La Cage aux Folles (musical)

La Cage aux Folles

Original Broadway windowcard
Music Jerry Herman
Lyrics Jerry Herman
Book Harvey Fierstein
Basis La Cage aux Folles by Jean Poiret
Productions 1983 Boston tryout
1983 Broadway
1985 Theater des Westens Berlin, Germany
1986 West End
2001 Madrid
2004 Broadway revival
2008 West End revival
2010 Broadway revival
2011 U.S. Tour
Awards Tony Award for Best Musical
Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical
Tony Award for Best Original Score
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music
Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival
Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival

La Cage aux Folles (French pronunciation: ​[la kaʒ o fɔl]) is a musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein[1] and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman.[1] Based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, it focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction, and the farcical adventures that ensue when Georges's son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents to meet them. La cage aux folles literally means "the cage of mad women". However folles is also a slang term for effeminate homosexuals (queens).

The original 1983 Broadway production received nine nominations for Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. The success of the musical spawned a West End production and several international runs. The 2004 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Revival, the 2008 London revival garnered the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. The 2010 Broadway revival was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. La Cage aux Folles is the first musical which has won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical twice and the show that has won a Best Production Tony Award (Best Musical or Best Revival of a Musical) for each of its Broadway productions. A National Tour, based on the 2010 revival, began in October 2011 with George Hamilton as Georges and Christopher Sieber as Albin. The show has had five nominations for Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical from the three Broadway productions, twice for Georges and three times for Albin, and won twice, both for Albin.

Background

Allan Carr, who had produced the successful film adaptation of Grease (1978), was eager to work in theatre and thought a musical version of the hit 1978 film La Cage aux Folles would be an ideal vehicle for his Broadway debut.[2] However, he was unable to secure the rights to the film and was forced to settle for the rights to the original play only.[3] Carr hired Jay Presson Allen to write the book and Maury Yeston to compose the score for The Queen of Basin Street, an Americanized version set in New Orleans. With Mike Nichols set to direct and Tommy Tune on board as choreographer, Carr searched for executive producers and found them in Fritz Holt and Barry Brown, who immediately fired the entire creative team that Carr had assembled. All of them eventually filed lawsuits, but Yeston alone won and later collected a small royalty from La Cage.[4]

Holt and Brown had produced the 1974 revival of Gypsy directed by Arthur Laurents, and they approached him with an offer to direct their new venture. Laurents was not a fan of drag or camp entertainment and thought Holt and Brown never would find enough investors to finance a gay-themed project at a time when, during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, homophobia was more intense than ever.[5] He agreed only because Holt and Brown were close friends and he wanted them to remain on Carr's payroll as long as possible, but his interest grew when he learned Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman had committed to the project.[6]

According to Laurents, when he met with Fierstein and Herman for the first time, they had restored both the title and locale of the original play but had neither a script nor even an outline for the plot. All they had was the Herman song "I Am What I Am," and Laurents immediately envisioned it as an emotional outburst sung at the close of the first act. Laurents further claims that when he explained his concept to Fierstein and Herman, he inspired the direction they took in writing the musical.[6] Herman tells a very different story in an interview included in the original cast CD. He claims that they were well into the collaboration when Fierstein arrived one day with an emotional fiery scene he had written for the end of Act I that included the words "I am what I am." Delighted, Herman asked to use the five words, boasting he would have a song by morning, which he did. With gay-activist Fierstein and the political Laurents on board, the show could have "become a polemic diatribe on gay rights."[5] However, Herman was a moderating influence. Having suffered a series of disappointments with darker-themed shows since 1969, he was eager to score a hit with a mainstream, emotional, optimistic song-and-dance entertainment that middle-class audiences would enjoy.[5] The team opted to create "a charming, colorful, great-looking musical comedy - an old-fashioned piece of entertainment," as Herman recalled in his memoir Showtune.[7] By "delivering their sentiments in a sweetly entertaining manner", the team was able to convey their gay-themed message with more impact than they could have with a more aggressive approach.[8]

