"La Cage Aux Folles" FINALE REVIEW!

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

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!


Updated On: 6/26/05 at 10:10 PM

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:28pm

Wonderful review! Thank you so much!!

Indeed, a very sad day... I wish everyone involved with the production the best of luck in whatever the future may hold for them.


The best of times are now...

~Jessica

[Derek]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:32pm

damn! u are great at writing reviews! glad u had fun lol. i saw it back in december. it was AMAZING!

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:33pm

The anti-pride crowd was harassing the fans?

[jo]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:36pm

Just to let you know, that of the 7 shows I had seen in my last trip to NYC and Broadway, it was LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, to my surprise, which touched quite an emotional chord in me!

I hope there will be other revivals of this show!

Congratulations to the cast, creative team, and crew of LA CAGE!

Jo

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:36pm

I was also at the performance--and had the great pleasure of meeting LaCageAuxFollesFan2 before the performance. (What a good-looking fellow he is!!!!!)

I couldn't add anything to his review other than to mention Robert Goulet's tears during the curtain call.

It was an electrifying afternoon in the theater. I've said many times that this production of LA CAGE may have had its flaws, but it was the best show of this season. Today's performance proved that it was even better than that!

Viva Les Cagelles!

Updated On: 6/26/05 at 10:36 PM

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:37pm

As the very large hoard of fans were chatting it up with the Cagelles & waiting for Robert & Gary - a small groups with Bibles and Anti-Pride & Anti-Gay Posters marched through preaching their word of condemnation of Homosexuals to the non accepting crowd of gays and gay friendlies alike. It was an exciting moment.

Awww- Dolly, Too sweet! It was great meeting you, wish more would have shown up! Hopefully one day I'll be doing those interviews w/u and writing a review or two that could actually make me a buck. But...thanks again, it trully was a wonderful, wonderful day in the theatre! Updated On: 6/26/05 at 10:37 PM

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:39pm

How disgusting. People like that make me want to vomit...on them.

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:39pm

Wow, some people really need to lighten up... Especially on a momentous day such as this. Let the cast and crew have their day to shine, then go back to condemning everyone under the sun!

~Jessica

[TheGaIsSilent]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:42pm

Yeah, those people were on 5th Avenue too. We made fun of them as our very gay float went downtown.

GREAT review La Cage. I'm sorry I wasn't there.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 10:47pm

I'm glad that you and Dolly had a wonderful time today, and sorry you had to deal with those stupid hecklers.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:00pm

Stupid yes, but at that point NOBODY was bringin' down the fans' spirits...I really cant get over how wonderful that show was today...compared to the 42nd STREET Final performance, this one wins...hands down! Now compared to Bernadettes GYPSY final performance, I love you LA CAGE...but, that show was gut wrenching and Cathardic!

[mandy2loveRB]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:02pm

LaCageAuxFollesFan2, as I mentioned in the PM, I got your message after I came home...sorry I could not meet you. Thank you for the arrangement anyway

And as for the performance...i was crying and laughing through the show (I was in the first row)...and what can I say. VIVA, celebration of theatre experience. Celebration of LIFE. I loved that show no matter what.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:04pm

Sorry we missed you too Mandy...we'll keep in touch though...:)

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:29pm

Nice review.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:31pm

Thanks Corine, sorry you couldnt be there...hope youre feeling better!

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:36pm

There was some buzz in the audience that Jerry Herman is ill and was not able to attend today's performance. I hope it's not true. Does anyone know if he's okay?

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/26/05 at 11:49pm

you always write the best reviews and i'm so glad you got to go to the closing!
love andrew!

[Akbar-n-Jeff]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 2:43am

Was Daniel Davis there?

[broadwaybaby77]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 8:21am

That was so accurate.

Yesterday was definitely the best of the three performances I'd seen. The Cagelles were incredible, even more so than ever.

I'm wearing my La Cage shirt today to mourn our loss.

-Grace

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 10:34am

Glad everyone had a great time...it was quite the experience.

And no, didn't see Danny Davis anywhere around (although that doesnt "mean" he didnt show up) :)

[cserannie]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 6:20pm

thanks for this touchy review.

[MTQ]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 10:23pm

Bravo on a wonderful review. I was there too and I was literally shaking (and wiping away more than a couple of tears) when Gary Beach finished "I Am Who I Am". The defiant walk off the stage and the added kiss with his partner made me scream with pride.

There was something even more extraordinary than usual hearing Gary Beach sing that song this past Sunday.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 10:41pm

It really felt proudly astonishing when Gary was singing I AM WHAT I AM at that peformance. It carried so much meaning on that day especially, for more than one reason - it was almost cosmic. Not to mention executed to complete and utter perfection!

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 6/27/05 at 10:42pm

For those who went, you probably saw Mr. Goulets last performance on Broadway. For that alone it was probably worth going. I don't know anyone who would cast him after this last run , at least on Broadway.
Hopefully he will retire.