THE PRODUCERS2 Molières 2022 including Best Musical | 5 Musical Comedy Trophies

By Thomas Meehan & Mel Brooks | Directed by Alexis Michalik | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2021 | On stage 2021 | 2022 | 2023

A connoisseur of musical comedies, Alexis Michalik is well-versed in the classics of the genre, and Mel Brooks is both a reference and a source of inspiration for him: "The question is not why stage The Producers. The question is: why has The Producers never been staged in Paris? The show has been such a success worldwide, it is culturally close to the French audience, the comedy is hilarious, and the songs no less."
An opportunity to rediscover the caustic, irreverent, and outrageous humor of the American director.

My intentions

The choreography aims to be narrative and serve the purpose. The dance should find its energy while allowing for the listening of the characters. It relies on the set and props (accounting table, escalators, walkers...). It must be dynamic and precise in respecting the grand ensembles of Broadway.

WEST SIDE STORY

By Leonard Bernstein musique, Stephen Sondheim paroles & Arthur Laurents livret | Directed by Gaël Lépingle | Set design by Ludovic Meunier | Artistic Direction and Orchestra Conducting by L'Inattendu Clément Joubert | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2021 | On stage 2021 | 2022 | 2023

Openly adapted from Romeo and Juliet, a record-breaking work, almost everyone knows West Side Story, or at least the film by Robert
Wise and Jerome Robbins, starring Natalie Wood, directed in 1961. Perhaps a little less so the lyrical drama from which it is derived... Created four years earlier on Broadway, where the show ran for an impressive 732 performances, West Side Story quickly conquered the world and has endured over the years thanks to Bernstein's sophisticated, rhythmic, and popular music (Maria, America, Somewhere, Tonight, I Feel Pretty...), the timeless universal story that has proven itself since Shakespeare, and, of course... the dance!

My intentions

I worked with two different techniques to differentiate the rival gangs: for me, the Sharks represent today's society. So, I have a multicultural, multiracial group. The dancers will have a much more urban technique, with a strong grounding and a true pop element. For the Jets, I worked with a more academic style. If the Sharks are more grounded, the Jets will be much more airborne. We will see these two dance identities during their encounters, their oppositions, especially in the ballroom scene where we have done extensive work. I needed to have these two dance styles, which are also reflected in the music. And it was important for me to transpose them into our current society. How would this territorial war in our suburbs play out today? I also want to mention that there is a lot of partnering work involved - because I love it!

Afterward, I have some guidelines, and then I find myself with my team, seeing how it resonates. I don't come in with a fully prepared dossier; we're not doing a review with a franchise to apply everywhere! It's a collaborative work, and we try things together with the dancers. I adapt my steps, I compose, and if a figure works better for someone, I make changes. The artist needs to be showcased to their fullest potential."

WEST SIDE STORY TRAILER

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FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

By Sholem Aleichem, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick | Adaptation by Joseph Stein | Directed by Emmanuel Dell’Erba | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2015 | On stage 2015 | 2016 | 2017 French-speaking Opera Tour (Reims | Metz | Massy...) and performance venues

Between joyful excitement and infinite melancholy, this unmissable musical where we find the legendary "If I Were a Rich Man..." has enjoyed incredible success since its premiere on Broadway in 1964.
At the beginning of the 20th century, in the Jewish quarter of a Russian town, the milkman Tevye has three concerns: providing for his family, ensuring a good future by finding suitable husbands for his three capricious daughters, and reconciling his actions with God regarding religious freedoms...

