Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award-winning 1983 musical, La Cage Aux Folles gets a dazzling facelift from director, Thom Allison for this year’s performance at Stratford Festival’s, Avon Theatre.
Adapted from the novel by Jean Poiret, La Cage Aux Folles tells the story of life partners, Georges (Sean Arbuckle), and Albin/Zaza (Steve Ross) who run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez and you know, enjoy their morning cup of coffee and do laundry, like most couples do.
However, a surprise visit turns their lives get flipped upside down, or rather put temporarily in the closet, when Georges’ son, Jean-Michel (Kevin “Koovy” Mclachlan – for this performance), announces that he’s getting married to the daughter of a conservative politician Edouard Dindon (Juan Chioran). Consequences unfold when playing it “straight” but in the most surprising way.
Highlights:
👉The dance numbers were incredible to watch from Choreographer, Cameron Carver. Shout-out to the entire Les Cagelles dancers especially how many times they did the splits!
👉Chris Vergara as Jacob, Albin’s butler, was an immediate show-stealer. Full of sparkle and sass = plus brilliant physical comedy!
👉All the costume designs by David Boechler were fantastic, especially the carefully curated assortment of Zaza’s (Ross) glittery gowns with help from drag consultant Justin Miller. Oh and what human could be complete without beautiful touches from makeup designer, Dino Dillo.
👉🎶Music... Going in with only knowing one song, the iconic “I Am What I Am” which I fondly recall Respect’s Definitive Mix version, featuring Hanna Jones, from my earlier years, watching the ground-breaking series, Queer as Folk.
This version of the song had a different feel, as the audience was glued to the stage watching Steve Ross’ vulnerable performance and hearing his outstanding vocals. Another reminder of his range of talents stepping onto the Stratford stage, in every role embraced, high-heels or not.
👉A close second favourite was Song on the Sand – a musical joy of lyrics and nostalgic emotions that remind us of the simple pleasures of falling and being in love.
La Cage Aux Folles is full of humour (take note, it gets a little naughty!) yet holds pivotal sentimental moments that will make you wonder why we’re still living in a world that is so divided outside the stage.
I hope we can take a step back and begin to look at things from a different angle.
💜Grab your tickets! Official website: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/
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