French-language dinner theatre will return to Mont-Carmel this summer thanks to Paul D. Gallant, the director of La Cuisine à Mémé dinner theatre sketch and music show which began in 1985 in the Evangeline region.

Gallant will put on three different productions, including a reboot of La Cuisine à Mémé, at the Mont-Carmel Parish Hall from July 14 to August 28. The shows will be accompanied by meals prepared by Chef Andrew Fisk of À la Cuisine.

Les filles de la factrie

Wednesday–Saturday at 7 pm

July 14–August 28

This summer’s flagship production is the musical Les filles de la factrie (The Girls from the Factory). The company will consist of seven female actors, singers and musicians. The story takes place in a fish plant in the old days and the workers are not allowed to talk at work. One day, one of the workers pours a potion concocted from an old family recipe into the floor lady’s tea, which makes her sleep all day. The girls agree to do their jobs but still take time to chat, tell jokes, dance and sing lively old-time music.

La Cuisine à Mémé rebootée

Tuesdays at 7 pm

July 20–August 24

La Cuisine à Mémé rebootée will see a return to its original concept when the dinner theatre was held at the old Acadian Pioneer Village in the mid-1980s and the character of Mémé was a puppet, a kind of mistress of ceremonies. She and the rest of the company performed comedic sketches based on various characters. Author and artistic director Paul D. Gallant shares that while the reboot will feature the Mémé grandmother character as a puppet, the music, script and skits will all be brand new.

Le Paysan et le Roi

Saturdays at noon

July 17–August 28

Le Paysan et le Roi (The Peasant and the King), presented in the style of old-time children’s stories, is aimed at a young audience and will feature two acts with a combined duration of 25 minutes. A short musical section will be added at the end to showcase the singing, dancing and musical talent of the Young Company.

This production has two objectives—to create a space for young artists (ages 7–12) to perform and to provide the public, especially young Island families, with an activity designed with them in mind.

A special children’s menu will be offered at an affordable price.

For more information, contact Les Productions Cuisine à Mémé 2021 at 439-4750. Mont-Carmel Parish Hall is located at 5786 Route 11, Mont-Carmel.