Biography
Marcel studied musical theatre at the Conservatoire de Tours, then at the Conservatoire de Paris. He wrote his first song in 1975 when he was a student of Antoine Vitez.
Marcel initially acted in television and films, while also composing, producing, and appearing in theatrical productions such as Essayez donc nos pédalos and Rayon femmes fortes. In total, he was involved in 570 performances. Essayez donc nos pédalos was choreographed by Tonie Marshall, and it explored homosexuality while it was still legally curtailed in France.
His greatest success was in the field of musical theatre. He directed and wrote the French versions of the American musicals Little Shop of Horrors, Kiss Me, Kate, and La Cage aux Folles. He performed at the Théâtre Déjazet, Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, Casino de Paris, and Théâtre Mogador.
In the 2000s, Marcel gradually returned to music, composing music for the shows Le Paris d'Aziz et Mamadou, L'Opéra de Sarah (both at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre), and Encore un tour de pédalos.
Alain Marcel died on 9 March 2020, at the age of 68.
