Chuck & Albert

Whether it’s energy or energie, Chuck & Albert have it. Whatever energy elixir Chuck & Albert are tapping, I want some. And if the dynamic duo ever decided to bottle it, they would never be able to keep up with demand.

If you’re an Islander, you’re probably familiar with these Acadian performers who serve up music, dance and comedy to enthusiastic audiences on a regular basis. And if you’re from away, attending a Chuck & Albert show is sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before.

Chuck & Albert are performing this summer at the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside. If you go, you’ll forget you’ve purchased tickets in order to attend, and instead feel like you’ve been sent a personal invitation by your quirky Acadian buddies Chuck & Albert, to join the rest of their neighbours and friends for a social evening of laughter and cheer.

They have a visual uniqueness and a multitude of highly animated facial expressions. Their bodies that bend with ease to the music and the intensity level is evident as sweat drips down their faces. The show never drags and feels like a continuous ferris wheel of entertainment.

The duo has a commanding presence on stage, but interacts with the audience in such a way that everyone feels right at home. In fact, it’s the audience participation that makes a Chuck & Albert performance really special.

I enjoyed the ‘C’est What’ part of the show, where the duo sets a comment box in the lobby during intermission and the audience is invited to submit questions, which are answered in the second half of the show. Whether the query is ‘Why are there skunks on PEI?’ or ‘Can you sing any songs in English?’, the guys find a witty way to answer and get a laugh from the crowd.

And what could have been a routine part of the show in which the audience is asked where they hail from, was instead made into an amusing display of down home humour.

The flexibility of these guys is incredible. At one point Albert jumped on top of Chuck’s shoulders, and the two proceeded to weave their way through the audience, providing a step dancing and fiddling demonstration all at the same time.

Their repertoire of instruments includes guitar, fiddle, the spoons, harmonica, saw, and various household items which were used as percussion instruments.

Although all of their songs are performed in French, they are introduced in both official languages. This also applies to story-telling and interactions with the audience. This is done in such a smooth transitional way, that whatever language an audience member speaks, they will easily understand and appreciate the show’s content.

There is a sense of anticipation throughout the entire performance. The duo is skilled at what they do, well-rehearsed and rarely misses a beat. Catch upcoming performances from Chuck & Albert on July 28 and August 4 and 18. - Live concert review by Peggy Miles for "The Buzz" magazine

MONT-CARMEL — Tapping feet. Fiddle music. Quick-witted comedy.
Acadian culture takes centre stage when Chuck and Albert perform. The duo makes heritage come alive through high-energy music, dance and skits. “Nobody’s going to come and see something that’s dead – unless it’s a wake,” says Chuck Arsenault. “We’re big on those too,” quips Albert Arsenault, without missing a beat.

Chuck and Albert might have audiences laughing too hard to fully realize how much work goes into their shows. Last night in Charlottetown, the duo won the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation Wendell Boyle Award for outstanding contribution to heritage through performance.

Chuck and Albert, former members of the Acadian group Barachois, chatted about the award during a recent rehearsal in Mont-Carmel. “We don’t treat our heritage and our culture as something that’s in the past,” Chuck explains. “The music that we work on, the dances that we perform, the skits that we do, our interaction with people that come to the shows – it’s all very representative of P.E.I. and it’s all stuff we like doing. It just so happens that it helps continue some of the traditions... of Acadian culture.”

For example, when they go looking for new traditional songs to perform, their main reference is a collection of Acadian songs and folklore captured mainly in the 1970s by Island historian Georges Arsenault. “Like Barachois, they certainly do a lot to bring new life to these old melodies,” Georges said in a phone interview. “And most of them have been forgotten by the recent generations. It would be their grandparents or great-grandparents who were singing them. They’re bringing them back to life.”

Chuck & Albert have also brought Acadian culture to a larger audience by travelling throughout Canada, as well as the United States and Europe. They sing the traditional songs in French but speak English during shows to English audiences so the show is accessible. Chuck notes they don’t wake up thinking about how to win awards, but he’s grateful the foundation has recognized their contribution.