Fierstein, Herman and Laurents met daily in Herman's Manhattan townhouse to work on the musical. Because they were limited to using only the Poiret play as a source, they were unable to include the character of Jean-Michel's birth mother, who had been created for the film. They focused the plot on the fact that the relationship of Georges and Albin seems so natural that the boy is able to accept a man as his "mother".[9] The three men agreed that Albin needed to be as glamorous an entertainer as possible, and Theoni V. Aldredge was hired as costume designer to achieve their goal.[10]

The producers agreed to a Boston tryout, and just before the second preview (the first was cancelled due to problems with the mechanized set),[11] Herman had a panic attack prompted by his fear that the city probably was too conservative to embrace a gay-themed musical, albeit one designed for a mainstream audience. The Boston crowds gave the show an enthusiastic reception.[12] Fierstein, Herman and Laurents were also concerned that this was essentially a love story in which the lovers barely touched each other. Fierstein suggested they kiss on the cheeks at the end, and Laurents, citing the common custom of French men kissing each other on both cheeks, agreed.[13]

George Hearn as Albin had the showier role and many of the big musical numbers. His character was fully drawn, and behind the drag performer, the audience could see "a person driven to take a stand for himself – a notion that all people could relate to."[8] In contrast, during rehearsals, everyone had supported firing Gene Barry, who was considered adequate but never outstanding as Georges, but finding a replacement proved to be difficult. Finally, just before opening night, Laurents directed him always to look into Hearn's eyes, whenever the two men were on stage, so the audience would sense the depth of the couple's feelings for each other. The director also had Georges introduce the various club acts with more of a flourish, "like an aria that will land like a musical number." Both of these last-minute stage directions enabled Barry to get a better grasp of his character.[14] Barry went on to get a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a musical for his efforts, Co-Star Hearn took home the trophy.

According to theatre historian John Kenrick, La Cage aux Folles helped make the 1983 Broadway season an especially strong one. He noted that following La Cage and Big River in 1985, for "the first time since Oklahoma, a full decade would go by before a new American musical would pass the 1,000-performance mark."[15]

Synopsis

Act I

Georges, the master of ceremonies, welcomes the audience to his St. Tropez drag nightclub, "La Cage aux Folles". The chorus line known as Les Cagelles appear and introduce themselves to the audience ("We Are What We Are"). Georges and his "wife", Albin, have lived happily together for many years in an apartment above La Cage with their "maid" Jacob. Albin is a drag queen and the star performer of La Cage aux Folles under the alias of "Zaza".

As Albin prepares to perform ("[A Little More] Mascara"), Georges' 24-year-old son Jean-Michel (the offspring of a confused, youthful liaison with a woman named Sybil) arrives home with the news that he is engaged to Anne Dindon. Georges is reluctant to approve of Jean-Michel's engagement, but Jean-Michel assures his father that he is in love with Anne ("With Anne on My Arm"). Unfortunately, her father is head of the "Tradition, Family and Morality Party", whose stated goal is to close the local drag clubs. Anne's parents want to meet their daughter's future in-laws. Jean-Michel has lied to his fiancée, describing Georges as a retired diplomat. Jean-Michel pleads with Georges to tell Albin to absent himself (and his flamboyant behaviors) for the visit - and for Georges to redecorate the apartment in a more subdued fashion. Jean-Michel also asks Georges to invite Sybil, who has barely seen him since his birth, to dinner in Albin's stead. Albin returns from the show to greet his son when Georges suggests that they take a walk ("With You on My Arm").

Georges takes Albin to the Promenade Café, owned by Monsieur and Madame Renaud, where he attempts to soften Albin's emotions before telling him of Jean-Michel's request ("Song on the Sand"). Before Georges can break the news to him, Albin suggests that they hurry back to La Cage to make it in time for the next show. They arrive in time and Albin takes the stage once more as Zaza ("La Cage aux Folles"). While Albin is performing, Georges and Jean-Michel quickly redecorate the house. While Albin is changing for his next number, he notices the two carrying his gowns and demands to know what is going on. Georges finally tells Albin of Jean-Michel's plan and expects Albin to explode with fury, but he remains silent. Albin then re-joins Les Cagelles onstage, tells them to leave, and begins to sing alone in defiance of Jean-Michel, stating that he is proud of who he is and refuses to change for anyone ("I Am What I Am"). He throws his wig at Georges and departs in a huff.

