Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Welcome to the French Riviera in the 1980’s and the most glittering and notorious nightclub there is “La Cage Aux Folles” which is the Company Theatre’s first show of their 40th season and tackle this 1983 hit Jerry Herman musical. It won six Tony Awards for the original Broadway show and is the only musical to win the Tony Award for best revival twice. It is a flamboyant musical comedy about life, love and family values in a decidedly unconventional family. Georges runs this glittering drag queen nightclub, starring Albin, also known as ZaZa who is Georges longtime lover. They have a happy but stormy life together. However, when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a narrow minded bigoted politician, their efforts to “play it straight” for a meeting with the in-laws results in high insanity blended with some poignant moments along the way.
The enchanting score contains twelve musical numbers including Albin’s anthem for acceptance and dignity, “I Am What I Am.” That is the theme of the play, just be who you are, don’t change yourself to fit in with another person’s point of view. Directors Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman lead their talented cast with topnotch musical direction by Steve Bass and marvelous inventive dances by Sally Ashton Forrest in this joyous musical extravaganza. Their combined expertise on epic musicals makes this a must see show of this season.
The production values of this show are of the highest caliber as usual. The colorful lighting by Adam Clark is phenomenal, making you feel you are on the Riviera and the costumes by Cameron McEachern are magnificent and breathtaking. Zoe and Jordie block their performers beautifully and obtain brilliant performances from them. They mix the comic and dramatic moments together perfectly.Their presentation of the thematic statement is successful by moving the audience emotionally with the rejection of Albin by Jean-Michel and later his acceptance of Albin as the mother figure who raised him. These moments as well as the tender ones between Georges and Albin makes this show astounding. Steve conducts a eight piece orchestra while played lead keyboards and taught the talented cast the beautiful score while Sally’s dance numbers shine with their variety of soft shoe, can can, jazz, ballet, splits, high kicks and somersaults.
The two leading players are Chris Hagberg as Georges and Eric Pereira as Albin. They are both dynamic in these two roles. Chris plays the more masculine role of Georges who owns the nightclub and sired a son from a one night stand with a woman. He is the emcee of the nightclub but also has some lovely songs, too. They include “Song on the Sand”, my favorite number, where he reminisces about first meeting Albin, the tender, tearjerking “Look Over There” when he reminds Jean Michel that Albin was the one who raised him for 24 years not Sybil, and “With You on My Arm”, a duet with Albin. Chris’ funniest number is “Masculinity” where Georges, Etienne and Mme. Renaud try to butch Albin up to meet the in-laws in the second act.
Eric Pereira plays the more feminine role and transforms himself from Albin into ZaZa in front of the audience in “A Little More Mascara” ala Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha.” Eric then sings “La Cage Aux Folles” with the talented dancing Cagelles while he struts about in several evening gowns. Eric steals your heart “I Am What I Am” when he throws the others offstage while singing defiantly to George that he will not change himself for anyone at all. At the climax of the number, he hurls his wig at Georges and storms offstage. He leaves the audience crying uncontrollably and cheering him on for a job very well done. Eric as Albin displays his love for Jean Michel by pretending to be his mother, making the young man realize the error of his ways. He also sings “The Best of Times” with their friend, Jacqueline, a sassy broad who later saves the day for them. Melissa Carubia as Jacqueline, plays this spitfire part excellently. The show ends with Chris and Eric alone on the stage doing a reprise of “Song on the Sand” as they realize that their life together will survive with their love for each other stronger than ever. Bravo to both of them on jobs very well done.
The supporting performers live up to the high expectations of the leading players. John Keets is very funny as the butler, Jacob who insists he’s the maid. He wins many laugh with his one liners all night long. High school senior Jeffrey Sewell is dynamite as Jean-Michel. He delivers a stunning portrayal of this young man so blinded by his love for his girlfriend that he rejects Albin who has raised him as the mother figure all these years. However Jeffrey handles the transition into a kinder more caring boy singing “Look Over There” when he reconciles with Albin. This song left me and the whole audience in tears during it. He displays his strong tenor voice not only in this poignant number but also in the exuberant “With Anne on My Arm.” A bright future in show business awaits this young man. The gorgeous, statuesque brunette, Julia Springer plays Anne whom Jean-Michel is smitten with. She dances in and out of “With Anne on My Arm” in Act 1 and later in the second act gives the character the backbone needed to stand up to her snooty parents. Jeffrey and Julia have great chemistry together.
The villain of the show Dindon which means dope in French is well played by Doug Marsden. He brings this bombastic, chauvinistic, overbearing bore to life and is capably supported by Julianna Dennis as his long suffering wife, Marie. She gets to belt out part of “The Best of Times” and also does “Cocktail Counterpoint” with Georges, Dindon, Jacob, Jean-Michel and Anne. The beaten up stage manager Francis is well played by Brendan Cawley who is constantly whipped by his boyfriend, Hanna from Hamburg excellently played by Christopher Spencer who last year played Emmett in “Legally Blonde” which is a big switch indeed. A word of praise to the Cagelles for singing and dancing in high heels and doing a terrific job. So for a fabulous rendition of “La Cage Aux Folles”, be sure to run not walk to the box office before this show is completely sold out. Tell them Tony sent you. It’s my 15th year of reviewing shows at Company Theatre and they excel at providing audiences with the highest quality of theatre around.
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (16 March to 8 April)
Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell, MA
1(781)871-2787 or www.companytheatre.com