Why do they think they won?
“We were probably the only ones in the category. They were probably desperate,” Chuck jokes. “A couple of bribes,” Albert adds. But after a few jokes, he sums it up. “We promote P.E.I. and Acadians everywhere we go.” - Lori A. Mayne, The Journal Pioneer

Chuck & Albert: Acadian talent at its finest. This bilingual duo has seasoned the globe with Acadian music, step-dancing and cultural tradition, and all with a transcending sense of ha-ha. (Any utensil in the kitchen can be musical, right?) Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Chuck et Albert (Arsenault) have received national recognition for their work in preserving and conveying Acadian tradition in a fun yet educational way. And as the animated group continues to build these linguistic and cultural bridges, one thing is for certain: laughter is the best medicine. (And if that doesn’t work, throw on some “Tradipotion Acadie” for good measure!).


How do two Barachois alumni dream up a successful comedy act?

Ch- Probably by not trying too hard to be funny. People love to laugh if you give them a chance but you have to start with what you know. We did a lot of musically based comedy numbers over the years with Barachois and learned that comedy, music & dance are all pretty universal.

Al- I’d say the dream started because Chuck doesn’t get out much. He called me up one day wondering if I’d help him put together a show for a school conference since I’m the only guy he knows that plays fiddle and has a sound system. He said, “Hey, how hard can it be?” It was probably our worst performance ever, but there was a kid there who went home and told her mom about this “totally awesome show!” she had seen. That Mom happened to be one of the directors of the Confederation Centre of the Arts so they called us up wondering if we’d mount a bilingual production for the Charlottetown Festival. We figured, “Hey, how hard can it be?”


One great asset of your group is your fluent bilingualism. Do you have a separate English and French show or is it combined into one bilingual performance?

Ch- You have play to your audience. If they’re English, we’ll talk in English and vise-versa. That first show we put together in 2005 called “C’est What?” was the first bilingual theatre production ever produced in Canada so we didn’t exactly have a road map to work with. We’re bilingual, but not everyone is. It was good exercise for us to learn to keep not only the wording but also the visual and rhythmic messages delivered through the music, comedy and dance routines very clear.

Al-It’s pretty interesting; we can go & play for a mixed French & English audience and get a really good response. Everyone seems to get it. It’s a challenge finding ways for audiences to enjoy something they might not understand but I suppose it helps when half the time we don’t understand each other either.


How do you find Acadian humor is embraced equally in Canada, the United States and overseas? Is audience sense of humor similar across the board or varied from place to place?

Al- Maybe we attract people who’ll laugh at anything and frankly those are the people I want to hang out with! Acadian humor is a lot like the people: short, pleasant and to the point. It has a few levels built into it so people enjoy it from where they’re at and not feel left out.


So how many different instruments are onstage at a Chuck & Albert performance? Can you really make music with vegetable steamers and cake racks?

Ch- We have about 10-15 instruments onstage depending on the show. Fiddle, guitar, percussion instruments like the rhythm bones, jaw harp or the spoons- most things you’d find at an Acadian kitchen party. The Acadian kitchen is usually the biggest room on the house so it’s where most Acadians musical gatherings take place. I guess it’s only natural that cake racks, vegetable steamers and other utensils get thrown in the mix… you can make music with just about anything if you put your mind to it!

Al- Mankind spent decades perfecting the most efficient cake rack and what happens? Someone comes along and uses it for an instrument. Hey, if it works…


Physical comedy seems to be a large part of your act. Which great comedians have influenced each of your styles?

Al-Firstly, thanks for assuming we have style, what was the question again? Oh yeah, comedic influences… Well, Acadians are daredevils and pranksters at heart and house parties were the perfect opportunity for both. I’d say we’ve been scarred- I mean influenced- mostly by our relatives. There was always an uncle or an aunt that had some scheme to make people laugh. I was at a house party a while ago and someone snuck off and got dressed up as a cow and ran around the house and you had to guess who it was- good times! These days we’ve been experimenting with sound effects in our comedy numbers in the style of Michel Courtemanche or Mr Bean- we’ve got rubber faces so that helps too.


Chuck, can you give us a brief description of "eye" brow comedy? Is this a talent one can develop or is it inherited?

Ch- Well, I can’t really control my eyebrows. They give me away all the time! It’s mostly a good thing because it gives people a good chance to laugh but I was a - Jill Schettler - Music East Magazine - March 2009

Chuck & Albert excited about performing their new show, which features mime, acrobatics and circus gags with traditional Acadian dance numbers and fiddle tunes.

(Friday, February 22, 2008)

Chuck Arsenault and Albert Arsenault are zipping along on the laughter track.

Just back from their first Alberta and British Columbia tour, the P.E.I.
comedy duo, known in the business as Chuck &?Albert, is preparing to
hit the road again. This time they will be touring New Brunswick schools with their high-energy act. “We’re really excited about this road trip. We had such great crowds out west. Everyone was so responsive,” says Chuck Arsenault.