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF TRAILER

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SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

Based on the film by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with special permission fromWarner Bros, Theatre Ventures, Inc Harnick | Set design by Mohamed Yamani | Directed by Collectif Ars Lyrica (Emmanuel Dell’Erba, Patrick Leterme, Johan Nus, Sylvie Planche, Mohamed Yamani) | Choreograpy by Johan Nus | Tap choreography by Sylvie Planche

CRÉATION 2019 | Still on the French-speaking Opera Tour (Vichy, Reims | Metz | Massy...) and performance venues

The film is a rare case in the history of cinema. The authors, Adolph Green and Betty Comden, are tasked with building a feature film around a successful song by Arthur Freed, which evokes one of the most universal and trivial annoyances: rain. Yet, what the screenwriters construct around this light melody is an intoxicating reflection of the film world, a show within a show that tells the story of the technical revolution of talkies, and a passionate declaration of love for the professions that create truth with falsehood.
Ars Lyrica brilliantly revisits this cult film. Combining songs, dance, and video with humor, Singin' in the Rain immerses us in 1920s America and the glamour of cinema, thanks to a production full of creative ideas. The spirit of Broadway permeates this lively production, carried by a cast of around fifteen singers and the musicians of the Candide Orchestra.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN TRAILER

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WONDERFUL TOWNCharles Cros Award 2018

By Leonard Bernstein | Directed by Olivier Bénézech | Set design by Luc Londiveau | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2019 | Toulon Opera | Revival in 2023 | Sung in English

With the French premiere of Wonderful Town, the Toulon Opera brilliantly celebrates the centenary of Leonard Bernstein's birth and continues its policy of discovering Broadway gems, such as Kurt Weill's Street Scene and the legendary Follies by Stephen Sondheim. Through the improbable wanderings of two sisters who arrive from the depths of Ohio to try their luck in New York, Bernstein affirms his love for the city. Wonderful Town, with its exuberant choreographic episodes and sumptuous orchestration, is a prelude to West Side Story.

A crazy and whimsical story where everything ends with a single attitude: "Swing!" The press...

Presse reviews...

...the numerous supporting roles are impeccable, and Johan Nus's 12 dancers happily complement this abundant cast, bringing tremendous energy to the whole and some poetic counterpoints, such as the couple waltzing when Robert discovers he is in love.
Forumopera.com | Tania Bracq

From Olivier Bénézech's clever direction to the precise baton of American conductor Larry Blank - well-known to Broadway regulars - and the exuberant choreographic episodes directed by Johan Nus: an irresistible production!
DVD/blu-ray BelAir Classique

Johan Nus's choreography brings incredible energy to the show and, through its sophistication, offers a magnificent portrayal of the New York population: businessmen, prostitutes, homosexuals, pimps...
BACHTRACK | Sébastien Herbecq,

Praise must be given to Olivier Bénézech for his staging and to Johan Nus for his choreography...
Christian Jarniat

WONDERFUL TOWN TRAILER

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LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBOURG

Based on the Film by Jacques Demy| Music by Michel Legrand | Staging and Set Design by Emmanuel Dell'Erba | Set design by Luc Londiveau | Choreograpy Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2019 | Toulon Opera | Revival in 2023 | Sung in English

Film by Jacques Demy and music by Michel Legrand, Palme d'Or winner at Cannes in 1964... That was in the last century! But here they are again, sung and danced live on stage in an adaptation presented by the musical theater company Ars Lyrica. And the charm still works!

For the stage version of this timeless and beautiful story, Emmanuel Dell'Erba plays with sequences of different colors. He cleverly combines video scenes and dance sequences with the performances of the actor-singers (Guy Camille Nicolas and Gaétan Borg in the lead roles) and the score performed by the 20 musicians of the Candide Orchestra under the direction of Patrick Leterme. Open your umbrellas, get your tissues ready, the charm still works!

The press...

