BY JAY HORNE
(As per Wikipedia) History
The original 1983 Broadway production opened at The Palace Theatre on August 21, 1983. It was directed by Arthur Laurents and choreographed by Scott Salmon, with a set design by David Mitchel. La Cage aux Folles (French pronunciation [la kaʒ o fɔl]) is a musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman, based on the 1973 play of the same name by Jean Poiret.
The original 1983 Broadway play received many awards. It received nine nominations for Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. It also was nominated for seven Drama Desk Awards and won three, including Best Actor in a Musical, Outstanding Music, and Outstanding Costume Design. Finally, it won two Laurence Olivier Awards in a 2009 revival, nominated for seven. La Cage aux Folles literally means “the cage of mad women.” How about that!
“Love is Love is Love. That is the message of La Cage aux Folles. First, there was a French comedy written in 1973 by Jean Poiret. The translation of the title is “The Cage of Madwomen” (or Fools). In 1978 there was a Franco-Italian film of the same title, which is the basis for the musical La Cage aux Folles, which was originally presented on Broadway in 1983. There was also an American film entitled The Birdcage.
“At the heart of this story is an older couple who have been together for many years. They care for one another in ways that only a long-lasting and unconditional love allows. They also have a child, whom they love. There may be ups and downs, but there is love. Love that transcends differences of opinions and relies on compromises and understanding. The unique part of this story is that the couple is two men: Georges and Albin. Two men who have been together for a long time in a loving relationship, raising a child who is the biological child of Georges. This was a time before Marriage Equality was even considered as an option. One of these men owns the club “La Cage aux Folles,” a nightclub with female impersonators as entertainment. The other half of that couple is the star of that club: the incomparable ZAZA!
“The comedy ensues when their son decides he is marrying a young lady whose family will never accept his family, and they are brought together in a hysterical clash of values and ideologies allowing us to experience fabulous female impersonators and teaching us, along the way, that we can all find a way to get along.
“When I first saw the film of La Cage aux Folles in 1978, I loved the premise and how it just presented this older (sometimes bickering) couple with such honesty and love. A same-sex couple, in those days, was usually either comic relief or ridiculed, and this film challenged our perspectives. We see a healthy long-term relationship that, while still mimicking the tradition of a male/female relationship, is complex and loving. One of the major themes of the musical is “illusion.” The illusion of the images we present. What you see is not always what is the truth. What we see is an illusion, a vision of what we want to be seen. Our illusions, in life, are not as clear cut as a male presenting himself as a female, they run deeper. Each and every one of us present illusions every day. Sometimes they are healthy and sometimes they are not. Love can see past illusion to truth, and true love accepts both the illusion and the truth. Albin sings “I am what I am, and what I am is an illusion,” and we shall discover what is behind that illusion. Love. Love is Love is Love. Enjoy the show.” ~ CLAYTON PHILLIPS, Director
At this time, my dear audience, as you are anticipating a special production of this well-known musical, winner of so many theatrical awards, may I submit to you all what director Clayton Phillips felt in taking on this classic musical La Cage aux Folles or, as the French pronounce it [la kaʒ o fɔl].
Thank you, Clayton, for your meaning of this very special show, your direction brought out all your personal thoughts as the cast so superbly brought it out.
It was a sold-out house audience to see this production of La Cage aux Folles. As you entered the theatre, you saw a closed, brightly colored curtain with the title of the show emblazoned on it. At this time, I would like to give you a short synopsis of the story.
Synopsis
Two recently engaged people, Jean-Michel and Anne Dindon. So now her very strait-laced parents (particularly her father, Edouard) want to meet Jean-Michel’s parents, but there’s a problem. His dad owns a drag nightclub, and his mother is the star of the show. Jean-Michel asks his parents for just one night that they play it straight. What follows are many hilarious scenes, great musical numbers, and outstanding choreography. I will leave the rest up to you, my dear future audiences.
The sets were many, from the nightclub of La Cage aux Folles to the luxurious home of Georges and Albin, a park scene with a bright moon above, street scenes, etc., all beautifully colored and designed as well as very workable. There are 19 performers in this cast.
