Photo Exclusive: 9 Works Theatrical Holds Auditions for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

Manila, Philippines--9 Works Theatrical ("Grease," "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown") held its first batch of auditions for its upcoming production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Opera Haus in Makati City last week. 42 dancers and 16 theater actors--who can dance--showed up at the auditions.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (La Cage means "a cage of mad women"; folles means "effeminate homosexuals") premiered on Broadway in 1983; it was revived four years ago. The flamboyant musical is set in a nightclub, featuring drag entertainment. So expect lavish choreography and spectacular costumes.

Assistant Choreographer Arnold 'Trini' Trinidad says "there will be eight dance production numbers, showcasing various dances such as can-can, which is extensive in this show, tap dance and jazz--lyrical, modern, and ballet."

The theater company is looking to cast 15 to 20 dancers for the ensemble alone.

"Miss Saigon" alum Trinidad adds, "Our dancers should be able to have a kind of 'aura' and 'attitude,' and know the right 'projection' on stage. The dances put emphasis on the fingers, arms, and facial expressions, too."

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES features book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman. It was based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, which focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub that stages drag entertainment, and Albin, Georges' romantic partner and star attraction at the nightclub. Georges and Albin's farcical adventures ensue when the former's son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents to meet the young lad's family.

9 Works Theatrical's take on the classic Broadway musical comedy, directed by Robbie Guevara, featuring set and costume designs by Mio Infante, will open in November just in time for the theater company's fifth anniversary.

Photos: Erickson dela Cruz

Special thanks to 9 Works Theatrical's Toff de Venecia and Jon Jon Martin - Oliver Oliveros