LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Review 11/11/04 (1st Preview)

[Matt_G]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:06am

Let me begin by saying that to see LA CAGE AUX FOLLES reminded me why I love musical theatre. This is the kind of show that deserves to run on Broadway forever and if there is any justice in a world that brings us Eden Espinosa screaching and making ears bleed nightly, it will.

This show first came to Broadway before I ever even thought I would see a Broadway show, so I really did not know much about it, besides what I saw in THE BIRDCAGE. But simply put, it is brilliant. Jerry Mitchell's choreography was breathtaking and the costumes and sets were flawless. This cast poured their hearts into their roles, ESPECIALLY the "Les Cagelles" and I'm going to name them all because they deserve it -
T. Oliver Reid, Christopher Freeman, Eric Otte, Nathan Peck, Brad Musgrove, Josh Walden, Joey Dudding, Jermaine R. Rembert, Charlie Sutton, Andy Pellick, Will Taylor, Paul Canaan, John Shuman. ALL of you were beyond description. BRAVO.

Gary Beach deserves to take Tony home this year for his portrayal of Albin. His relationship with Daniel Davis (Georges) is a beautiful one that you just don't see much of anywhere and it is complimented perfectly by Jerry Herman's songs.

The show ran right about 2 hours 45 minutes and I was told at intermission that they are trying to trim about 20 minutes off. If anyone involved in the show is reading this, DON'T CUT ANYTHING! It works perfect like it is now. The audience adored it and I will be going back in a few days for another taste of this delicious show.

Updated On: 11/12/04 at 12:06 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:07am

Thanks, Matt! I can't wait to go see this.

[TGIF]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:09am

Sounds amazing. Definately going to be on my list to see.

[Tiny-Toon]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:10am

I can't wait to see Brooklyn again! Thanks for including Eden in your review.. :/

Updated On: 11/12/04 at 12:10 AM

[Matt_G]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:11am

So go see it again, Tiny. Nobody is stopping you or has ever stopped you from going to go see it. Go to one of your BKLYN threads to talk about it if you want to. I was discussing another show. One that actually deserves standing ovations every night and one that has a score that doesn't grate on your nerves and make you shake your head and wonder "HOW THE F*CK DID THIS EVER MAKE IT TO THE STAGE?"

[Phantom2]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:12am

Matt_G- What about Gavin Creel????????????????

[Tiny-Toon]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:14am

ummm.. i wonder why the audiences give BKLYN a standing ovation every night.. let me think..

[Matt_G]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:14am

Gavin was great. The part wasn't a huge one, but the boy can sing and he ain't bad on the eyes, either.
The entire cast was wonderful and he was no exception to that.

And Tiny, I'm not getting into this with you tonight. Go to your little BKLYN threads and talk about it there.

Updated On: 11/12/04 at 12:14 AM

[B.B. Wolf]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:15am

Doh! Good teaser, Matt_G. I had the opportunity to go and decided to wait a little while into previews before I go. Glad to see you liked it, even at this stage. That bodes well for the actual run. Can't wait!

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:17am

...am seeing it tomorrow!

oh, and I saw the original production. LOVED IT!

Updated On: 11/12/04 at 12:17 AM

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:21am

Hoping to see it, but I'll have to be content with my Pacific Overtures tickets right now (which are for Saturday! Wooooohooooo!!)

Did I just "Wooohooo" for Pacific Overtures??

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:22am

yes, you did, Gov!

I'd woohoo for BD Wong, too!

[Mamie]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:24am

That's great news Matt. I can hardly wait till December.

[pab]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:29am

GovernorSlaton, after taking The Floating Kingdom quiz this morning (got 100% by the way) I've been listening to the Pacific Overtures CD most of the day. I'll be looking for a report on Saturday night.

Matt, I have such good memories of my first time seeing La Cage and I'm looking forward to this production.

[Alix]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:37am

Thanks Matt, sounds great! I really hope I can get to NY soon so I can see this.

[Corine2]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 12:40am

Go Gary and Gavin.
Both are amazing. I am sad I have to wait till December 14th.
Gary and Gavin are amazing actors. I can't wait.
I saw the original on Broadway and loved it.

[Taryn]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 1:23am

I have to wait until February. ;_;

Thanks for the teaser, though!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 1:27am

:) Thanks for the review Matt... can't wait to get ahold of some tix for that one...

[mbjts]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 3:55am

So glad to read such a glowing report on one of my all-time favorite musical!

LA CAGE (the first) was the first musical I witnessed more than once, and even my great aunt (who was pretty narrow in her views) made sure her friends matineed it! (I think she even went more times than I did!)

Hope this version sticks around for a LONG time.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 5:20am

Good review Matt. I loved it too. I'm hopefully seeing it again in the next week or so, and I encourage people who are still on the fence about it to do the same. (with the election over, I need something new to shill for)

[Mythus]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 5:28am

Ahhh! Matt_G, you are so fantastic. I'm so glad that the first preview went incredibly. *bites fingernails* I don't think it's possible for me to get more excited than I am now. I'm seeing it Saturday night, and I'm just...gahhh. Last night, I was so nervous, and this morning I woke up at 4:30 just...buzzing. I can't wait.

[evic]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 8:08am

Saw the Final Dress-Give it the benefit of the doubt since it was the first performance in front of an audience but it was a very mediocre production- lots of glitz yes but poor direction and there was absolutely no chemistry between the leads! Daniel Davis was lovable and was very good but he looked like Gary's father-Beach doesnt quite have a handle on the part - you'd think it was prerfect casting but he misses the mark. The maid was not funny at all. Very few laughs- - 25 years have gone by and Harvey couldnt come up with some laugh lines? I think it is dated, nothing French about it at all,in fact Mssr. Dindon seemed like he was from Texas.-And to see Broadway veterans doing glorified chorus was depressing-but a job is a job I guess. Will probably be a hit-even with the red states cause mediocrity reigns on the Great White Way.

[theatreangel]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 8:21am

I honestly wish I could go, since I'm a huge fan of Gary Beach and your review makes the show sound wonderful, but no such luck for me. ;_; Glad you had such a terrific time, though.

[TheGaIsSilent]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 9:12am

Matt,

Thanks for the review. Can't WAIT.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 9:21am

Matty - how is Ruthie Williamson? She's an amazing performer and I'd love to catch her in this show.