Yvan Pedneault
A Native of Sept-Ilse Quebec, Yvan Pedneault discovered his love of music when he purchased his first guitar at the age of 17. Shortly after, he joined a community theatre company where he was given the opportunity to play such roles as Gaston in “La Belle et La Bete”, Thuy in “Miss Saigon”, Gilbert in “Anne… La Maison aux Pignons Vert” and Simba in “Le Roi Lion”.
After completing high school, Yvan left for Montreal where he studied his craft for 3 years at ESTEM. In the spring of 2004 he landed his first professional role as Tom Collins in the world’s first French production of the rock opera “Rent”. Singer and song writer Lynda Lemay was seduced by his talent and offered Yvan the role of Jeff in “Un Éternel Hiver’, a show that toured France, Switzerland, Belgium and Quebec.
Shortly after completing the tour, Yvan decided to attend Montreal’s open calls for “We Will Rock You” just for experience, because at that time he could barely speak any English. Beyond all expectations, the young French singer managed to reach the final audition where he performed in front of well -known comedic writer Ben Elton and members of Queen, rock legends Brian May and Roger Taylor. After hearing Yvan’s interpretation of “I want to Break Free” and “Who Wants To Live Forever”, the three men were unanimous, Pedneault is the man they want to play the lead role of Galileo in the Canadian production of “We Will Rock You”.
Before getting on the stage, Yvan had a long way to go. He worked very diligently on his English with the help of a dialect coach. His determination and hard work was recognized by a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a male in a principal role in a musical at the 28th Dora Mavor Moore Awards. From the beginning to the end, Yvan had a blast taking part in over 700 performances in this smash hit musical.
Since that incredible experience, the singer has taken part in different projects. In the summer of 2009, he was a lead vocalist in the ice skating review show “Movie Magic” performing with Elvis Stojko. Yvan was also seen in Ross Petty’s production of “Robin Hood”, where a role was created for him to rock people of all ages as Jacque Le Rock.
In 2010, Yvan was chosen to play Drew in the Canadian company of Rock of Ages, which ran in Toronto’s Royal Alexandera Theatre for 8 months.
In 2012, Yvan was hand picked once again by Roger Taylor to join Queen Extravaganza. Yvan feels really honoured and privileged to join this North-American tour, which is going to allow him to sing Queen’s greatest hits surrounded by Queen fans.
