LEWISTON – The Franco American Heritage Center will host a gathering of La Rencontre at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1. A luncheon will be followed by a French musical program.

The meal will feature “tourtiere,” a traditional meat pie that is popular with the French community. The goal of the day is to speak French for the duration of the event.

The group will be entertained by Louis Philippe Gagne III of Portland, formerly of Lewiston, who will present a program of French Christmas music.

In his 25 years of musical theater (acting, singing, dancing, comedy), Gagne has played many leading roles, including in “Cabaret,” “Pippin,” the “Wiz, “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Singing in the Rain” and “Me and My Girl.” In addition, he has produced and directed productions.

In 1993 Gagne formed Reindeer Theater Co. as a personal challenge to develop a children’s community theater group that maximized the time invested by actors and volunteers. He is president of Reindeer Group Inc., a nonprofit arts organization where he oversees programming.

Gagne graduated from St. Dominic Regional High School in 1972. His quest of experience and knowledge in the field of performing arts led him to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Paris and New York.

All are invited to the program and a typical Franco-American meal. The price is $6.50, and reservations must be made ahead of time by calling Claudette at 786-6936 or the center at 783-1585.

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