Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Take yourself back to 1983 and the Broadway opening of "La Cage aux Folles." Do you recall how risque or shocking it was then for a popular musical comedy to feature two mature gay lovers, one of them a professional drag queen -- and to celebrate them as emotional heroes, a warm family, at that?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Review: Thirty years later, 'La Cage aux Folles' is still timely and tuneful
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Take yourself back to 1983 and the Broadway opening of "La Cage aux Folles." Do you recall how risque or shocking it was then for a popular musical comedy to feature two mature gay lovers, one of them a professional drag queen -- and to celebrate them as emotional heroes, a warm family, at that?
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4 comments:
I saw La Cage in New York a few years ago and I completely agree, it does resonate with audiences today - perhaps in a different way than it resonated with audiences during the original production. I think at that time the fight for equal rights among all sexualities was there, I think it has always been there to some extent, but never has it been more prevalent than within the past several decades. It's definitely one of the major issues I see myself remembering as such when I end up looking back on what was culturally important and changing during my youth. Thus, it is important that this show continues to be performed for the current generation. The "why this play now" is strong, not to mention it is just a fun and moving piece anyway!
I just saw La Cage, staring George Hamilton at the Benedum, for the first time a few days ago. I thought it was very entertaining and a fun storyline. I didn't really know much about George Hamilton except that he had been on dancing with the stars one year so I had nothing to compare him to. He seemed to fit the part well, but I too did not think his singing was very good. It didn't seem to take much away from the show because his songs were ones that didn't demand a strong voice in the first place. The person playing Alvin more than made up for what Mr. Hamilton lacked. I wish I could have seen the pre show but didn't make it in time. On a side note, the male dancers who were transvestites were amazing!
I think that this show is definitely one that is worth reviving. Although I have not seen the original or the revival, I would very much rather see this rather than a flashier, catchier, happier feel good show, although I'm sure that showgirl male dancers couldn't be more catchier. Even though this production is said to be outrageous and humorous, I think that the fact that it deals with real issues not only of the past but of the present, sexuality especially, makes the show all the more multi- dimensional and gripping. I would love to see this show.
I remember the first time I saw The Birdcage and have wanted to see the musical ever since. I think it's interesting to have the character Lili come out and talk with the audience. I think this is a good way to ease the audience into the tone of the show, while also recognizing that ethnicity and homosexuality are still some pretty hot topics today. I'd love to see Harvey Fierstein perform!!
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