But before they take off, the two Barachois alumni are making a rare
winter appearance on P.E.I., this weekend. Chuck & Albert will perform
at The Mack in Charlottetown on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. “It was really about Albert coming home to see his kids so they wouldn’t forget what he looks like,” says Chuck, throwing a zinger at his partner-in-comedic-crime.

Much of their excitement is related to the response they’ve getting from their new material while on the road. “We used to do skits with dialogue, but a more visual approach to things speeds things up so people are getting more laughs. And our shows are selling out,” says Albert.

Their act combines mime, acrobatics and circus gags with traditional
Acadian dance numbers and fiddle tunes. “We’re still doing a few things that are participatory in nature like step-dancing and the C’est What? box where audience members are invited to drop in questions while we answer them,” says Chuck. “But, there’s definitely a new energy. It’s kind of an Acadian Cirque du Soleil.”

The comic duo credits Charlottetown choreographer Heidi Ford for
helping them develop their high-wired act. "Heidi used to do work for a circus. She taught us a few moves that trapeze artists do, like how to get someone from the ground to their shoulders in a split second. "But instead of doing it in the air, we do our lifts on the ground,” says Chuck.

Ford says it was a joy to work with the dynamic duo. “They were so good at what I was trying to teach them,” says the creator of That Dance Show, during a telephone interview.
Whether it was showing Chuck how to lift Albert over his head or
teaching Albert how to stuff Chuck into a little trunk, the biggest
challenge was keeping her own laughter at half volume, says Ford. “They are so funny,” she says.

Like the well-known British comic Mr. Bean, who uses facial gestures
and sounds, learning to use his body to create physical humour has
improved his performance, says Albert. “While there’s a lot more planning and practice with these moves, when the show is over I feel that people get everything. There’s no language barrier,” he says.

They also worked with producer Perry Williams to develop a few skits
that rely on physical humour, not language. “We tested them out on our audiences and they’ve worked out well in our show,” says Albert.
Their new production also works well in Europe where they toured three times in the past year. “When we’re there, we start off with the universal and bring it to a more personal level. Everywhere we go we try to give things a local flavour,” says Albert, adding it’s something that they will bring to their performances at The Mack.

They’ll also bring the added excitement of a show on home turf. “We’re looking forward to seeing our friends and family on P.E.I.,” says Chuck.
Five years after starting the group his personal satisfaction level
remains high. “Who would have thought we would gotten so far? And now it seems that the show is starting to take on energy of its own. It’s amazing,” he says.

At a glance
Fast facts
Who: Chuck Arsenault.
Resides: Charlottetown.
Favourite food: Pizza.
Favourite books: Archie comics.
Things to take to a desert island: A cup of coffee, sunscreen, clean
underwear, a harmonica, Albert and “all his stuff.”
Favourite movie: Top Secret.
Favourite way of achieving humour: Looking at Albert.

Who: Albert Arsenault.
Resides: Mont Carmel, P.E.I.
Favourite food: Indian.

Favourite books: Historical novels.
Things to take to a desert island: his family, fiddle, a boat, a generator and 100 gallons of gas.
Favourite movie: Unforgiven.
Favourite way of achieving humour: Bribery.

Website: www.chuckandalbert.com - SALLY COLE The Guardian

Plenty of laughter in both official languages could be heard at Government House Tuesday, when performers Chuck and Albert Arsenault were honoured for their efforts to build bridges for French and English speakers in Canada.
Lt.-Gov. Barbara Hagerman presented the bilingual entertainers with the Prince Edward Island Leading the Community Award, which is presented to individuals or organizations who promote linguistic duality and Canadian unity.
Claude Parent, president of the provincial chapter of Canadian Parents for French, chose Chuck and Albert for the award because of their ability to reach an audience through music, dance and laughter.
“Theirs is a unique style that builds bridges.”
The pair’s pride and love of Acadian culture make their performances unforgettable, he said.
“Chuck and Albert are truly making a difference.”
During their acceptance speech, the pair kept the mood light by telling jokes and thanking everyone who have helped them on their journey.
They found out about the award after receiving a letter in the mail. Chuck said the recognition couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Every once in a while you kind of wonder if people pay attention to what you do.”
He said there wasn’t one particular moment that they decided to promote Acadian culture. It was simply part of who they are.
“We are French. I don’t really think it was a choice.”
Albert said their only goal is to entertain.
“Let’s do a good show . . . we’ll just present it to everyone.”
Chuck agreed, saying they only do things that feel natural to them.
“It has to be good . . . It’s about doing things together that make sense.”
Over the summer, the pair will be making several trips to the United States to perform. They will also perform in French Toast at the Harbourfront Jubilee in Summerside, a series that showcases the province’s best in French talent.
Besides that, they hope to have an album out within a year, and are working on a short Acadian film written by Chuck explaining why Island soil is red.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - STACEY MURRAY The Guardian

