Review: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Unleashes the Sequins at Garden Theater

"We are what we are" and we should make no apologies. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES touches upon relationship issues, but does so in a light entertaining way. It's a show where the actors are proud to dress in drag and audiences get a glimpse into a lifestyle they may not be familiar with. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES celebrates the gay relationship and does well to show that no matter who you are love, family, and happiness is something everyone deserves.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is based on a 1973 play by Jean Poiret. With a book written by Harvey Fierstein and music by Jerry Herman, the plot largely remains the same. Taking place is Saint-Tropez, France, we meet Georges and Albin. a gay couple that own and perform at nightclub. This nightclub features drag entertainers. Albin's stage personality is the famous leading lady Zsa Zsa. The club is successful and a seemingly landmark location for visitors.

Trouble brews when Georges' son Jean-Michel announces his desire to marry Anne. Anne's parents can only be described as ultra-conservative. Her father is running for political office on the platform of cleaning up neighborhoods and entertainment establishments like La Cage aux Folles. In order to receive Anne's parent's blessing, they must meet Jean-Michel's parents, which is where the calamity begins. Jean-Michel just wants to appear "normal," and of course his family is anything but normal.

No matter what your beliefs are towards gay marriage or transvestites, you can appreciate the universal themes of family, love, and relationships. The emotions are so raw in this production it is easy to get teary eyed and sympathize with all these characters. The length that Georges and Albin go through to please Jean-Michel just shows the strength of the family bond. Albin is not Jean-Michel's biological father, but raised him with Georges since he was a young boy. It was heartbreaking to watch Jean-Michel belittle his relationship with Albin right in front of him.

Matthew Arter returns to the Garden Theatre stage after donning a dress in last year's production of HAIRSPRAY. If ever there was a show seemingly written for Matthew Arter, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is it. As Albin, Arter is passionate, sweet and entertaining. He owns the diva title and seems comfortable in a gown and heels. At the end of Act I, Albin performs, "I Am What I Am," and it is the showstopping number that it needed to be. At that moment, Albin accepts himself for who he is and it shows his strength through all the makeup and glitter that surrounds him.

Playing opposite Arter is Brian Minyard as Georges. Minyard is the more stoic of the pair and serves as the voice of reason. Georges interacts with the audience, serving as the emcee for La Cage. Minyard's character illustrates the difficulties of being a parent and husband when those priorities compete with each other. Parenting is hard and Georges character definitely brings that fine balance to light.

The chemistry between Arter and Minyard is just barely there. If it wasn't specifically stated a few dozen times, it could easily be mistaken that they were just roommates. Still the relationship is touching.

Another shining gem is the butler/maid Jacob, played by Rob Ward. Though Jacob is the stereotypical and satirical gay, he provides the laugh out loud comic relief that is needed to break up the more tense scenes. Ward not only delivers on the slapstick comedy, but also his timing is impeccable. Ward is also one of the few actors that keeps his French accent throughout the production.

There were few flaws in the production. Namely the French accents that came and went inconsistently and also depending upon the character. The La Cage chorus performed exactly as promised. Some performers you could definitely tell were men, while others it was a guess. The showgirl costumes and choreography left just enough to the imagination.

The costume changes in this production were quick, plentiful and full of sequins. I expected nothing less. There is so much glitter that I'm sure the backstage looks like a Michael's Craft Store on Black Friday. And who doesn't love glitter heels. Albin has some onstage costume changes that give audience members a glimpse of the preparation and total transformation of a transvestite. It is amazing what a wig and mascara can do. The set was a multi function piece that easily transported the audience from the folles stage to the apartment of George and Albin. I expected the club to be flashier, but it served its function in not taking attention away from the dancers.

Directed by Garden Theatre superhero Rob Winn Anderson, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES runs until October 25. The content may be difficult for young audiences to understand, there are also obvious sexual undertones and adult language. So I recommend this show for the PG-13 audience. For tickets and more information visit http://gardentheatre.org/.

Photo credit: Steven Miller Photography

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