Act II

The next morning, Georges finds Albin at the Promenade Café after his abrupt departure and apologizes ("Song on the Sand [Reprise]"). He then suggests to Albin that he dress up for dinner as macho "Uncle Al". Albin is still upset, but reluctantly agrees to act like a heterosexual for Jean-Michel. With the help of Monsieur and Madame Renaud, Georges successfully teaches Albin to abandon his flamboyancy ("Masculinity"). Back at the chastely redesigned apartment, Georges shows "Uncle Al" to Jean-Michel. Jean-Michel doesn't like the idea and expresses his dislike for Albin's lifestyle. Georges angrily reminds Jean-Michel of how good of a "mother" Albin has been to him ("Look Over There"). They then receive a telegram that Jean-Michel's mother Sybil is not coming and Anne's parents arrive ("Dishes [Cocktail Counterpoint]"). Hoping to save the day, Albin appears as Jean-Michel's buxom, forty-year-old mother, in pearls and sensible shoes. The nervous Jacob burns the dinner, so a trip to a local restaurant, "Chez Jacqueline", belonging to an old friend of Albin and Georges, is quickly arranged. No one has told Jacqueline of the situation, and she asks Albin (as Zaza) for a song, to which he hesitantly agrees ("The Best of Times"). Everyone in the restaurant begins to take part in the song, causing Albin to yield to the frenzy of performance and tear off his wig at the song's climax, revealing his true identity.

Back at the apartment, the Dindons plead with their daughter to abandon her fiancé, for they are appalled by his homosexual parents, but she is in love with Jean-Michel and refuses to leave him. Jean-Michel, deeply ashamed of the way he has treated Albin, asks his forgiveness ("Look Over There [Reprise]"), which is lovingly granted. The Dindons prepare to depart, but their way is blocked by Jacqueline, who has arrived with the press, ready to photograph the notorious anti-homosexual activists with Zaza. Georges and Albin have a proposal: If Anne and Jean-Michel may marry, Georges will help the Dindons escape through La Cage downstairs. Georges bids the audience farewell while Les Cagelles prepare the Dindons for the grand finale ("La Cage aux Folles [Reprise]"). Georges then introduces the Dindons, dressed in drag as members of the nightclub's revue, and they escape the paparazzi with Jean-Michel and Anne behind them. With everyone gone, Albin enters and he and Georges briefly sing of their love for each other before sharing a kiss ("Finale [With You On My Arm/La Cage aux Folles/Song on the Sand/The Best Of Times]").

Characters

Productions

Original Broadway production

La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on August 21, 1983. It was directed by Arthur Laurents and choreographed by Scott Salmon, with set design by David Mitchell, costume design by Theoni V. Aldredge, and lighting design by Jules Fisher. The original Broadway cast included Gene Barry as Georges and George Hearn as Albin, with John Weiner as Jean-Michel, Walter Charles as M. Renaud, Jay Garner as Edouard Dindon, Merle Louise as Mme. Dindon, Elizabeth Parrish as Jacqueline, Leslie Stevens as Anne, and William Thomas, Jr. as Jacob.[16] Among the replacement performers who appeared in La Cage aux Folles during its original Broadway run were Walter Charles, Keene Curtis, Van Johnson, Peter Marshall, Keith Michell, Jamie Ross and Lee Roy Reams.[16] The original production received nine Tony Award nominations, winning a total of six including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. The show beat several strong competitors in many categories, including Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George. It also won three Drama Desk Awards. The production ran for four years and 1,761 performances, closing on November 15, 1987.[16] After the great success of the production's opening night, Herman felt vindicated. He "had nothing else to prove" to his critics and "vowed never to write another show for Broadway".[17]

Original London production

The show had its West End premiere at the London Palladium on May 7, 1986 with the same creative team as the Broadway production. Hearn transferred with the production, which was made possible through an agreement with the American and British actors' unions, allowing him to come over in exchange for Robert Lindsay appearing in Me and My Girl on Broadway.[18] The production also starred Denis Quilley as Georges,[19] Jonathon Morris as Jean-Michel, Richard Owens as M. Renaud, Brian Glover as Edouard Dindon, Julia Sutton as Mme. Dindon, Phyllida Law as Jacqueline, Wendy Roe as Anne and Donald Waugh as Jacob. The show closed in London after 301 performances. Its short run and financial failure were partly blamed on the AIDS crisis, and producers were uncomfortable about portraying gay lives onstage quite so openly in mainstream musicals for some time afterwards.[20]

