A Sweet Tooth for the Soul: James McGee on his hilarious one-person Bonhomme Caramel show

Growing up in Canada, there have always been plenty of educational kids shows that were entertaining enough to keep us glued to the TV.

But to some of us, no one else could put together a program that teaches anglo kids French and is steeped in 16th century Quebec (a.k.a. La Nouvelle France) history while taking us on magical journeys in the most imaginative way quite like the friendliest forest-dwelling fur trapper/logger, Bonhomme Caramel.

For those who don’t know, Bonhomme Caramel is reminiscent of other children’s Canadian TV personalities of old, informing us about our world while our babysitters (or in my case, grandma) napped. This bilingual, timeless and whimsical coureur-des-bois has captured the hearts and minds of adults and kids alike for generations. Using the power of his words, his whimsical manner of being, and his uncrushable curiosity, he has taught us how to love others and most of all, ourselves.

Now, with his earliest fans way into their adult years and a whole new generation to captivate, Bonhomme Caramel seizes upon our nostalgia to put on an all new production, this time for the stage, with Le Merveilleux and Marvelous World de Bonhomme Caramel.

I sat down with Bonhomme Caramel and writer, director & producer James McGee to talk about the upcoming run of shows at the Mainline Theatre, from September 22-24.

Bad Feeling: So, how did you two meet each other? And since then, have you grown fonder of each other or are the seams unraveling?

James: I met Bonhomme Caramel many years ago at a mini putt course in Prevost, Quebec. I was having a particularly tough game and let out a couple of expletives. Bonhomme Caramel, who was also playing, walked over and provided a couple of tips and, honestly, my mini putt game has seen a lot of improvement since that day.

Bonhomme: Ahhh oui! I see James get angry, so of course, Bonhomme have to help! After that, we go and share a banana split!

James: It was actually because of Bonhomme Caramel that I was inspired to grow a beard. We’ve had a great friendship, that has blossomed over the years.

Bad Feeling: Who were your childhood influences growing up? James, as a fellow Canuck, Bonhomme must’ve been part of your television viewing, right? And what about you, Bonhomme? What made you?

James: Absolutely. I learned French by watching Le Merveilleux and Marvelous World de Bonhomme Caramel. It was one of my favourite shows as a kid.

Bonhomme: When I was a little boy, my mama and papa, they tell me to always be kind to people. They tell me that, making someone smile is the greatest gift you can give!

Bad Feeling: I first saw bonhomme at the small little-known SOlOS Festival earlier this year… It’s sometimes tough to get people to come to a newly minted fest like that. As a result, a lot of your fans were beating themselves up when they learned they missed the chance to see the return of their childhood hero… Is this why you’re remounting the show ?

James: After the response from the initial premiere at the SOlOS Festival in April, I knew that I couldn’t let this show fall by the wayside. So much work had been put into it that it seemed wasteful not to remount it. I honestly believe that we have got a great show here that people will truly enjoy. I wouldn’t be doing this if I felt differently. For the people who didn’t get a chance to see the show in April, you are in for a treat. For the people who did get to see it in April, we have added a lot of new content, so you will be able to relive everything you enjoyed the first time around and more.

Bonhomme: Oui! I have so much fun the first time I visit! Taking another voyage on my bateau des reves make Bonhomme very excited!

Note: At this point, Bonhomme Caramel stands up and begins to do a jig.

Bad Feeling: James, you’re a Montreal-based professional wrestler, a performer, an improv teacher & coach, and even mounted one-man shows of your own. Were there any challenges in bringing Bonhomme to stage?

James: Oh, definitely. Trying to put together a show that, hopefully, people will want to see can be difficult. The biggest challenge is attempting to stifle the voice of my inner critic. With what we have for this show and how strongly I believe in it, stifling that inner critic has been a lot easier than it has been in the past.

Bad Feeling: Bonhomme, any secrets for keeping such a youthful sense of wonderment?

Bonhomme: Of course! There are so many, mon ami! It’s important to keep a sense of curiosity! What’s this!? What’s that!? We can’t forget to use our imagination! There is so much fun you can have!

Bad Feeling: I used to enjoy your show as a kid too; as an adult, I learned my parents also watched you in their youth. How did you come to be known as Bonhomme Caramel?

Bonhomme: I am named after my papa! He is the original Bonhomme Caramel! Now, everyone call him Grand Caramel. His father is Gros-Grand Caramel!

Bad Feeling: With a great venue like the Mainline, with 180 degree seating around the stage and a licensed bar, where’s the optimal place to sit, and will it be OK seeing fans who grew up watching you get all sorts of buzzed for your show?

James: Well, you can never go wrong sitting right in the center. Based off of what I know after the premiere in April, Bonhomme Caramel makes everyone feel welcome, regardless of where they are sitting.

Bonhomme: Yes! Bonhomme Caramel want to see everyone buzzed!

Bad Feeling: Where do you call home these days? Have you ever gone beyond the forest?

Bonhomme: Well, I travel a lot so I have many homes. Right now, I have a little cabin in the forest that make Bonhomme feel cozy. Sometime, I take un voyage on the fleuve d’imagination and travel all the way back to the days of New France!

Bad Feeling: Beloved shows like Mr. Dressup , Mr Rogers have left a void… we don’t want you to go anywhere, but how will Bonhomme carry on his legacy?

James: I really believe that Bonhomme Caramel can carry the torch that was lit by all of these great television personalities.

Bonhomme: C’est qui ca? Who is that? Mr. Dressup, Mr. Rogers?

Bad Feeling: Often there’s a whole team behind a staged production, even for one-man shows. The people who helped bring Bonhomme Caramel to the stage… who are they?

James: There is absolutely no chance that I could have created this show alone. I have worked closely with Brent Skagford (who is an incredible writer, actor and improviser) in the development of this show. We have tag teamed this thing and I wouldn’t want it any other way. In addition to this, Jess Fildes has joined us for this upcoming remount as stage manager. She has done an awesome job of doing all of the things that, frankly, I hate doing.

Bad Feeling: What piece of advice do you have for each other?

James: Bonhomme, you bring a lot of happiness to my life.

Bonhomme: James, remember to always love yourself!

Bad Feeling: Do the Sasquatch and Ogopogo exist?

Bonhomme: Don’t scare Bonhomme!

Le Merveilleux and Marvelous World de Bonhomme Caramel runs from September 22 – 24 at the Mainline Theater (3997 St. Laurent) at 8pm. Tickets are $15 ($12 for students) available here.