La Cage aux Folles – REVIEW

The musical La Cage aux Folles is only in Sydney for a short time but what a good time that is going to be.

Based on the 1973 French play of the same name that was later turned into a Broadway musical, with book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics from Jerry Herman, the play revolves around a gay couple, Georges, who owns a nightclub in Saint-Tropez, and Albin, his drag queen lover and star of the revue.

As if running the nightclub was not enough, their lives are turned topsy turvy when Jean-Michel (Noah Mullins), Georges’ 24-year-old son from a brief straight fling, and who has been raised by the couple, arrives to inform them that he is in love with and planning to marry Anne Dindon, the daughter of an ultra-conservative political party leader and avowed gay hater.

What ensues in this farce threatens the foundations of Georges and Albin’s relationship and the future happiness of Jean-Michel.

By far the meatier part in La Cage belongs to Georges (Michael Cormick) whose one night straight  stand 25 years ago threatens what he has built since. Meanwhile, the role of Albin (Paul Capsis) allows for frivolity played against Georges’ suggestion that Albin leave the apartment while Anne’s parents visit so that they can give the impression of a ‘normal’ family home.

This allows Albin to close out the first act with the show’s stand out tune “I Am What I Am” which has since become an international gay anthem.

With a quick decor makeover Georges transform their home, situated above the nightclub, into what he thinks represents the epitome of bourgeois respectably, while he tries to work out if there is a role for Albin in the clash of cultures about to unfold.

With the arrival of Anne( Chloe Malek) and her parents ((Zoe Ventoura and Peter Phelps), Jean-Michel realises how badly Albin has been treated, giving rise to “Look Over There” as he seeks Albin’s forgiveness.

Jacqueline (Lucia Mastrantone), a friend of Georges and Albin, has meanwhile alerted the press that the Dindons are in the apartment, leading into a hastily constructed denouement and the show finale with the entire cast.

Capsis is great as Albin, especially delivering “I Am What I Am” but is slightly in the shadow of seasoned performer Cormick, who gives us “With You On My Arm” and “Song On The Sand”.

Noah Mullins cuts a strong figure throughout, determined in his pursuit of love, and Chloe Malek captivates in all of her scenes.

The one fail of the evening is in the direction for Lucia Mastrantone as Jacqueline which at times is cringe worthy.

Phelps and Ventoura are solid as the bad guys who suffer their ultimate humiliation towards the end, and likewise with the other characters, many who only have a couple of lines to deliver.

A big call out to the Les Cagelles who dazzle with their brilliant dance numbers (under the direction of Veronica Beattie George)  and harmony singing, while Jozef Koda deserves acclaim for his striking costumes.

The lighting is simple and effective for the minimally dressed stage, where the red curtain is the hero, and which is used to reveal the accomplished band of eight musicians under Craig Renshaw.

There are times when director Riley Spadaro could have injected a bit more energy onto the stage, but overall this is a very polished and accomplished production.

It is also heart warming to see that, 40 years after La Cage Aux Folles first appeared, the once uncomfortable subject of gay love now has overwhelming audience support and they embrace its theme of love conquering all.

Until April 23

State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney

www.statetheatre.com.au