2003 20th Anniversary Production

HOFSTRA USA Produced a 20th Anniversary Production of "La Cage aux Folles" at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse that ran the entire month of August 2003 and was extended for an additional 3 Performances. The Production was Directed & Choreographed by Gary John LaRosa and Stage Managed by Joe Gladstone & Flora Biagi. The Production featured a 27 Pieces Orchestra; the Original Broadway Costumes and Starred Michael Allen Gray as "Georges" and Cas Marino as "Albin.

2004 Broadway revival

The first Broadway revival opened at the Marquis Theatre, beginning previews on November 11, 2004, with an official opening on December 9, 2004. The production team included Jerry Zaks as director, Jerry Mitchell as choreographer, Scott Pask, Donald Holder and William Ivey Long as designers. The cast included Gary Beach as Albin, Daniel Davis as Georges, Gavin Creel as Jean-Michel, Merwin Foard as M. Renaud, Michael Mulheren as Edouard Dindon, Linda Balgord as Mme. Dindon, Ruth Williamson as Jacqueline, Angela Gaylor as Anne, and Michael Benjamin Washington as Jacob.[21] Robert Goulet replaced Davis as Georges on April 15, 2005 and played the role until the production closed. Reviews for the production were mixed, with The New York Times stating that it "often gives the impression of merely going through the motions, amiably but robotically, of its gag-laden, sentimental plot", yet praised Les Cagelles, who "bring acrobatic oomph and angularity to centerpieces that include an aviary of exotic, back-flipping birds and a vigorous Montmartre-style can-can. As long as the Cagelles are doing their thing, your attention stays thoroughly engaged".[22] The revival won numerous Tony and Drama Desk awards. The production closed on June 26, 2005. Ticket sales for the show had not increased after winning the Tony Award, and the show had been consistently selling at less than 60% capacity in the months before closing.[23][24]

2008 London revival

A scaled-down London revival, starring Philip Quast and Douglas Hodge opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory on January 8, 2008, and played there until March 8, 2008.[25] The cast also included Neil McDermott, Iain Mitchell and Una Stubbs, with direction by Terry Johnson and choreography by Lynne Page. The production had originally been scheduled to open in December 2007, but it was delayed twice due to illness within the cast. By the time the production officially opened, all remaining performances had sold out. The show opened to mostly positive press with particular praise for Hodge's performance as Albin.[26]

The Menier Chocolate Factory production transferred to the West End on October 20, 2008 at the Playhouse Theatre co-produced with Sonia Friedman Productions, Robert G. Bartner, David Ian Productions, The Ambassador Theatre Group, Matthew Mitchell and Jamie Hendry Productions. It was initially advertised as a "Strictly Limited 12 Week Season",[27] although this became open-ended due to its success.[28] Hodge reprised his role as Albin, joined by Denis Lawson as Georges.[29] The cast also included Iain Mitchell as M Renaud/Edouard Dindon, Paula Wilcox as Mme. Ranaud/Mme. Dindon and Tracie Bennett as Jacqueline. The production gathered rave reviews, with high praise again for Hodge and Les Cagelles. Whatsonstage.com commented: "A great Broadway show has been reborn as a classic musical comedy with real punch and pizzazz." Michael Billington of The Guardian reported that the show had improved with its transfer to the West End from the Menier Chocolate Factory.[30] The 2008 West End cast appeared as a guest act for the Royal Variety Performance 2008, staged at the London Palladium on December 11, 2008, in the presence of senior members of the Royal family[31] The production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, and Hodge won for Best Actor, out of a total of seven nominations. The roles of Albin and Georges have been re-cast in London every three months with well-known actors to keep the production fresh and public interest high. Television personality Graham Norton took over the role of Albin on January 19, 2009, alongside Steven Pacey as Georges.[32] They were succeeded on May 4, 2009, by theatre veterans Roger Allam as Albin and Philip Quast reprising his role of Georges from the Menier Chocolate Factory.[33] From September 12, 2009, until November 28, 2009, John Barrowman and Simon Burke played the roles of Albin and Georges respectively.[34] Douglas Hodge as Albin and Denis Lawson as Georges returned to the production from 30 November 2009, until the production closed on January 2, 2010.[35]

