BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller

Dateline: 28 December 2004

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

Shapely gams grace the stage of the Marquis Theatre in the splashy revival of the Jerry Herman/Harvey Fierstein musical weigh-in on gay love, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. Starring Daniel Davis as Georges and Gary Beach as the flamboyant Albin, director Jerry Zaks whisks us away to St. Tropez for an evening of glitz and glamour that only a gaggle of drag queens could provide.

Adapted from the wildly successful 1978 French film of the same name, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES originated at a time when gay characters were rarely seen in movies or plays. They were even scarcer on TV. But, after a generation has passed and shows such as "Ellen," "Will and Grace," and "Six Feet Under" features gay folk as regular folk week after week, the shock factor of two men living together has diminished considerably.

That presents Jerry Zaks with the tall task of making this quaint and simple story into something comparable to the sensation LA CAGE AUX FOLLES caused a generation ago. For today's Broadway audience, a man in a dress singing a campy tune is nothing; not when you can see plays about transvestite gramophone collectors outwitting Nazis and Stassis.

That's where the third Jerry comes in: choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Sure, Jerry Herman's perky score, featuring the robust "I Am What I Am," and the uplifting "The Best of Times," is a welcomed delight. Fierstein's book creaks a bit, but that should be expected. Even the best of times change. But, it's Jerry Mitchell's energetic choreography that allows this LA CAGE to take flight. He "Les Cagelles"—an all-male tranny chorus—kick up a storm. Mitchell can certainly put a feather in his cap for this one.

Daniel Davis's is wonderful as a laid-back alpha-male, Georges. With crisp, clipped elocution he rolls through this tempest-in-a-teapot plot with an unruffled demeanor. His casual remove gives him an insouciant air of distinction and his smooth voice provides luster to the "Look Over There" number.

Gary Beach as Albin gives the no-holes-barred approach. For Albin, whose stage name is Zaza, "more-is-more" is his mantra. Hilarious onstage and hysterical off, Albin holds the center of attention with constant turmoil. Gary Beach, who won a Tony for his queenly performance in THE PRODUCERS, puts the broad in the broad.

Featured players include Gavin Creel, whose debut performance in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE earned him a Tony nomination. Creel gives a more modern take on the not-so-likable Jean-Michel, Georges' son who is hoping to marry Anne, daughter of a very conservative politician, played effectively by Angela Gaylor. Broadway veteran Ruth Williamson lights up the stage as Jacqueline. And, Michael Mulheren and Linda Balgord are properly stuffed and stodgy as Anne's uptight parents, the Dindons.

Scenic designs by Scott Pask are bright and bold. Costumes by the ubiquitous William Ivey Long are dazzling. Lighting by Donald Holder gives the boys a girly glow. Zaks direction keeps this light fare moving at a brisk pace. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES may not have a lot of meat on the bones, but it sure does taste good.