[NEohioPAL] Berko review: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES @ Palace Theatre

[Roy Berko]

Disappointing LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Palace



Roy Berko



Member, American Theatre Critics Association



--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

*LORAIN COUNTY TIMES--WESTLAKER TIMES--LAKEWOOD NEWS
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When LA CAGE AUX FOLLES opened on Broadway in 1983, the gay rights movement
was in its infancy.  Harvey Fierstein’s book and Jerry Herman’s lyrics and
music brought the subject of long term gay relationships, drag queens,
societal attitudes toward same sex couples, and homosexual parenting to the
fore.  The show, which received nine Tony Award nominations, was, in the
minds of some, very controversial and opened many topics for discussion and
action.



The times, they have changed, and now the subject matter carries little, if
any debate, but the themes are still significant.   Most gays accept the
philosophy of the song, *I Am What I Am*, which has become the homosexual
communities’ unofficial national anthem.  The song is a defiant statement
of the need for self pride:  *It's my world, That I want to have a little
pride, My world,  And it's not a place I have to hide in, Life's not worth
a dam, Till I can say, I am what I am.*



LA CAGE focuses on a gay <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay>couple in a
committed, long term relationship.   It’s Saint-Tropez, France.  Georges,
the manager of a nightclub featuring drag
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_queen>entertainment, and Albin, the star
attraction, must deal with their son Jean-Michel’s impending engagement.  The
boy, George’s biological son, the result of a drunken tryst, has been
mothered by Albin.  What to do when the fiancée’s father is an
ultra-conservative politician, and has insisted on meeting the parents.  Of
course farcical situations ensue, interlaced with moving emotional moments.



The show’s melodic and memorable score includes *A Little More Mascara*, *With
Anne on My Arm*, *Look Over There*, *The Best of Times*, and the title tune.



I like musicals with a message, and, since LA CAGE is filled with vital
themes for life including the need for positive self-esteem, the stand
against narrow minded thinking, and homophobia, it ranks as one of my
favorite shows.



Therefore, the version now on stage, being presented as part of the
Broadway series, was a major disappointment.



On the positive side, Christopher Sieber’s Albin is top notch.  Sieber has
a great voice, sings meaning just not words, plays both comedy and drama to
the hilt, and creates a consistent characterization.  Billy Harrigan Tighe
gives a nice textured performance as Jean-Michel.  Allison Blair McDowell
is a charming Anne.  Petite Gay Marshall adds a lot personality to the
proceedings as restaurant owner Jacqueline.  The orchestra is good, with
special attention to trumpet player Bill Dowling.



On the other hand, in the original production the Les Cagelles, were a
gorgeous line of dancers whose gender was guessed at until they removed
their wigs at the end of the show.  Not so in this whittled down production.
The six dancers were masculine and played for laughs rather than creating
illusion.  This is typical of Terry Johnson’s directing.  He seems more
interested in farce and slapstick than in the show’s meaningful themes.



Jeigh Madjus knows no restraint as Jacob, the family’s “maid.” He goes so
overboard that he becomes a caricature who blows the natural humorous lines
by overdoing the fey.



Lynn Page’s choreography was uncreative and generally plodding, even in the
usually spectacular birdcage number.



The biggest flaw in the production, was the wooden performance of George
Hamilton as Georges.  He displayed about as much charisma as his cardboard
cutout in the theatre’s lobby.  It’s a wonder that Sieber could develop
such a fine Albin playing opposite a performance which made so little
attempt to build rapport between the two.


*CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: In spite of a wonderful script, great music, and a fine
performance by Christopher Sieber, LA CAGES AUX FOLLES is a disappointment.
The barebones production lacks the dynamic soul to make it a meaningful and
fully entertaining evening of theatre. *



For tickets call 216-241-6000 or go to *www.playhousesquare.org*.
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