Powerful cast propels the popular musical
La Cage Aux Folles was a ground-breaking musical when it first opened on Broadway in 1983. After all, this was the first hit musical that depicted a homosexual relationship as a major storyline. Today, it may not be as revolutionary, but it is still a wonderful celebration of how life should be for everyone — filled with love and family. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to embrace La Cage Aux Folles with the first-rate production at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton.
Based on the 1973 play of the same name written by Jean Poiret, La Cage Aux Folles the musical, is brought to life with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and the book by Harvey Fierstein. It’s a perfect storm of music and dialogue.
Set in and around a nightclub in Saint-Tropez, La Cage Aux Folles tells the story of Albin (John White), a renowned drag performer and star of the club, and Georges (George A. Zamarripa), the manager of the club, and their familial relationship. Today we might consider them a married couple, however, in 1983 it was impossible to imagine. They are supported by their maid, Jacob (Timmy Pamintuan) who runs the household and bends over backward to meet Albin’s every wish. Together Georges and Alvin have a son, Jean-Michel (Caleb Wenger) who has come home to make an enthusiastic announcement that he is engaged to be married.
Jean-Michel is marrying Anne (Katja Berthold), the daughter of Edouard Dindon (Elliot Clough), and his wife Marie (Abby McInerney). Dindon is the head of the French “Tradition, Family, and Morality Party,” and as a politician, Dindon’s one goal is to clean up Saint Tropez and potentially close the club. Therefore, Jean-Michel is adamant that Albin is not included in the meeting with the future in-laws because of his visibility as the star of the club’s drag show.
As a proud and loving parent, Albin is crushed by this news and spends much of the next two hours attempting to soothe his hurt feelings. Eventually, the meeting with the future in-laws takes place and hilarity ensues when Albin makes a guest appearance dressed as Jean-Michel’s birth mother. By the end of the second act, there is a fragile coming together between the parents, and Georges and Albin walk into the sunset and passionately embrace.
As Albin, John White, gives a star-turn performance as the long-suffering spouse of Georges. Beginning with his transformational song, “A Little More Mascara” and finishing the first act with “I Am What I Am,” White proves that he can sell a musical number with his powerful voice and clear understanding of the song’s underlying meaning. White is also known as Dixie Krystals, a highly recognizable professional drag performer starring on TV’s “Generation Drag.”
George A. Zamarripa as Georges gives a solid, polished performance as the manager of the club and Albin’s spouse. Zamarripa has an enchanting singing voice showcased in the songs, “Song on the Sand” and “Look Over There.” He is the perfect counterpart to Albin’s over-the-top shenanigans.
Other standouts in the cast include Caleb Wenger as Jean-Michel, who lends a youthful exuberance to the action. As Jacob, Timmy Pamintuan is perfect as the maid and provides a screamingly hilarious presence. As the intended bride, Katja Berthold as Anne is sweet and demure while still being strong-minded. Mr. and Mrs. Dindon — played by Elliot Clough and Abby McInerney — provide the appropriate amount of stuffiness and disdain. The backdrop for the entire play is the club featuring drag entertainment and the famous Les Cagelles. Les Cagelles, the superlative drag ensemble, provides music and merriment throughout the performance with very distinct characters established by each performer.
Nathan Halvorson has directed and choreographed the production with a clear understanding of its true message of love and family. He guides the cast through a myriad of emotions with ease and thoughtfulness. As the choreographer, Halverson fills the stage and aisles with high-energy dance moves as showcased in the musical numbers “La Cage Aux Folles” and “The Best of Times.”
The set designer, Michael R. Duran, and costume designer, Sammy Gleason, both capture the feel of the exotic world of the nightclub in Saint Tropez. Of special note are the costumes worn by John White as Albin. The lighting is designed by Kevin Wolfgang and appropriately highlights the action on stage and is further punctuated by Cate Behm as the spotlight operator. Although there is no live orchestra, the music director and tracks creator has created a full-sounding musical accompaniment.
La Cage Aux Folles contains an important and meaningful message to today’s audience. Slightly different than in 1983, today it is important to be reminded that family comes in many different variations. At the matinee I attended, the audience was enthusiastic and welcoming, giving the performance a standing ovation not only for the first-rate production but for its timely message we all need to hear.
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Eric Fitzgerald started producing plays when he was 5 years old. He spent eight years in New York City as a talent agent representing well-known actors and actresses. Fitzgerald also worked for the ABC Television Network for 12 years both with ABC News and ABC Daytime. He lives in Aurora with his cat Max.
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