Another interesting aspect of the staging lies in the intervention of the ballet, which is never decorative or intrusive, but highlights the anchors of the story, such as the garage, the carnival, or the marine world. The choreography serves the dramaturgy, functioning as an element of the story beyond its purely aesthetic character.
Opérette Théâtre musical

LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBOURG TRAILER

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SWEENEY TODD

By Stephen Sondheim based on a play by Christopher Bond | Directed by Olivier Bénézech | Choreography Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2016 at Château d'ardelot | On stage 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Operas of Reims and Toulon

Olivier Bénézech's staging, a specialist in the genre, will allow us to discover this true musical thriller under the best conditions.
Sweeney Todd is the story of a London barber who decides to seek revenge on Judge Turpin, who imprisoned him and stole his wife and daughter. A desire for vengeance that becomes an obsession and plunges him into madness. Blinded by hatred, Sweeney Todd starts slashing the throats of his customers and disposes of the corpses with the help of Miss Lovett, who uses them to make meat pies that she then sells in her shop. Delicious...

Press reviews...

The minimalist, mechanical, and precise choreography by Johan Nus contributes to the effectively suspenseful atmosphere.
Regard en Coulisse

From the initial choreography of masked choristers in an ancient chorus, one can sense the intelligence of a show that, beyond terror, is also a bitter lesson in life. "When times are tough, you have to be as tough as them."
Resmusica.com

SOUTH PACIFIC

By Richard Rodgers | Book by Oscar Hammerstein II & Joshua Logan | Directed by Olivier Bénézech | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2022 | On stage 2022 | Operas of Reims and Toulon

It is the audacity and finesse of the libretto, based on James A. Michener's novel (Tales of the South Pacific), that first captivate the novice. A libretto that seems far removed from the 42nd Street, as it sets up its quarters in Polynesia during World War II, on an American base where boredom vies with soldierly comedy, masculinity with love. Far from the idea of mere entertainment, it aims to tackle racial prejudices...

Press reviews...

...the explosive energy of Johan Nus's choreography, the fluidity of Olivier Bénézech's staging.
ResMusica | Jean-Luc Clairet

The sometimes acrobatic and circus-like choreography by Johan Nus, performed by a troupe of twelve dancer-singers, including four dancers, is fully integrated into the plot: dance evenings and shows as moments of relaxation...
Olyrix | Florence Lethurgez

Obviously, the direction of the actors and the choreography, directly inspired by Broadway, are dazzling in virtuosity, precision, and accuracy.
Forumopera | Yvan Beuvard

INTO THE WOODS

Music and Book by Stephen Sondheim | Directed by Olivier Bénézech | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2018 | à l'affiche 2018 | 2019 | Tournée française | Opéras de Reim, Massy et Toulon | Théaâre de La Croix-Rousse Lyon

Created in San Diego in 1986 and then on Broadway the following year, Into the Woods takes characters from four of the most famous fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel) and embarks them on a new story in two acts, in the heart of a labyrinthine forest where the human soul and its neuroses are revealed. Destinies cross, intertwine, and converge amidst the adventures faced by a couple struck by the witch's curse of infertility.

The characters are far from the traditional archetypes of fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood is not at all afraid of the wolf and takes pleasure in violence; Cinderella's Prince Charming is polyamorous; Cinderella's stepsisters are drag queens who become better people through physical decline; the witch is a complex villain with multiple facets.

ASTÉRIX AND OBÉLIX'S TOUR OF GAULFAMILY SHOW

Based on the characters created by Goscinny and Uderzo | By Frédéric Chaslin | Directed by Olivier Bénézech | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2009 | Théâtre des Champs Elysées

An ambitious and playful introduction to classical music for families and children.
This show is today what Fantasia was in 1940: a (re)discovery of French heritage for music lovers.
Asterix and Obelix, surrounded by the entire Gaulish village, will defy Caesar and embark on a journey through the greatest classical "hits" of the French repertoire. And for once, Assurancetourix will sing!

Music by Gounod, Berlioz, Debussy, Saint-Saëns, Chabrier, Ravel, Massenet, Bizet, Offenbach, Fauré, Dukas, and Widor.

MADIBATHE MUSICAL

By Jean-Pierre Hadida & Alicia Sebrien | Directed by Pierre-Yves Duchesne | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2016 | French and international tour until 2021

A tribute to Nelson Mandela: this musical tells the story of the initially impossible love between two individuals who, in Mandela's light, will fight for their ideals.
African dances, traditional choirs alternate with songs and rhythmic and unifying titles. The benevolent presence of the great man will inspire these heroes.

Press reviews...

...ultimately, what stands out are the dynamic choreographies, ensemble scenes, and African dances.
Regard en Coulisse

The choreography by Johan Nus (Aladdin) and the set designs of the show are truly remarkable.
Tony Comédie

MADIBA TRAILER

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MADIBATHE MUSICALEnglish creation for the New Zealand & Australia tour

By Jean-Pierre Hadida & Alicia Sebrien | English adaptation by Dylan Hadida | Directed by Pierre-Yves Duchesne | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2019 | Tour

INTERVIEW JOHAN NUS MADIABA AUSTRALIA

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EGO-SYSTÈMETHE MUSEUM OF YOUR EXISTENCE7 nominations at the 2023 Musical Comedy Awards, including Musical Comedy, Direction, and Book...

By Raphaël Callandreau | Directed by Nicolas Guilleminot | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2021 | Avignon | Parisian Theaters 2021 | 2022 | 2023

A completely a cappella musical theater piece, a psychedelic narrative dissecting our society, its doubts, and its contradictions.

Press reviews...

Let's say it straight: the result is stunning, and we can only encourage you to discover this original work in every sense of the term, served by a simple yet clever staging, enhanced by playful choreography and beautiful lighting.
Regard en Coulisse

TTT Captivating, this whirlwind in which the play of bodies invents space is by turns touching and comical. A cappella, the four performers skillfully switch from one character to another in a wildly modern rhythmic harmony. 
Télérama

TOM SAWYER FAMILY SHOWNomination at the 2019 Molières for Best Musical Show for Young Audiences | 11 nominations at the Musical Comedy Awards

Authors Ludovic-Alexandre VidaL & Julien Salvia | Composer Julien Salvia | Book by Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal | Directed by David Rozen | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2018 | Mogador 2019 | Olympia | Currently on tour

Tom Sawyer is a carefree young teenager who dreams of freedom and adventure. But in this small town in the United States, Tom is seen as a little rascal with bad company, like Muff Potter, the village alcoholic. His aunt Polly, who took him in along with his brother Sid after their parents' disappearance, tries her best to raise him as well as she can.

THE CHOREOGRAPHIES OF TOM SAWYER

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SHERLOCK HOLMES THE MUSICAL ADVENTUREFAMILY SHOW

Author Composer Samuel Safa | Directed by Samuel & Julien Safa | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2022 | Currently on tour

Experience the most famous detective in a brand new story! London, 1910.

The news is making headlines: the Aztec statue of the god Tlaloc, a jewel of the grand national museum, has been stolen! The renowned private detective Sherlock Holmes is in charge of the investigation, accompanied by his faithful accomplice, Dr. Watson. But now a young detective, Emma Jones, also finds herself on the trail of the crime.

Press reviews...

At each stage, we find a subtle combination of songs, music, and traditional dances, beautifully enhanced by remarkable performances ... and superb choreography by Johan Nus.
Toi Toi Toi

We immediately dive into the heart of the matter with Johan Nus's rich choreography, perfectly illustrating Samuel Safa's catchy and energetic music.
SENSITIF

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYSFAMILY SHOW

Author Jules Verne | Directed by David Rozen | Set Design by Casilda Desazars & Tiphaine Maire | Choreography by Johan Nus | Tap Dance by Elodie Hec

CRÉATION 2019 Mogador | Olympia | Currently on tour

Phileas Fogg is a secretive and phlegmatic gentleman who lives his life with almost mathematical precision. He spends much of his time at the Reform Club playing cards and discussing various topics with the other gentlemen of the club. One day, during a discussion, Fogg announces that it is now possible to go around the world in 80 days...

