#1
Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:10pm
What a way to close out the last day of Gay Pride week than to experience the final performance of the hugely debated, thoroughly entertaining, and eccentrically thrilling 2005 TONY AWARD WINNING Musical, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES!
The Marquis was all abuzz with stars, relatives, agents, producers, and fans alike. Everyone came out for the dazzling performance. As the lights went down and whispers in the audience spoke Harvey Fierstiens speech along with him, the saying indeed remains true… “What happens at La Cage, stays at La Cage” for there is no way to explain the rush of excitement that swept through the theatre this afternoon.
When the orchestra ended the overture and Robert Goulet made his entrance, the audience went crazy and Robert as Georges nearly shed a tear; but that wouldn’t be the last tear shed on that stage today. The applause became louder and even more ecstatic, to the near point of hysteria as the Cagelles began to proudly sing the anthem “We Are What We Are”. At other closing performances, the chorus is usually tired, out of step, and just plain sloppy. However, the Cagelles were in top notch form and proved today why they were indeed the hardest working, extremely talented, and downright invincable group of chorus girls to ever hit a Broadway stage.
And just when it couldn’t get any better, Gary Beach makes his entrance to thunderous applause and scattered standing ovations. It what is the true travesty, “La Cage” was as fresh today as when it opened back in December. Every mark was hit, every que nailed, and every high kick done with grace, poise, elegance, and ease. With proper marketing, a little less scandal, and a possible cast album – “La Cage Aux Folles” may have had a brighter future.
But nothing was as bright as the support from the audience at today’s show. After the stunning “La Cage” title number, before the reprise, Mr. Beach added a line about a queen shedding and holding back tears. But the tears began to flow like a river as the crowd leapt to their feet as Gary concluded “I Am What I Am” – the surely rewarding and heartfelt encouragement was astounding. Even more astonishing was Gary pulling his rather handsome partner aside and embracing him with a kiss in the fourth row as he stormed up the audience risen pathway.
As the second act came to a close and nobody wanted to leave the best of times behind, Mr. Beach gave a prolific speech honoring the Cagelles, Mr. Goulet, and about moving onward and upward – and certainly upward to a party at Jerry Mitchell’s house! It will be hard to leave La Cage behind, but an exciting journey to see what is lurking around the next bend for everyone involved with La Cage, nonetheless.
As well-wishers and kin folk crowded the stage door, the anti-pride crowd marched past and tried to silence the La Cage fans, but unsuccessful were they. For the best of times may come and go, but nobody can crush a “La Cage Aux Folles” fans soul – a soul that will be filled with fond memories, tireless dedication, and relentless passion for years to come. After all - there is no fan like a “La Cage” fan!
The Marquis was all abuzz with stars, relatives, agents, producers, and fans alike. Everyone came out for the dazzling performance. As the lights went down and whispers in the audience spoke Harvey Fierstiens speech along with him, the saying indeed remains true… “What happens at La Cage, stays at La Cage” for there is no way to explain the rush of excitement that swept through the theatre this afternoon.
When the orchestra ended the overture and Robert Goulet made his entrance, the audience went crazy and Robert as Georges nearly shed a tear; but that wouldn’t be the last tear shed on that stage today. The applause became louder and even more ecstatic, to the near point of hysteria as the Cagelles began to proudly sing the anthem “We Are What We Are”. At other closing performances, the chorus is usually tired, out of step, and just plain sloppy. However, the Cagelles were in top notch form and proved today why they were indeed the hardest working, extremely talented, and downright invincable group of chorus girls to ever hit a Broadway stage.
And just when it couldn’t get any better, Gary Beach makes his entrance to thunderous applause and scattered standing ovations. It what is the true travesty, “La Cage” was as fresh today as when it opened back in December. Every mark was hit, every que nailed, and every high kick done with grace, poise, elegance, and ease. With proper marketing, a little less scandal, and a possible cast album – “La Cage Aux Folles” may have had a brighter future.
But nothing was as bright as the support from the audience at today’s show. After the stunning “La Cage” title number, before the reprise, Mr. Beach added a line about a queen shedding and holding back tears. But the tears began to flow like a river as the crowd leapt to their feet as Gary concluded “I Am What I Am” – the surely rewarding and heartfelt encouragement was astounding. Even more astonishing was Gary pulling his rather handsome partner aside and embracing him with a kiss in the fourth row as he stormed up the audience risen pathway.
As the second act came to a close and nobody wanted to leave the best of times behind, Mr. Beach gave a prolific speech honoring the Cagelles, Mr. Goulet, and about moving onward and upward – and certainly upward to a party at Jerry Mitchell’s house! It will be hard to leave La Cage behind, but an exciting journey to see what is lurking around the next bend for everyone involved with La Cage, nonetheless.
As well-wishers and kin folk crowded the stage door, the anti-pride crowd marched past and tried to silence the La Cage fans, but unsuccessful were they. For the best of times may come and go, but nobody can crush a “La Cage Aux Folles” fans soul – a soul that will be filled with fond memories, tireless dedication, and relentless passion for years to come. After all - there is no fan like a “La Cage” fan!
Updated On: 6/26/05 at 10:10 PM