Last year, the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre in Summerside made a commitment to showcase Island and regional talent and provide family entertainment.

And the theatre is keeping its word.

This season the Monday Night Concert Series is promising to be the best yet with something for the entire family.

“We’re featuring some old favourites from last year’s Jubilee summer lineup, including the Chucky Danger Band, Chiquesa, Kendra MacGillivray and Bruce Rainnie, along with something new,”says co-manager Mary Gallant.

The new element this year is comprised of former Barachois members Chuck Arsenault and Albert Arsenault, who are now known around various Island stages as simply Chuck and Albert. They will grace the stage on July 17, July 31 and Aug. 14.

Known for their original sketches, absurd acrobatics and a mix of music often accompanied by musical instruments made from kitchen utensils, this Acadian duo couldn’t be any happier.

“We’re thrilled to be at the Jubilee. One of the main comments that we received from Summerside last year was ‘when are you coming out this way?’ ” says Chuck.

And with the Evangeline area less than a half hour away, they are sure to attract some enthusiastic audience members.

“Our friends and families won’t have to face that long drive home after the show,” says Albert with a smile.

Besides giving them an opportunity to give something back to their fans, the pair enjoys the hospitality that they’ve been receiving at the Jubilee.

“The management has allowed us to rehearse and test out some of their material last month to determine the risk factor. They’ve been wonderful,” says Chuck.

The dynamic duo is excited about the material that is being developed for this year’s show.

“It’s family accessible, so if you have kids please bring them along,” says Chuck as he prepares to be pushed down a child’s slide during a recent break in Charlottetown.

They're also adding the wisdom they gained from their successful C’est What? show last summer at the Charlottetown Festival.

While much of their lineup is under wraps, they will give a hint or two.
“We do have an opening act, a pair of country singers that look fairly familiar, that's all I'll say," says Albert, with a twinkle in his eye.

Friday, June 30, 2006 - The Guardian

Chuck Arsenault et Albert Arsenault, du duo Chuck et Albert, ont rejoint le clan des Chefs de file communautaires de Canadian Parents for French, le mardi 20 mai. Ce prix, remis pour la quatrième année consécutive, vise à reconnaître la contribution d’individus et d’organismes à la meilleure compréhension entre francophones et anglophones, et à la promotion du bilinguisme. Dans ce domaine, Chuck et Albert sont rois et sujets. Leurs numéros de comédie sont conçus pour être compris des publics anglophones et francophones. C’est pour eux une préoccupation de base, presque une seconde nature, à laquelle il faut tout de même travailler.

«Ce prix nous dit que nous sommes sur la bonne piste. Nous faisons beaucoup d’efforts pour que nos spectacles soient bilingues parce que c’est important pour nous. Ce prix nous dit que c’est important aussi pour d’autres personnes», a indiqué Chuck Arsenault.

Son collègue Albert Arsenault, est lui aussi bien fier de ce prix, qui arrive au moment où le duo termine une tournée de 60 spectacles dans les écoles du Nouveau-Brunswick. «Des gens pensent à nous», a-t-il dit.

Le duo Chuck et Albert continue d’innover et d’évoluer dans son matériel. Les projets sont nombreux. En juin, le groupe participera à une tournée au Québec, liée au 250e ici à l’Île et au 400e de Québec. Il se rendra aussi pour la première fois aux États-Unis à au moins deux reprises durant l’été. «Pour nous, c’est un nouveau marché et c’est aussi parmi les premières fois qu’on est invité comme musiciens», soulignent Chuck et Albert.

De fait, bien que la comédie soit devenue une marque de commerce pour Chuck et Albert, tous deux sont avant tout d’excellents musiciens. «Nous aimerions avoir un album à présenter à ce temps-ci, l’année prochaine.»

