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We are taken on a nostalgic journey to Paris and New York, spanning 15 years in the friendship between iconic singer Édith Piaf and screen star Marlene Dietrich. You would think this pairing is unlikely: Dietrich at the top of her game, glamorous, oozing self-confidence, and stunningly beautiful; Piaf, all nerves and emotion, mousy and living a life of self-doubt, drowning her sorrows with booze.
It is this powerful relationship that is explored in Piaf/Dietrich, playing at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario from February 17 – March 7, 2026.
Deborah Hay & Terra C. MacLeod – Piaf/Dietrich – Photo Credit: Grand Theatre
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I must admit, I was somewhat perplexed at the choice of Piaf/Dietrich. This is a story that was played out generations ago; I’m not sure younger patrons would even know the reference. It is more likely that they could relate to a friendship between Gwyneth Paltrow and Chappell Roan. It was a stretch for me to recall some of the songs that were made popular by Piaf and Dietrich. However, classics like “Milord” and “La Vie en Rose” were lovely to hear, whether you are 30 or 80—and if you think you’re unfamiliar with Édith Piaf’s songs, I’d encourage you to rewatch Canadian singer Céline Dion perform “L’Hymne à l’amour” at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games opening ceremony—it is breathtaking.
Artistic Director Rachel Peake shed light on why she was drawn to this story as a fan of Édith Piaf and the unconventional friendship. “What I love about this story, told originally through the imaginations of German Daniel Große Boymann and Austrian Thomas Kahry and adapted for our stage by the endlessly talented Canadian Erin Shields, is that it uses music, conflict, and language to transport us,” shares Peake. “Prior to reading this play, I had no idea that these two icons even knew one another. They seem so different—Piaf wearing her heart on her sleeve and her pain in public, while Dietrich hid everything behind a mask of glamour. But friendship is funny that way; attraction is funny that way.”
Deborah Hay was exceptional as Édith Piaf. Hay returns to the Grand Theatre after her standout performances in Fall On Your Knees and Mary Poppins in previous seasons. It was all in the posture, the body language, and, of course, the singing. I loved the awed realization when she understands it is Marlene Dietrich giving her notes on her performance, her giddy excitement about reuniting with her lover, and her deep despair when he was killed in an airplane crash. The penultimate song of the show, “Non, je ne regrette rien,” is chilling.
Making her Grand Theatre debut as Marlene Dietrich, Terra C. MacLeod stepped onto the Spriet Stage after dazzling audiences from Broadway to the West End as Chicago’s Velma Kelly. MacLeod played the glamorous, haughty, jealous Dietrich very well. Her portrayal helps us appreciate one of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her excellent performance gave me pause to find out more about this eclectic (and some say controversial) superstar. Dietrich eventually retired to Paris and lived the remainder of her life as a recluse.
There are two others who deserve mention for this production. The Set Designer, Lorenzo Savoini, did an impressive job of transforming the stage into a cabaret, apartment, and backstage space. It has an art deco vibe, with the gold-painted arches on the floor mirroring the ones above, it’s all very glamorous and shiny. I especially loved that the four-person orchestra (Mary Ancheta, Erik Larson, Celine Murray, and Dave Robilliard) is on stage; it adds to the ambiance of a cabaret or speakeasy.
Props also go to the Dialect Coach, Phyllis Cohen, for her work with Hay to perfect the distinctly Parisian accent. My brother spent almost 4 years (and I one) in Paris, and he was thoroughly impressed with how well she nailed that very specific accent. “She was the embodiment of Piaf,” he noted.
Should You See It?
If you’re a fan of Golden Age movies, old Hollywood glamour, or classic ballads, you must see Piaf/Dietrich—it’s a compelling evening of music, history, and unlikely friendship. Deborah Hay and Terra C. MacLeod do a fine job bringing these screen-and-song legends to life, with Hay especially capturing Piaf’s raw heart, and that spectacular art deco set truly shines. Catch their performances through March 7 at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario—perfect date night outing.
Deborah Hay—Piaf/Dietrich—Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz via Grand Theatre
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