La Cage Auxgain

         We all know that I see a lot of Broadway shows. There are occasionally shows that I see that I say, I'd see that again, but I very rarely ever do. Tonight was one such occasion. It's also very rare when a writer takes the stage in his own work, which also occurred this evening over at The Longacre Theater where Harvey Fierstein is currently playing Albin in La Cage Aux Folles for which he also wrote the book, albeit in 1984.

     The production is still dazzling. The intimacy of the production brings the characters up close and personal. It makes the story so much more real and visceral. That's not to say that this La Cage is without glitz and glamour. There are sequins a plenty!

     In the role of Albin Harvey Fierstein in campy, funny, and all the things that you would expect him to be. He is also surprisingly genuine, refreshingly subtle, and dramatic in a way that you would not expect him to be. When we think of Harvey Fierstein nowadays, most of us think of Edna Turnblad. We forget that this is also the same Harvey Fierstein who has done Fiddler and Torch Song Trilogy.

    Playing the role of Georges, recently and suddenly vacated by Geoffrey Tambor, it is evident from the very start that Christopher Sieber is too young for the role. His is so good, however, that you just don't care. His voice is lovely, as it always is, and he plays Georges with a suavity and confidence that is both funny and sexy. This was Mr. Siebers third performance in the role, and I'm sure that from here he will only get better.

     Wilson Germaine Heredia, returning to Broadway for the first time since his Tony award winning turn as Angel in Rent, is passable as Jacob. His characterization is quite good actually, it's his dancing that leaves much to be desired. In Rent he was able to Groove, in La Cage he is required to execute footwork that he does not possess.

      The rest of the cast is wonderful, most of all those wonderful and dangerous Cagelles (for whom the management can not be held responsible). These men do things that will make your jaw drop. They all posses a perfect blend of being pretty, and also masculine.

     What makes La Cage the kind of show that you can see again is the music, and the heart that pumps the blood through that music. Jerry Herman's score is timeless, catchy, and toe tapping. I would challenge anyone to leave that theater not humming the score.

    So, will there be a La Cage Aux Trois? You can count on it!