DAME AT "LA CAGE"

First let me start by saying that I saw the original production numerous times during its run at the Palace theater. I don't know if it is that I liked the show as much as the subject matter. Yesterday at the Marquis theater we had seats in row D 115, 116. Right smack in the center. I was so excited. So it is with relief that I was only slightly dissapointed. The staging was fun ; but pales to the original. The book creaks. The jokes were mostly all falling flat. And there are some major casting goofs. But let me hit on some of the good stuff. Daniel Davis WOWED me. He is sensational in this. What a beautiful voice. His rendition of "Song in the sand" was quietly breathtaking. Bravo. The cage bit in the main number was also wonderful. The costumes are glorious .. and oh yes.. nice job by Les Cagelles.

I thought this production is hurt by the direction. It is almost like it was directed with pacing at its heart. Maybe this was done to make the book more palatable. The "Cocktail Counterpoint" number was community theater quality. No relationships between the characters. Just pacing. Gavin Creel who is suppose to be the straight son is the most effeminate person on that stage. What is with that pony tail? He was also stuttering all over the place. The Dindons were all bland. And now a few words about Gary Beach. I am a huge fan of his. The first thing I ever saw him in was the play Legends opposite Carol Channing and Mary Martin ( I was 11). Since then I have made it a point to try to see everything he ever does. Mr. Beach does very good work in this show. He is just miscast. He just is not Albin. I didn't believe him for one second. What you see on that stage is Gary Beach doing Albin. Not inhabiting him.

But still; I got to say I had a good time. And Daniel Davis is worth the price of admission. I give this show a C plus.

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Updated On: 12/19/04 at 11:21 PM

Iris,
I leave to London this Wednesday evening. On my way now to "The Foreigner." Saaw a run through of "Good Vibrations..". I had a good time but wont discuss it till after it oprns and I see it again.

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I stated the following on an another thread on 11/29/04.


In this production; I feel that Jean-Michel's sloppy and somewhat unkept appearance might have been more of an issue with Anne's ultra-conservative parents then ultimately finding out that Georges and Albin are his parents.

Thanks for your review!

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Regardless if that was Gavin's choice or not, if the director were to have a problem with it, he would have had it changed. Zaks is to blame for this. Now as for Gavin's effeminite behavior, his responsibility, but only partially - it is the directors job to tell him to butch it up if need be.

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I don't understand why Jerry Zaks is still allowed to work. He's so terrible!

And I hardly thought Gavin was the most effemenite on stage...he seemed manly compared to Beach, Davis, and all of Les Cagelles.

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Jerry Zaks continues to work because of his work on:

House of Blue Leaves
Anything Goes
Lend Me a Tenor
Six Degrees of Separation
Guys and Dolls
Laughter on the 23rd Floor
Smokey Joe's Cafe
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

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Guys and Dolls is one of my favorite musicals. Of all musicals. This production of La Cage is also right up there at the top. Face it Munk - there are lots of other people out there who don't necessarily agree with your opinion. In fact, they down right think your taste must all be in your mouth.

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Well CurtainUp2, I'm very glad that you are excited about seeing the show, and hope you enjoy it. However, you might want to make a note, to keep reminding yourself, that this story is actually taking place in France. Because, there is very, very, little in this production that gives one that impression.

As far as the ponytail, I have seen this production numerous times, and there were performances were Gavin was wearing a wig. So, obviously someone associated with the production , was also concerned about its presence. Frankly, I think that the ponytail, is only the tip of the problem with Gavin's performance. He left me completely unimpressed.

The ponytail just contributes to his effeminate performance. If everything else in his performance worked; we wouldn't be discussing the ponytail. Also; I think Jerry Zaks just needs to stay away from revivals for a while.

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"I think Jerry Zaks just needs to stay away from revivals for a while."

I think I would have to agree with that. I saw the Little Shop revival and a lot of the gripes I had with that showed up in the reviews for La Cage. Like too many bits, and not enough emphasis on the story.

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How is attendance?

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Justafan,
I am glad you enjoyed it. It will be interesting to see how the show fares attendance wise in the dreary winter months. I think the ad campaign for this show is dreadful. They could have done so much.. and instead we get a ugly logo.

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