Durant les deniers mois, le duo a fait un disque démo de quelques chansons avec l’aide de la Fédération culturelle et espère que ce démo va se transformer en un album complet de musique et de chansons traditionnelles mais aussi originales.

La communauté se réjouit pour Chuck et Albert

Devant le succès et la reconnaissance accordée à Chuck et Albert pour leur travail qui rend la vie meilleure à bien des gens, la communauté acadienne et anglophone se réjouit. La lieutenante-gouverneure, Barbara Hagerman, qui soutient la remise de ce prix, a souligné que Chuck et Albert sont bien reçus partout où ils vont. «Ma fille les a vus en Colombie-Britannique et elle les a trouvés très bons. J’espère qu’ils continueront pendant longtemps.»

Claude Parent, président de Canadian Parents for French, a lui aussi rendu hommage aux deux gars de l’ancien groupe Barachois, un groupe dont il appréciait beaucoup le travail. «Chuck et Albert me rejoignent dans mes origines acadiennes. Partout où ils sont, que ce soit devant un grand public ou devant un groupe d’enfants, ils restent fidèles à eux-mêmes et à leurs origines.»

Stan Arsenault, le père de Chuck, assistait à la présentation du prix. «Je suis fier pour lui. Il a perdu sa mère il y a 13 ans et je sais qu’elle serait aussi fière de lui. C’est elle qui était la musicienne. Chuck tient son talent de comédien de moi», a confié l’homme, très sérieux.

Raymond Arsenault, le frère d’Albert, s’est dit bien fier pour son frère car il sait qu’il le mérite.

Monic Gallant de la Fédération culturelle, insiste que Chuck et Albert sont de grands promoteurs de l’Acadie, du bilinguisme. «Et ils le font avec une telle créativité…»

Dans leurs projets, Chuck et Albert prévoient entrer dans une période de création à l’automne, pour monter un tout nouveau spectacle. En attendant, le public insulaire et les visiteurs pourront apprécier Chuck et Albert au théâtre Jubilee dans la formule French Toast, qui revient les quatre jeudis du mois d’août.

le 28 mai 2008

- JACINTHE LAFOREST La Voix acadienne

Chuck et Albert, c’est l’aventure d’un duo acadien de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard qui s’amuse à divertir le public par l’humour et la musique.

Le duo n’a pas étudie la comédie sur les bancs d’école. L’humour est venu à ces deux musiciens naturellement. Comme le dit si bien Chuck Arsenault, l’humour faire partie de la culture acadienne. Déjà, avec l’ancienne formation Barachois, ils étaient reconnus pour leurs spectacles traditionnels tintés d’humour.
“Quand on a de la parente ou du monde autour de soi qui sont pas mal comique, on n’a pas besoin d’aller chercher très loin l’inspiration”, déclare en entrevue Chuck Arsenault.
“C’est What?”, leur nouveau spectacle est nourri de musiques traditionnelles, de danse folkloriques, de chansons et de numéros humoristiques dans une ambiance conviviale. Avec Chuck a la guitare et Albert au violon, on pourrait avoir l’impression d’être dans une fête de cuisine ou la musique se marie aux histoires cocasses. Dans leurs sketches, ils incarnent divers personnages. Sans prétention, les deux humoristes parlent, entre autres, de chasse, de criminologie et de lignes aériennes.
“Pour moi, c’est une occasion de visiter du monde. Ça me donne un contexte pour parler avec les gens d’une place. Nous avons voyagé pas mal et c’est beaucoup plus intéressant quand nous arrivons à un endroit avec un cadeau à donner. On dirait que les gens sont plus portés à être eux-mêmes”, raconte Chuck Arsenault.
Les deux humoristes ne prévoyaient pas se lancer à nouveau dans une carrière artistique, lorsqu’ils ont créé leur premier spectacle pour une école, il y a deux ans. Puis, on leur a demandé de monter un spectacle bilingue pour le Centre de la Confédération.
“Nous avions travaillé comme des chavirés pour presque huit ou neuf mois parce que faire un spectacle bilingue ce n’est pas aise parce qu’on ne veut pas répéter des choses et il faut que ça soit intéressant dans les deux langues”, explique Chuck Arsenault.
Cette fois-ci, le spectacle est entièrement en français. Ils entreprennent leur première tournée dans les communautés francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick, en collaboration avec le Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène (RADARTS). La première représentation aura lieu au Centre étudiant de l’Université de Moncton, campus de Moncton, demain.
Chuck et Albert poursuivent leur tournée de cinq spectacles au Nouveau-Brunswick jusqu’au 10 février. Ils s’arrêteront à Moncton, à Saint-Jean, à Miramichi, à Caraquet et à Saint-Quentin. La formation, qui a une vitrine aux festivités de l’Association de la musique de la cote Est, figure parmi les finalistes dans la catégorie du DVD de l’année. Par la suite, le duo donnera des spectacles dans l’Ouest canadien, en Angleterre et cet été à l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard.