2010 Broadway revival

A transfer of the 2008 London revival to Broadway began previews at the Longacre Theatre on April 6, 2010, and officially opened on April 18, 2010. Johnson and Page directed and choreographed. Douglas Hodge reprised the role of Albin. Kelsey Grammer starred as Georges in his debut in a Broadway musical (he had previously performed Shakespeare on Broadway). The set design was by Tim Shortall, costumes by Matthew Wright, lighting by Nick Richings, and scaled down eight-player orchestrations by Jason Carr.[36] The production received positive reviews, many praising the scaled-down nature of the production and the performances of newcomers Douglas Hodge and Kelsey Grammer as Albin and Georges.[37] The cast also featured A.J Shively in his Broadway debut as Jean-Michel, Robin de Jesus as Jacob, Fred Applegate as M. Renaud/M. Dindon, Veanne Cox as Mme. Renaud/Mme. Dindon, Christine Andreas as Jacqueline and Elena Shaddow as Anne. The Cagelles included Nick Adams, Logan Keslar, Sean Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Cunningham, Terry Lavell and Yurel Echezarreta. The production received 11 Tony Award nominations and won Best Musical Revival, Best Actor in a Musical (Douglas Hodge) and Best Direction of a Musical. A cast recording of the revival was made by PS Classics and was released on September 28, 2010. The production closed on May 1, 2011, after 433 performances and 15 previews.

Notable replacements

National Tour (2011–2012)

A national tour modeled after the 2010 Broadway Revival began in September 2011 starting in Des Moines, Iowa. At first, Mr. Fierstein was asked to play the role of Georges and Mr. Sieber was asked to play the role of Albin, each taking the role each other had played on Broadway. Due to a full schedule, as having to write the book of the Disney musical Newsies and the musical Kinky Boots, Mr. Fierstein had to decline this offer. This tour starred George Hamilton in the role of Georges and Christopher Sieber as Albin. Sieber, who was very critically praised for his portrayal of Albin, had previously played the role of 'Georges' on Broadway opposite Harvey Fierstein. This was Sieber's national tour debut.[39][40]

2017 UK Tour

A UK tour produced by Bill Kenwright is scheduled to begin on 5 January 2017 at the New Theatre, Oxford. The cast will include John Partridge as Albin, Adrian Zmed as Georges and Marti Webb as Jacqueline.[41] Martin Connor will direct the production, with choreography by Bill Deamer, design by Gary McCann and musical direction by Mark Crossland.[42] This production will be the first to tour the UK.

International productions

1985 Australian production

The 1985 Australian production starred Keith Michell (as Georges) and Jon Ewing (as Albin).[43]

1985 German production

The German production opened at the Theater des Westens in Berlin on October 23, 1985 starring Helmut Baumann as Albin/Zaza, Günther König as Georges and Steve Barton as Jean-Michel. It played for 301 performances. In 1986, Steve Barton, who opened the show as Jean-Michel, took over the role of Albin/Zaza.

1991 Colombian production

The Colombian production debout was on June 1991 at the Teatro Nacional La Castellana, Bogotá. Salsa singer César Mora (Albin/Zazá) and the great Spanish-Colombian actor and Show-Man Fernando González Pacheco as George (actually called Renato, in this Spanish version by César Scola and María Cecilia Botero) There is a recording of this stage production. Soap Operas famous villain Catherine Siachoque was a Cagelle on this Colombian production.

1993 Mexican production

The Mexico City production ran for two and a half years at the Teatro Silvia Pinal and starred Javier Díaz Dueñas as Albin/Zaza and Gustavo Rojo as Georges.

1999 Estonian production

The Estonian production was staged in Tallinn City Concert Hall (Tallinna Linnahall) by Smithbridge Productions and starred Tõnu Oja as Albin and Tõnu Kilgas as Georges. It is remarkable, that this was the first production in the former Soviet Union area.

