Music, lights, action
– get it all with Broadway By The Bay’s production of the
six-time Tony Award winner
”
La Cage Aux Folles
”
.
Music, lights, action – get it all with Broadway By The Bay’s production of the six-time Tony Award winner “La Cage Aux Folles”.
Opening on Broadway in 1983, the show ran for 1,761 performances. “La Cage” went on to win the Tony in 2005 and again in 2010 for the Best Revival of a Musical. With music and lyrics by Jerry Herman who gave us “Mame” and “Hello Dolly”, from the book by Harvey Fierstein – of Torch Song Trilogy fame – Broadway By The Bay brings this wacky piece to the San Mateo Performing Arts Center.
The story is based on the play by French playwright Jean Poiret about a gay couple who run a night club on the Riviera and must put on a “straight appearance” for the first meeting of their son’s (don’t ask) prospective straight-laced in-laws.
Ray Mendonca is the diva Zaza, the night club headliner, and also carries off the main Albin character with costume changes and wigs.
Curt Denham, as Georges, the more stable half of this wild duo, is likable and believable. His singing voice suits the part, and you find yourself rooting for him throughout the production. He carries the show with a subtle, underplayed dignity that stands out in his performance.
The off the wall Jacob, the butler/maid (whatever), is wildly played by George P. Scott and is probably the best analogy for a loose cannon ever made; a little “less is more” should be considered.
The Cagelles make up the chorus for the production numbers. (Nair stock must go up 1,000 points when this show plays.) The line is made up of 10 guys with legs – for the most part – Madonna would die for. Actually there are a couple of gals in the line; I defy you to find them.
The convoluted, predictable plot with delightful music make this production at times fun to watch. A little uneven at times and transitions could run a little smoother, director Marc Jacobs needs to rein in some of the characters and reach for a little more crispness from his cast, especially in the production numbers. The orchestra, lighting by Michael Ramsaur and sound by Bill Carrico were a plus and gave the performance a professional touch.
Broadway By The Bay will move to the Fox Theatre in Redwood City for their 2011 season, which will include, “Forever Plaid”, “The Music Man” and “Gypsy”.
***
‘La Cage Aux Folles’
Location: 600 N Delaware Ave., San Mateo
Through: Oct. 3
Tickets: $20- $48
Details: 650-579-5565 or visit broadwaybythebay.org.
