In surprising praise of (subversive?) Robert Goulet

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 10:52am

Full disclosure: I would not have otherwise attended this show, and was given freebies last night; the show is being papered for Goulet's press performances.

But I thought Goulet brought some unexpected power to the proceedings. Yes, he moves tentatively at times -- stairs and chairs are negotiated very carefully. But he dances rather nimbly, and the voice is intact, mostly. He is slower at times, but very wry, very measured in a good way. Beach responds to this beautifully, and if he has to work a bit harder -- it's no longer all his show, but for different reasons -- the results are very winning. And despite his Richard Burton lifts, noticeable mostly in his black shoes, the new star looks like -- well, like Robert Goulet.

But I must say, he brings something ELSE to this show I thought we wouldn't need in 2005. When, late in the show, he says something to the equivalent of "I'm the plain homosexual," and the touristy audience cheers, and actually stops the show ... it's almost politically powerful.

Much has been written about finally seeing LA CAGE played by two more out gay actors, rather than the "ooh, aren't those guys brave, playing gay!" school of thought. I'm not interested in Goulet's courage, if that's a factor at all. But I do think his invested, committed performance in 2005 -- as this country faces constant barrage of homophobia -- has an almost subversive impact on the tourists who'd otherwise see him crooning in Vegas, or, say, doing Emile de Becque. And when he casts his eyes on the Beach Albin, he makes everyone believe in the "value" of this true marriage. Preferring THE BIRDCAGE, the funnier and edgier version of the tale, I always thought LA CAGE was a gay Amos and Andy -- it lets otherwise intolerent people say "oh, those homos! What madcap cut-ups!" and then leave still feeling justified for feeling superior. Maybe I'm unduly cyncial and unfair. Or maybe we still live in times when a gay Amos and Andy has impact.

The fact that LA CAGE (still) benefits from this straight-star-imprimatur angle shocked the hell out of me. But then, a lot of the times we live in scares me.

Updated On: 4/29/05 at 10:52 AM

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 10:55am

The "One plain homosexual" line was just as powerful as when Daniel Davis said it. He was extraordinary. I think it's wonderful Goulet is growing into the part...I wish him well.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 11:18am

Yeah, not to overstate my point here ...

That line has always been a powerful one in the show. No matter who plays it. But these are ... challenging ... times for gay people in America. When LA CAGE was first on Broadway in the 80s, no one would've forseen the era we live in, the way homophobia has been used by the far right in such self-serving and nefarious ways. As Whoopie Goldberg says, gay people are the new blacks -- the last group it's 'okay'to beat up on.

Eric McCormack was on TODAY this week discussing WILL AND GRACE, saying that when the show started, it was cozy and almost safe, but that in 2005, it's become 'dangerous.' I guess I'm looking at the way Goulet's presence in LA CAGE fits into the current climate.

There are people out there -- who let's just say might not visit and post at this board -- who will take something different away from their LA CAGE experience, having seen Goulet kiss Gary Beach at the final fade out.

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 1:20pm

Auggie27, I suspected Mr. Goulet would "elevate" this production in many ways. I am delighted you enjoyed him in the show. Thanks for sharing! :)

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/29/05 at 2:09pm

This is really wonderful news, I can't wait to see it on Sun. eve.

[justthefacts2]

Posted: 4/30/05 at 2:54am

Ah me. And Daniel Davis actually thought it was about family love and made the critics believe that. So the producers canned him and went with two leads whose musical and acting abilities wouldn't distract from the "real" message. Once again, art is subverted to agenda.

[Mamie]

Posted: 4/30/05 at 9:26am

justthefacts - you reaffirm my belief in my own sanity. That's exactly how I saw it too.

(By the way - I love your icon.)

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/30/05 at 9:30am

Besides La Cagelles, I think Davis was the best thing about that show.
Updated On: 4/30/05 at 09:30 AM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 4/30/05 at 9:35am

Interesting point, Auggie. I wonder to what extent Goulet is aware of it...

You made me want to go back and see it again with him in it.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/30/05 at 7:36pm

Interesting, all the comments here about Davis being so compelling in the show. I mistakenly assumed Beach was the event. I hadn't realized his take on the role has such fans -- but I had zero interest in this production last fall when it began, for all the reasons I posted above.

Goulet is clearly not in the same league as an actor, but some strange actor (or star "persona")/role alchemy can impact an audience in mysterious ways. Goulet will clearly sell tix this summer, and perhaps this LA CAGE will exert some subversive power over Red Staters (not to generalize TOO unfairly) who might otherwise avoid this show.

[justthefacts2]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 5:37pm

Mamie, that is exactly what you've been doing for me and for quite a few others who don't visit this board. When the dust settles, people might notice that Davis brought only acclaim to the production. The producers, in turn, threw mud on him. Those are the only facts that are there for everyone to see.

[MusicalDirector109]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 6:39pm

What actually happened to Davis?? I thought he was the best thing in the show when I saw it in January. I much preferred the original.

[justthefacts2]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 12:51am

Auggie, Sorry, I nearly posted a link to a review here that enlightened the theme discussion we were having, but in retrospect it's pretty harsh on some people and why revisit old wounds.

Updated On: 5/2/05 at 12:51 AM