The costumes were outstanding, all typical of that period in France. The choreography by Kurtis Overby was one of the best I’ve seen, but then it’s always good at ABT.
This entire cast performed in every phase – character, vocalization, dancing, they all brought out who there were. A most professional, perfect, fabulous production by all!
At this time, as I usually do, I mention what I and the audience felt was a “showstopper” number. There are 9 musical numbers in Act II and one reprise; in Act II, 5 and one reprise. In my opinion, in Act I, “With You on My Arm” and “La Cage aux Folles.” Also, in Act II, “Masculinity,” “The Best of Times,” and the Grand Finale were showstopper numbers. In fact, folks, this entire show was showstopper exciting from start to finish!
At my table were two older gentlemen (as I am – ha!). Jer Read from Sun City West and Ken Kennedy, who lives locally, both told me, “I felt it was a great show, dancing, acting, singing, and just an exceptional show to see.”
Well, folks, I would like to acknowledge some of the people that made this show extraordinary. Due to the large cast, etc., I can’t mention all in the cast. That in no way am I being derisive of any in the cast of exciting performers.
Jamie Parnell(Georges): Welcome back to ABT. Your character performance was excellent, as well as your vocalization, such as in “Look Over There” and many other numbers.
Michael Ursua (Albin/Zaza): Welcome to ABT. Your dual performances were truly outstanding in every aspect. Enjoyed your most moving musical rendition of “I Am What I Am.” Michael is also a member of Actors Equity Association.
Zane Hadish (Jean-Michel): Welcome to ABT. Very good characterization, vocalization. Enjoyed your “With Anne on My Arm.”
Seth Tucker (Jacob): Welcome back to ABT. Super characterization, you brought much real humor to your part. Enjoyed your participation in “Cocktail Counterpoint.” Seth is also a member of Actors Equity Association.
Alexandra Carter (Anne Dindon): Welcome back to ABT. You play a very lovable sweetheart to Jean-Michel. A very honest characterization.
Kat Gold (Jacqueline): Welcome to ABT. Very believable character, enjoyed your special performance in “The Best of Times.”
Carolyn McPhee (Mme. Dindon): Welcome back to ABT. Very good character as the wife to Edouard. I always enjoy seeing you on stage at ABT as you always depict your character!
Clayton Phillips (Director): A most appreciative welcome back to ABT. Congratulations on the excellent direction of this super production, as you always deliver!
Kurtis Overby (Choreographer): Other than your “outstanding outfit” that you wore, let me just say, my friend, you always excel in choreographing a show. You can add another gold star to your name with this one!
Mathew Stephens (Music Director): Congratulations to you and all your seven musicians in backing up the performers to perfection, as well as a big welcome to ABT!
Douglas Clarke (Scenic Design): Welcome back to ABT. Excellent job on this set, one of the best I have seen. It all was very believable. Thank you!
Matthew Solomon (Costume Design): Welcome back to ABT. I congratulate you on the very outstanding designs. Just a great job!
Kiel Klaphake (Executive Producer) and Cassandra Klaphake (Casting & Artistic Producer): You both personify the musical number “I Am What I Am” as you both have made ABT the best musical theatre in Arizona as well as many other areas that I’ve been theatrically associated with. You always bring to the ABT audience shows that other theatres won’t touch. Thank you for another superb show.
In a Director’s Viewpoint of Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production of La Cage aux Folles, “vive la difference” as the French would say. I have seen this show in New York and Chicago. In my humble opinion, your production was the best I’ve seen in every aspect. I most heartily recommend all adults of every age see this truly outstanding production. Do not miss it!
In closing, I say, “Good night, Vivian, my love, for no other love have I.”
Jay
REVIEWED: Opening night, January 24, 2020
WHEN: Now through February 28, 2020, at ABT in Peoria; March 6-22 at Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix
WHERE: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria AZ 85382, and Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix AZ 85004
TICKETS: ABT – $65+ including dinner, $45+ for show only. HTC – $44-$73. Subject to demand pricing.
DETAIL: Ticket Reservations – for information, call the ABT Box Office at 623-776-8400 or visit AZBroadway.org
In A Director's Viewpoint 