2001 Spanish production

The Spanish production premiered at the Teatro Nuevo Apolo in Madrid and starred Andrés Pajares as Albin, Joaquín Kremel as Georges and Jacobo Dicenta as Jean-Michel.

2009 Portuguese production

The show opened in Portugal at the Rivoli Theatre in Porto on April 2009 with Carlos Quintas as Georges (Armando del Carlos) and José Raposo as Albin (Carlos Alberto/Zazá)[44]

2010 Dutch production

A Dutch production premiered in November 2010 and ran through to June 2011 in the DeLaMar theater, Amsterdam.[45]

2012 Korean production

The Korean production ran in Seoul in 2012 for two months.[46] Korean production won 4 awards in Korean Musical Awards.

2013 Danish production

A new Danish production opened in the spring 2013 it the Aarhus Theatre starring Niels Ellegaard (Georges) and Anders Baggesen (Albin).

2013 Panama production

The show opened in Panama City on June 2013 at the Teatro en Círculo. It stars Edwin Cedeño (Albin/Zaza) and Aaron Zebede (Georges).[47]

2013 Puerto Rican production

The Puerto Rican production premiered on August 16, 2013 at the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in San Juan, starring Rafael José as Albin and Braulio Castillo, Jr. as Georges, with Ulises Santiago de Orduna as Jean-Michel. Junior Álvarez as M. Renaud/Edouard Dindon, Sara Jarque as Mme. Renaud/Marie Dindon, Deddie Romero as Jacqueline, Andrea Méndez as Anne, and Bryan Villarini as Jacob[48][49]

2013 Queenstown New Zealand

1 week only, in conjunction with Gay Ski Week. Premiere 1 Sep.

2013 Swedish production

The Swedish production premiered on September 7, 2013 at The Göteborg Opera in Gothenburg, starring Mikael Samuelson as Albin/Zaza and Hans Josefsson as Georges.[50]

Other foreign language productions have played in Copenhagen, Oslo (twice), Bergen, Vienna, Italy, Turku, Helsinki (twice), Jyväskylä, Seinäjoki, Buenos Aires, Lima, Stockholm, Bogotá, Tallinn, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo..

2014 Hungarian production

The Hungarian production ("Az Őrült Nők Ketrece" in Hungarian language) premiered on July 12, 2014 at Átrium Film-Színház theatre in Budapest, produced by Kultúrbrigád, is still running. This production directed by Robert Alfoldi, choreographed by Krisztián Gergye, starring András Stohl as Albin/Zaza, Gábor Hevér as Georges, Balázs Fehér as Jean-Michel, with László Józan and Tibor Fehér as Jacob. [51]

2014 Korean Revival

The Korean Revival ran in LG Arts Center, Seoul in 2014 for three months

2015 Philippine production

The Philippines production premiered February 28, 2015 at the Carlos P Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, starring Audie Gemora as Albin and Michael De Mesa as Georges, with Steven Silva as Jean-Michel, produced by 9 Works Theatrical, with direction by Robbie Guevara and scenography by Mio Infante.

2015 Mexican Revival

The Mexican Revival premiered November 23, 2015 at the Teatro Hidalgo, starring Roberto Blandon as George, Mario Ivan Martinez as Albin (later replaced by Jose Antonio Lopez Tercero), Rogelio Suarez as Silviah (who also covered Zazá for some shows), and Israel Estrada as Jean-Michel, directed by Matias Gorlero and produced by Juan Torres. [52]

2015 Swedish production

The Swedish production premiered November 14, 2015 at the Uppsala stadsteater, and is still running (last show March 3, 2016). [53]

Musical numbers

Note: Original Broadway production[54]

Act I
  • Prelude – Orchestra
  • "We Are What We Are" – Georges and Les Cagelles
  • "(A Little More) Mascara" – Albin and Les Cagelles
  • "With Anne on My Arm" – Jean-Michel and Georges
  • "With You on My Arm" – Georges and Albin
  • "Song on the Sand" – Georges
  • "La Cage aux Folles" – Albin, Jacqueline and Les Cagelles
  • "I Am What I Am" – Albin
Act II
  • "Song on the Sand" (Reprise) – Georges and Albin
  • "Masculinity" – Georges, Albin, Monsieur Renaud, Madame Renaud and Tabarro
  • "Look Over There" – Georges
  • "Cocktail Counterpoint" – Georges, Edouard Dindon, Mme. Dindon and Jacob
  • "The Best of Times" – Albin, Jacqueline and Company
  • "Look Over There" (Reprise) – Jean-Michel
  • "La Cage aux Folles" (Reprise) – Georges
  • Finale – Company

Recordings

There are currently three cast recordings available for the show: the Original Broadway cast, the Original Australian cast and the 2010 Broadway revival cast. No recording was made for the 2004 revival.

