Pool Party

Sometimes including locals who participate in rehearsals and perform along with the professionals, this show involves a series of performances staged throughout a swimming pool complex. The first performance takes place in the changing rooms. Upon arriving in the no-shoes area, swimmers are met by the bass-baritone Alan Picol who bursts into song. Intermittently singing and paraphrasing the philosopher Levinas as he removes each article of clothing down to his swimsuit, Picol ends his medley on vulnerability by inviting us to also change into our swimwear and proceed to the showers. A delightful series of mini-performances ensue as the spectators proceed through the facility, attending a shower-room pep talk by the artistic director Marine Colard before being ushered on to a rendition of Disney’s The Little Mermaid complete with inflatable pool props, contemporary dance sequences, actual mermaids, and a ballet deliciously performed by Jean Hostache (Swan Lake, naturally).

Constantly mixing the high and the low, the performances range from the awe-inspiring to the ridiculous, culminating in general hilarity and much laughter. The show is followed by a general dance party in the pools, with the cast leading the crowd in dance moves while live DJ music and colored lights set the tone. Actors and audience members jump in and jam it up in the pools, partying until midnight. – A. Street