Le 5 février, 2007 - SYLVIE MOUSSEAU L'Acadie NOUVELLE

L’été 2005 a été déterminant dans la carrière de Chuck Arsenault et Albert Arsenault. Habitués à travailler ensemble, mais avec deux autres personnes à l’intérieur du groupe Barachois, Chuck et Albert ont présenté en 2005 leur premier spectacle en duo, intitulé «C’est What», sur la scène du Centre des arts de la Confédération.

Ce spectacle qui a joué tout l’été dans le cadre du Festival de Charlottetown est en nomination pour un Canadian Comedy Awards, dans la catégorie des spectacles de comédie «live». La liste des nominations a été publiée la semaine dernière et Albert Arsenault semblait très excité de la nouvelle, alors qu’il se préparait, avec Chuck à présenter en supplémentaire leur dernier spectacle de la saison sur la scène du Théâtre Jubilee à Summerside.

Les lauréats des prix canadiens en comédie seront dévoilés le 27 d’octobre à London en Ontario lors du festival annuel. Les lauréats sont déterminés par les votes des quelque 18 000 membres de l’industrie de la comédie au Canada, enregistrés d’ici le 11 octobre.

Cet été, Chuck et Albert ont présenté plusieurs spectacles grands publics autant à Charlottetown qu’à Summerside. Ils ont aussi été maîtres de cérémonie lors de plusieurs congrès et soirées privées.

Depuis l’an dernier, leurs numéros se sont affinés. Ils ont apprivoisé la scène en tant que duo et cela transparaît dans une assurance qui est loin d’être de l’arrogance.

Et ils n’ont rien perdu de leur sens de la répartie et du timing. Dans ce domaine, Albert est le maître. La façon qu’il a d’interagir avec le public, d’utiliser les imprévus au profit du spectacle est digne des grands comédiens. Alors qu’il demande aux gens d’où ils viennent, et qu’on répond : de Red Deer en Alberta, il demande, feignant l’ignorance : Est-ce que c’est proche de quelque chose, cela?»

De fait, Albert et Chuck se-ront à Red Deer dans quelques semaines (en octobre) pour y présenter une vitrine, dans le but de percer de nouveaux marchés dans l’Ouest.

Cet automne, en plus de Red Deer, Chuck et Albert vont présenter plusieurs spectacles et vitrines. L’an dernier, à la FrancoFête en Acadie, leur vitrine leur avait valu le prix Roseq. En octobre prochain, ils vont donc se rendre à Rimouski au Québec pour participer au festival du marché des spectacles de l’Est du Québec.

«On joue en Nouvelle-Écosse le 20 octobre et le 25 octobre, nous allons participer à un “Supper with the Stars”, au profit d’une association qui s’occupe des troubles d’apprentissage. Si j’ai bien compris, des gens vont acheter des billets pour manger avec nous, ha, ha…». En novembre poursuit Albert, le duo sera entre autres à Calgary. Une tournée de plusieurs spectacles s’organise au Nouveau-Brunswick en février et il est question d’une tournée de deux semaines en Angleterre en avril.

Depuis l’an dernier, Chuck et Albert ont beaucoup travaillé leur matériel, par choix, mais aussi par obligation. Le décès récent du Crocodile Hunter, l’Australien intrépide et curieux que Chuck imitait à merveille, est décédé tragiquement.
«Nous avons décidé d’ôter ce numéro de notre spectacle par respect. Nous avons pensé que c’était mieux ainsi.»

Et en effet, le numéro au cours duquel Chuck se lançait dans la capture de l’Acadien typique a été enlevé du spectacle qui a été présenté en supplémentaire le vendredi 22 septembre à Summerside. Rappelés sur la scène par un public conquis, Chuck et Albert ont dédié leur dernière pièce au défunt.

Bonne chance à Chuck et Albert pour «C’est What», lors du festival canadien de la comédie qui aura lieu le 27 octobre à London en Ontario.

Le 27 septembre 2006 - JACINTHE LAFOREST La Voix acadienne