Albin's Act I finale number, "I Am What I Am", was recorded by Gloria Gaynor and proved to be one of her biggest hits. It was also recorded by other artists, including Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennett, Pia Zadora,[8] and John Barrowman . It also became a rallying cry of the Gay Pride movement.

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

Year Award Category Nominee Result
1984 Tony Award Best Musical Won
Best Book of a Musical Harvey Fierstein Won
Best Original Score Jerry Herman Won
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical George Hearn Won
Gene Barry Nominated
Best Direction of a Musical Arthur Laurents Won
Best Choreography Scott Salmon Nominated
Best Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge Won
Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Book of a Musical Harvey Fierstein Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical George Hearn Won
Gene Barry Nominated
Outstanding Music Jerry Herman Won
Outstanding Lyrics Nominated
Outstanding Orchestrations Jim Tyler Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge Won
Outstanding Lighting Design Jules Fisher Nominated

2004 Broadway revival

Year Award Category Nominee Result
2005 Tony Award Best Revival of a Musical Won
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Gary Beach Nominated
Best Choreography Jerry Mitchell Won
Best Costume Design William Ivey Long Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival of a Musical Won
Outstanding Choreography Jerry Mitchell Won
Outstanding Costume Design William Ivey Long Nominated

2008 London revival

Year Award Category Nominee Result
2009 Laurence Olivier Award Best Musical Revival Won
Best Actor in a Musical Douglas Hodge Won
Denis Lawson Nominated
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical Jason Pennycooke Nominated
Best Director of a Musical Terry Johnson Nominated
Best Theatre Choreographer Lynne Page Nominated
Best Costume Design Matthew Wright Nominated

2010 Broadway revival

Year Award Category Nominee Result
2010 Tony Award Best Revival of a Musical Won
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Kelsey Grammer Nominated
Douglas Hodge Won
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical Robin de Jesus Nominated
Best Direction of a Musical Terry Johnson Won
Best Choreography Lynne Page Nominated
Best Orchestrations Jason Carr Nominated
Best Scenic Design Tim Shortall Nominated
Best Costume Design Matthew Wright Nominated
Best Lighting Design Nick Richings Nominated
Best Sound Design Jonathan Deans Nominated
Drama Desk Award[55] Outstanding Revival of a Musical Won
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Douglas Hodge Won
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Robin de Jesus Nominated
Outstanding Director of a Musical Terry Johnson Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Lynne Page Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design Matthew Wright Won
Outstanding Sound Design Jonathan Deans Nominated

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 Brantley, Ben (March 28, 2011). "Her Sequins, Plumes and Foghorn Voice". The New York Times.
  2. ↑ Laurents, p. 115
  3. ↑ Laurents, p. 119
  4. ↑ Laurents, p. 118
  5. 1 2 3 Bloom and Vlastnik, p. 176
  6. 1 2 Laurents, pp. 119-20
  7. ↑ Herman, p. 227
  8. 1 2 3 Bloom and Vlastnik, p. 177
  9. ↑ Laurents, p. 122
  10. ↑ Herman, p. 233
  11. ↑ Laurents, p. 128
  12. ↑ Herman, pp. 239-40
  13. ↑ Laurents, p. 121
  14. ↑ Laurents, pp. 126-27
  15. ↑ "1980s Stage II: Triumphs & Embarassments". www.musicals101.com. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  16. 1 2 3 League, The Broadway. "La Cage aux Folles | IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  17. ↑ Bloom and Herman, p. 224
  18. ↑ Gerard, Jeremy (June 25, 1987). "2 Actors' Unions Wage Trans-Atlantic Battle". The New York Times.
  19. ↑ Billington, Michael, "A gay night at home with the boys", The Guardian, 9 May 1986, p. 12
  20. ↑ "I Love The Nightlife", The Stage, June 6, 2007
  21. ↑ "La Cage aux Folles | IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  22. ↑ Brantley, Ben (December 10, 2004). "Family Guys Who Are What They Are". The New York Times.
  23. ↑ Jones, Kenneth (June 7, 2005). "La Cage Will Close June 26, Despite Tony Awards". Playbill. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  24. ↑ "LA CAGE AUX FOLLES 2004-2005 Broadway Grosses - 2005 (BroadwayWorld.com)". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  25. ↑ Fisher, Philip. "Theatre review: La Cage aux Folles at Menier Chocolate Factory". www.britishtheatreguide.info. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  26. ↑ "Review Round-up: Is La Cage Another Menier Hit?". WhatsOnStage.com. January 11, 2008. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  27. ↑ Promotional Leaflet
  28. ↑ "La Cage aux Folles extends London run", westendlondon.com
  29. ↑ Shenton, Mark. "Menier La Cage Begins Performances at West End's Playhouse Theatre Oct. 20". Playbill. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  30. ↑ "Review Round-up: Did Hodge Sparkle in La Cage?". WhatsOnStage.com. November 3, 2008. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  31. ↑ Royal Variety Press Release 2008 eabf.org.uk
  32. ↑ "Graham Norton Joins La Cage", keithprowse.com
  33. ↑ "Allam and Quast to Lead La Cage" nationaltheatre.org.uk
  34. ↑ "Burke to Join Barrowman in London La Cage aux Folles", playbill.com
  35. ↑ Shenton, Mark (November 11, 2009). "West End's La Cage Aux Folles to Shutter Jan. 2, Prior to Broadway Opening". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013.
  36. ↑ Gans, Andrew (April 18, 2010). "Open Up Your Closet: La Cage aux Folles Revival Opens on Broadway April 18". Playbill. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  37. ↑ Brantley, Ben (April 19, 2010). "Squint, and the World Is Beautiful". The New York Times.
  38. ↑ "Jeffrey Tambor Withdraws from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES; Understudy Steps in - For Now". BroadwayWorld.com. BWW News Desk. February 25, 2011. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  39. ↑ Gans, Andrew (April 6, 2011). "Broadway's La Cage aux Folles Will Close May 1". Playbill. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  40. ↑ "George Hamilton to Star in National Tour of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES". BroadwayWorld.com. BWW News Desk. April 25, 2011. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  41. ↑ "Marti Webb joins cast of La Cage aux Folles". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
  42. ↑ "La Cage aux Folles | Cast and Creatives". whatsonstage. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
  43. ↑ "La Cage aux Folles Australian Cast (1985)". BroadwayWorld.com - La Cage aux Folles [Australian Cast (1985)] [overview]. BroadwayWorld.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012.
  44. ↑ "Jerry Herman News". JerryHerman_News. July 21, 2012. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012.
  45. ↑ "Musical La Cage aux Folles - 2010" (in Dutch). Stage entertainment Nederland. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  46. ↑
  47. ↑
  48. ↑ "Por primera vez, versión musical de La Jaula de las Locas en Puerto Rico". www.noticel.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  49. ↑ "El Vocero de Puerto Rico | La verdad no tiene precio.". www.vocero.com. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  50. ↑ "La Cage aux Folles | The Göteborg Opera". en.opera.se. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  51. ↑ Kultúrbrigád. "Az Őrült Nők Ketrece | KULTÚRBRIGÁD". kulturbrigad.hu. Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  52. ↑ "La noche de estreno de La jaula de las locas - Cartelera de Teatro DF". Cartelera de Teatro DF (in Spanish). Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  53. ↑ "La Cage Aux Folles". Uppsala Stadsteater (in Swedish). Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  54. ↑ "La Cage aux Folles (see Songs" Internet Broadway Database, accessed July 1, 2011
  55. ↑ Gans, Andrew."Red, Memphis, Bridge, Fences and La Cage WinJonathan Deans Drama Desk Awards" playbill.com, May 23, 2010

References

External links

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