Review of ‘La Cage Aux Folles’: “Glad to be gay”

The Broadway classic returns to London in a new limited-run production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if, apart from the weather, there was any rain on this parade.

“I was raised a Christian. Humiliation is my lot”. Yes, I understand, honey – I like it rough too. And you know what they say: when I was a child, mommy told me that boys play with soldiers. Well, someone certainly was my commander last night… As funny as it may sound (because it DOES sound funny – keep the vile fluids inside you for a change… oh, wait…), the most comical part of it all is how the gay community has traditionally been regarded as frail and weak – when actually the sole motto, beat and force of our lives is precisely that: our strength. We start fighting as children (even against those who are supposed to love us) and we keep doing it until our very last breath. And the best part is that our crown never falls. And neither does the mascara.

Forty years have passed since La Cage Aux Folles first saw the light of day (and the glitter of night) as a musical – one decade after being born into this world as a play by French author Jean Poiret. Many things have happened since then – with several conquests for LGBT equality, all of them earned through the resilience of a few and the opposition of too many. A story of self-acceptance and, above all, the unsurpassable power of love, the universality of its themes only proves the quality of the material: it’s aged incredibly well, and its message still resonates with thunderous determination. Though sadly, right now that may not be the only reason why…

Featuring music and lyrics by Broadway legend Jerry Herman and a book by American treasure Harvey Fierstein, the good vibes of its storyline are only outpaced by the affinity between its score and dialogues – creating a seamless blend of songs and scenes pushing every button in our system with impeccable skill. There’s nothing to add or anything to delete. It works flawlessly – exuding both instinct but especially complete understanding of structure, pacing and delivery. It may make you cry at some points, but it’s actually a joy from start to finish.

Directed by Tim Sheader, the new open-air production successfully aligns to the piece’s high-heeled standards – presenting us with a flamboyant yet cleverly optimized design. Everything is theatrical in this summer rendition of the campiest romantic tale in Saint-Tropez – either if Sasha’s spotlight shines in the club or above the toilet lid (she does some business there, apart from, you know…). With a most enticing set composition by Colin Richmond, his visual concept shrewdly blurs the line between stagecraft and everyday reality, effectively delivering a ‘show within a show’ style to recreate what happens in front, behind and outside the curtain. At the same time, Howard Hudson’s lighting provides a more than notable enhancement to the whole approach, outlining a cohesive and much transporting atmosphere – both serving the narrative while continuously bringing out the montage’s extravagant allure.

As for the cast, there’s not much to mention but how fruity their talent was and how magical their performances were. They almost looked like fairies, in that regard… And they surely did a wonderful job at keeping it joyful, merry… and gay (seriously, if someone doesn’t get it…). But puns apart (thickness is not sexy when it affects the mind, hun), it honestly was a most fantastical evening – thanks to the infectious energy and most palpable care put into what the company knew they were bringing together. The sense of togetherness was quite exceptional, but so were a few individual portrayals; those including Billy Carter in the lead role of George (his charming take on the part being his most solid point), and most of all, Carl Mullaney as Albin – regaling us with an superbly touching interpretation that exudes comedic timing, magnetism and a remarkable feeling of compassion towards his character.

The best of times is now! If we’re referring to the theatre, that’s difficult to argue. The summer season is hot in London – and it’s clearly not the weather (no need to swear…). La Cage Aux Folles has betrayed its name by actually unleashing the beast, and it will indeed roar (or shrill, those voices were high…) with astounding clout throughout its whole run. Come to laugh, come to cry, come to revel in one of the most enjoyable spectacles the city has to offer during the holidays. It takes a lifetime to become the best that we can be. And in its 40th anniversary, the sky’s continues to be the limit for this one.

All pictures credit to Mark Senior and Johan Persson.

La Cage Aux Folles plays at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 16 September. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara