Cécile Chaduteau, the former Star Academy expression coach, is currently headlining the Parisian stage with her original musical, Inferno – La Dernière Nuit du disco.
Running at Bobino through January 24, 2026, the production marks a six-year creative journey for Chaduteau, blending disco-funk nostalgia with a deeply personal family tribute.
The Essential Breakdown
- The Production: A high-energy disco-funk musical featuring hits from legends like Donna Summer and Stevie Wonder, currently playing at the iconic Bobino venue in Paris.
- The Creative Arc: Developed over six years by Chaduteau alongside Dominique Roncero and Christophe Jambois, the project serves as both a professional milestone and a sentimental homage to her father.
- The Family Dynamic: Her daughter, Kim Melville, performs in the cast, having successfully auditioned for the role on her own merits.
For Chaduteau, the transition from the high-pressure environment of the Star Academy château to the creative autonomy of the theater represents a return to her roots.
As she told Gala, the project was born from a desire for “total freedom” during the confinement period, aiming to recapture the spirit of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The choice of Bobino is particularly symbolic; the venue occupies the space of the former “Wiz,” a discotheque where she spent her youth with her brothers.
From Television Mentorship to Theatrical Vision
Chaduteau’s work in television, specifically her tenure at Star Academy, has often been framed by media observers as a turning point in her career. However, she maintains that her professional identity remains anchored in her long-standing roles as a choreographer and director. She views the television exposure not as a career pivot, but as a mechanism for wider transmission of her pedagogical approach.
“My job hasn’t changed: I am still a choreographer, teacher, director, singer, and actress,” she explained to Gala. Her connection to the Star Academy ecosystem remains robust. When asked about potential future involvement, she said that while her current schedule—including a new musical in development and the Trophées de la comédie musicale—keeps her occupied, the program remains “home.”
The Economics of Musical Theater Revivals
| Project Element | Contextual Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Venue | Bobino, Paris |
| Development Period | Approximately 6 years |
| Key Personnel | Cécile Chaduteau, Dominique Roncero, Christophe Jambois, Kim Melville |
Chaduteau Honors Her Father Through Choreographic Tributes
The emotional core of Inferno is found in a “hidden” tribute to Chaduteau’s late father. She choreographed a specific sequence—a ballad performed under distinct lighting—to represent the universal experience of loss. This focus on “human values” and “non-judgment” is the cornerstone of her directorial philosophy, which she credits to her early training under masters like Maurice Béjart and Robert Hossein.
The involvement of her daughter, Kim Melville, adds another layer to this narrative. Chaduteau emphasized that Melville earned her spot through a standard audition process, reinforcing a professional boundary that she refuses to cross.
“When I take off my director’s hat, I have a lot of admiration. She is a great worker and a very beautiful artist,” Chaduteau told Gala, noting that Melville is simultaneously pursuing her own solo music career, including an album release that occurred in early November 2026.
As the show continues its run through the winter, Chaduteau is already looking toward her next ventures. Her upcoming projects include a new musical currently in the writing phase, slated for release in the next 18 to 24 months, and her continued leadership in the Trophées de la comédie musicale.
For an industry that often struggles with the cyclical nature of talent retention, Chaduteau’s ability to build a consistent troupe—many of whom have followed her from previous projects like Flashdance and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—speaks to a model of sustainable creative collaboration.
Are you planning to catch the show at Bobino before the curtain falls in January, or are you more interested in seeing how the former Star Academy professor’s career continues to evolve?
