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

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.

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

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

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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?"

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

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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!

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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??

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

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

I have to wait until February. ;_;

Thanks for the teaser, though!

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.

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.

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.

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

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