Former Montreal Canadiens enforcer Georges Laracque takes to the stage

Whether it's on the ice or in a theatre production, Georges Laraque has a flair for the dramatic.

For three performances starting Friday Dec. 11, you can watch the former Canadiens enforcer flex his acting chops as the Ghost of Christmas Present in a theatre adaptation of A Christmas Carol.  

It's the Geordie Productions annual star-studded fundraiser. Proceeds from the performances help support the theatre company's commitment to youth theatre programming in Montreal.

And Laraque couldn't be more thrilled to play a part.

"I saw it two years ago and I fell in love with the play," he told CBC's Homerun.

"And Geordie Productions does so many great things for kids that want to go to theatre school, so it's just amazing to be a part of this cast."

Budding actor

Everything is fun and easy because you don't have to fight.- Georges Laraque

This summer, at the Toronto Film Festival, Laraque joined professional actors in a live reading of The Princess Bride, directed by Jason Reitman.

Alongside movie celebs — including Rachel McAdams as Buttercup — Laraque took on the role played by Andre the Giant and wowed the TIFF audience as Fezzik. The Toronto Star called him "a star".

Now as another kind of giant in Geordie's production — playing a jolly ghost who tries to soften up Ebenezer Scrooge's heart — Laraque made sure he committed in every way.

He attended daily rehearsals and focused on mastering the skills of theatre performance.

"It's not just about remembering lines, it's remembering who's talking before you. There's not a sign that tells you, OK it's your turn," he explained.

Laraque's excitement about the play was underlined by a costume that actually fits his six-foot-three frame.

"The guy who did it last year was not as big as me, but close enough!"

Geordie Productions' A Christmas Carol runs Friday Dec. 11 and Saturday Dec. 12 at D.B. Clarke Theatre at 1455 Maisonneuve Boulevard West.