AROUND THE WORLD... TRAILER

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THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL FAMILY SHOWNomination at the 2016 Molières for Best Musical Show for Young Audiences

Based on the story by Andersen | Authors Julien Salvia, Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal, Anthony Michineau | Directed by David Rozen | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2017 | French and Asian Tour | Currently on tour

In London, the little Emma must sell matches on the street. Unable to do so, she finally lights one to warm herself... And suddenly, she is transported into the heart of an imaginary

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL TRAILER

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Surcouf, King of the CorsairsFAMILY SHOW

Co-author, composer, and lyricist Charles Tharaux | Director, co-author, and lyricist Maëlle Le Tersec | Set Design by Ludovic Meunier | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2022 | Saint-Malo | 2023

A young man, a genius of the sea and a cunning strategist, will embrace the career of a sailor and overthrow the English from their maritime supremacy, causing fear to all enemy ships of France, from London to Calcutta.
Adventure, passion, love, betrayal - the young man's journey will be filled with obstacles to conquer the oceans and win the hand of the beautiful Marie-Catherine Blaise de Maisonneuve.

Press reviews...

Johan Nus delivers the choreography. Aesthetic and visually stunning, they harmonize with the songs. We are captivated by the ensemble dances of the sailors on the ship's deck. Some perfectly staged sword fighting scenes add a breath of fresh air to the spectacle.
Musical Avenue | Fabrice Felez

Led by a group of dancers, whose aerial choreography thought out by Johan Nus brings a touch of poetry to the overall picture, the musical has conquered the 600 spectators...
Ouest France | Maylis Dudouet

What I particularly loved: the sumptuous and imaginative choreography by Johan Nus. I even wonder if it's not the main asset of this musical?...
Balades armoricaines

PETER PANFAMILY SHOW

Based on the story by Andersen | Authors Julien Salvia, Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal, Anthony Michineau | Directed by David Rozen | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2013 | Bobino | Currently on tour

Peter Pan invites you to fly once again to Neverland with him, Wendy, and his two brothers! Board the Jolly Roger and face Hook, Smee, and the pirates!...

ALADDIN MAKE A WISH! FAMILY SHOW

By David Rozen | Directed by David Rozen | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2016

Inspired by the tale of One Thousand and One Nights, with singers, dancers, and actors on stage, Aladdin is a journey to the heart of Agrabah, full of colors and magic, that will delight young and old alike! A family musical show.

TIMÉOFAMILY SHOWCircus Musical

Written by Jean-Jacques Thibaud | Directed by Alex Goude | Choreography by Johan Nus

CRÉATION 2016 | Casino de Paris | French Tour

The story of a teenager in a wheelchair who, despite his disability, dreams of becoming an acrobat. TIMÉO wants to prove to everyone that being different is normal. In order to do so, he must overcome the judgment of others and the prejudice that says a wheelchair-bound acrobat doesn't exist.

My intentions

Technically, this show is probably one of the most complex I have ever experienced. We have aerial acts, skate ramps on stage, poles, trampolines. As someone who is always mindful of utilizing all spaces, I am spoiled. We have to choreograph each routine for our performers. Dance is both a performance and a way of claiming space. For example, we have done significant work on animal movements so that our performers can embody tigers. I sat in a wheelchair for the first time to understand and learn how to move and dance with it. The writing of this show, for me, is closer to television performances in terms of their structure, given the significant resources involved. The challenge is not to lose the essence of the story and the musical. It should not be a succession of acts; "TIMÉO" must tell us the story of a young boy who wants to fulfill his dream. We are fortunate to start training our performers one year in advance, but we must maintain a steady pace so that everyone is ready. My personal challenge is also to meet the expectations of our two TIMÉOs, Matthias and Benjamin: "To make these stage moments a true dream."

The press...

… we particularly appreciated the few moments choreographed between Mathias Raumel (Timéo) in a wheelchair and Florence Peyrard (Lilou), magical moments full of beauty!
Musical Avenue

TIMÉO TRAILER

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AND ALSO...

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