. I heard the first of the music last autumn.

How did you react to the idea of a musical based on such a well-known book?
Daniel Lavoie: It’s true that at the beginning I just couldn’t see how one could adapt that gentle world, but the songs gave a surprising new dimension to the project.

Everyone knows the book, Le Petit Prince…
Daniel Lavoie: After the Bible it’s the most well-known and best selling book in the world. The challenge is to give it some solidity. We want to give the people a make-believe reality.

Will the players in Le Petit Prince present a new vision of the book?
Daniel Lavoie: Yes, that’s certain. We are not making a disco version of Le Petit Prince, but the production will surprise the public enormously.

Don’t you miss managing your own solo career?
Daniel Lavoie: No, I think I am beginning to weary a little of the pattern of album/promotion/tour. I absorb myself in a role as one does in a musical, it’s a new idea which enthuses me.

The role of the airman, it’s a leading role. That’s new for you …
Daniel Lavoie: In contrast to Frollo, it’s true that I now haven’t got the unrewarding role.

Does working with a child intimidate you?
Daniel Lavoie: A little. Anyway, that changed with Garou!

Where has Notre Dame de Paris moved on to?
Daniel Lavoie: The show has been adapted for Italy and Russia where it has been a triumph. It’s amazing for me, to discover different Frollos in other countries of the world, it gives me great pleasure!

JEFF

At almost 14, Jeff gives us his impressions of the show of which he is the main character.

Did you know Le Petit Prince?
Jeff: I had read the book without paying it too much attention. Then I read it in greater depth and I worked out that it was a fantasy of childhood.

To sing, is that a dream?
Jeff: I didn’t think much about my future.

How are the rehearsals going with Daniel Lavoie?
Jeff: It’s the great Daniel Lavoie who is ever so well-known with little Jeff. He’s giving me lots of advice.