Left to right: Georges, Albin, Jean-Michel (Photo by Studio Misha)
La Cage Aux Folles Encourages Love, Acceptance & Laughter
Tony-award winning musical La Cage Aux Folles celebrates family and encourages us to look at things from a different perspective. For the first time in its 70-year history, Asheville Community Theatre will produce the show with performances running June 3–26.
In the story, Georges and Albin—two men who have been partners 20 years “for better or for worse”— run a drag nightclub together. Actors Coy Theobalt and Bradshaw Call play Georges and Albin, respectively. One day, Jean-Michel, Georges’ son, announces that he is engaged to Anne, the daughter of a conservative politician.
While Georges agrees to cover up the “family business,” Albin has other ideas up his sleeve. Coy says, “Albin is aware of this ever-present fade from excitement to monotony, and uses calamity and over the top dramatics to get Georges’ attention.”
Actor Maximilian Koger describes his character of Jean-Michel as self-absorbed, but well intentioned. He adds, “Jean-Michel spends the entire show balancing his love for Anne, the approval of his family and hers (despite their monumental differences), and being a man that makes both families and Anne proud to know him.”
The original French farce debuted in 1973. In 1978, the French movie version was released, and the American comedy, The Birdcage, premiered in 1996. In the latter film, Robin Williams stars as Armand Goldman, based on the character Georges; and Nathan Lane plays Albert Goldman, based on Albin. The musical version arrived on Broadway in December 1983.
The show’s director, Jerry Crouch, saw Cage on Broadway in 1984. He says, “Since Harvey Fierstein’s script has a strong emphasis on farce and broad comedy, our ACT production will also be directed toward that end for rib-tickling audience response from my talented cast of actors.” The set is designed by Jill Summers, with costumes by Ida, and wigs and makeup design by Vanessa Sogan.
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday at 2:30 P.M. Tickets ($25 for adults, $22 for seniors/students, and $15 for children) are available at ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 828.254.1320, or at the box office, 35 E. Walnut Street.
