In 1973, Jean Poiret’s ‘La Cage Aux Folles‘ broke barriers with its approach to same-sex relationships and what family means. It was controversial, head-turning and ground-breaking. Today, 2022, the topic is still facing much of the same scrutiny. What is family? What is Love? and What does La Cage Aux Folles Even Mean? For more on those quandaries, head to TheatreLab‘s upbeat, poignant portrayal of Jerry Herman and Harvey Fiersteins‘s version ‘LA CAGE!’ The much beloved show, which has the distinct honor of nabbing the Tony Award for each of it’s iterations, has it all! The cast is made up of some of Dayton’s best including Ben Douglas, Joshua Stucky, Allie Haines, Garret Young and Cabaret‘s break-through performer Alex Everett. Within this play within a musical, we also get some great dancers, mingling with some attention grabbing RubiGirls. It literally has a little something for everyone! The show is sponsored by Square One Salons & the RubiGirls, INC.
The story revolves around a gay couple (Douglas and Stucky) who star in and operate a night club filled with transvestites in St. Tropez. Their son, (Young) has decided to marry. His choice is Anne (played to sweet perfection by Alex Muhlenkamp). The problem is she is the daughter of extremely conservative parents (portrayed by the stellar Amy Askins and newcomer Mark Garner.) If the plot seems familiar, it is because you likely are familiar with the movie version of the musical ‘The Birdcage’ with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Along the way, the show winds through some true Jerry Herman style anthems…’We Are What We Are’, ‘You on My Arm,’ ‘Best of Times’ and the first act closer (considered one of Broadway’s Best) ‘I Am What I Am.’ You will be wowed!
The show keeps the heavy plot line light and manageable, but there are moments when you will feel the lump in your throat, realizing this story now 50 years old, is still so raw, so relevant. Philip Drennen directs the show, highlighting Douglas and Stucky‘s abilities to reach into people’s hearts…through laughter, but more-so, through honesty. What makes the show so surprising is how it navigates from heart-felt, to outright craziness….enter Hannah from Hamburg (Scott Winters embodies the leather goddess to a ‘t’)….Phaedra the Enigma (Jonathan McNeal makes his debut in local theater)…and the other ‘dangerous’ Cagelles (Zach King, Tim Farquhar, Jake Sams, Derrick Latimer, Sam Evans, Brooke Hardin, Joshua Hughes, Jamal Cann & Angie Thacker.) And of course, the laughs continue with Everett‘s hyper-gay butler/maid, Jacob and Haine‘s sophisticated socialite, Jacqueline.
Music Director, Norm Moxley, has his hands full, as only Herman’s ‘Hello Dolly!‘ demands more from one of his scores, but with help from his talented orchestra, the songs are solid
The show takes place at the ‘Top of the Market‘ located at 32 Webster Street in Dayton, 45402. The venue is new for performances and perfect for a show that takes place in a nightclub…yes, there will be a bar! If you are looking for dinner beforehand, the ‘Bar and Bistro‘ is attached to the performance site. They are providing a delicious menu for the show….simply call 937-224-3663 to make your reservation!
The show runs September 8 (7:30pm Showtime), September 9 (8:00pm Showtime), September 10 Matinee (2:00pm Showtime) & September 10 (8:00pm Showtime). There are VIP seats that include a meet and greet with a few cast members.
And for those of you just dying to know…..’La Cage Aux Folles‘ means ‘A Cage of Crazy Women!’ You Decide! See ya there!
More info? Go to theatrelabdayton.org.
