Review: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Rodey Theatre

Landmark Musicals' production of La Cage Aux Follesbrings together a talented cast, exquisite costumes and set design, and a lot of heart to create an unforgettable performance. The multiple Tony Award winning La Cage Aux Folles, is a musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. It inspired The Birdcage, a 1996 film starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. The plot of the musical revolves around a gay couple, Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub with drag shows, and Albin, his partner who is the star of the show as Zaza. Incorporating elements of classic French farce, the couple do their best to keep things under control with hilarious and heart-warming results when their son, Jean-Michel, invites his fiancée and her ultra-conservative family over for dinner.

Landmark Musicals' production starts off with a bang with the song, "We Are What We Are," where the audience is introduced to the night club and its various performers. The high paced energy that's introduced here doesn't quit until the finale. This, as well as the incredible performances by the cast, kept the audience's attention until the very end of the musical.

From the ensemble to the leads, there were no weak links to the production. Darby Fegan, who is normally the Landmark Musicals' musical director, plays Georges, infusing his role with equal parts heart and humor as he tries to do what is best for his family in a difficult situation. Bill Williams is the heart of the show as Albin/Zaza, as seen by his performance of, "I Am What I Am," wherein a heartbroken Albin learns Jean-Michel does not want him to meet his fiancee's parents for fear of what their reaction will be. Hasani Olujimi as Jacob, the maid with dreams of being a star, brings a level of comedy and charm that nearly steals the show.

Zane Barker takes a musical that could easily become tangled up with the comedic elements and directs it with ease and perfection, never forgetting the deeper emotions and serious qualities lying beneath it. While there is no denying the musical contains comedy and makes the audience laugh, the aspects of intolerance, learning to be comfortable in one's own skin, and what it means to be a family or a parent are still allowed their moments to shine. The costumes and set design, created by Joseph Gurule and Dahl Delu, help to bring La Cage Aux Folles- both the nightclub and the production itself - to life.

With equal parts heart and humor, La Cage Aux Folles is an entertaining night at the theatre that left the audience clapping and cheering. La Cage aux Folles is playing through Aug. 12 at the Rodey Theater on UNM Campus. Call 453-8844 or go to landmarkmusicals.org to make a reservation.

Image credit: Landmark Musicals

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