Winner of six Tony Awards in its first season and two for Best Revival, Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman’s timeless masterpiece, La Cage Aux Folles returns to Melbourne after thirty years for a limited season from 21 November.
Starring Todd McKenney as Albin – the brilliant drag performer Zaza, and Simon Burke as his partner Georges – both have happily lived together for twenty years above their St Tropez nightclub La Cage Aux Folles.
Their idyllic existence is threatened when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife! With a visit from the prospective in-laws imminent, mayhem ensues as they decide to take drastic action to hide their lifestyle… but can they keep it up?
Based on the play by Jean Poiret and a book by Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy, Kinky Boots), