A story ahead of its time
"...it is the universal message of love and acceptance. We all want to be accepted and loved by our fellow humans, and this show is about outsiders in society being accepted..."
At its core, La Cage Aux Folles is a story about family, love and acceptance. It is a story that has truly stood the test of time. The musical, with music and lyrics by Jewish composer and lyricist Jerry Herman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, has won 11 Tony Awards and was the first musical to twice win the Tony for Best Revival – in 2005 and 2010 – in addition to its original Best Musical Tony in 1984.
So what is it about La Cage that keeps audiences coming back?
“I think it is the universal message of love and acceptance. We all want to be accepted and loved by our fellow humans, and this show is about outsiders in society being accepted for who they are,” producer David Hawkins told The AJN, describing Herman and Fierstein as Broadway masters.
“They worked very hard to ensure La Cage Aux Folles spoke to all walks of life. The song
I Am What I Am that closes the first act has become a huge hit around the world, and has spoken to so many, making it an anthem for the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.”
La Cage Aux Folles is back in Sydney for a special encore season at the State Theatre for one week only, starring five-time Helpmann Award winner Paul Capsis in the role of Albin and Michael Cormick as his partner Georges, alongside an all-star cast including Zoe Ventoura, Noah Mullins and Lucia Mastrantone.
La Cage follows the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub owner and his star drag attraction, who also happens to be his partner, and the madness that ensues when his straight son brings home a fiancée and her very conservative parents.
Hawkins, who said it is “an honour to be producing this show with this cast”, explained that audiences can expect a “story that will touch your heart and make you laugh yourself silly”.
“The show always was ahead of its time having two gay lovers as the leads, raising their son above a night club in St Tropez in France. We have only just got same-sex marriage recognised legally,” he said, explaining that the show started in France as a play in the early 1970s before being turned into a successful French movie which received international acclaim, before being turned into a musical which opened on Broadway in 1983.
“It has had several revivals in New York and London, but has not played in Sydney professionally since its six-month run at Her Majesty’s Theatre in 1985,” Hawkins recalled.
“In 1996 Hollywood took on the story and called it The Birdcage which starred Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. It was a massive hit worldwide and has now gained cult status.”
Describing the State Theatre as one of “Sydney’s rare remaining heritage theatres” Hawkins said have the production showing there tops it all off.
“The incredible singing and dancing in the great Broadway tradition is the icing on the cake. It’s a story that will touch the heart of everyone full of hope and optimism.”
La Cage Aux Folles is at the State Theatre from April 19. For more information, visit lacage.com.au
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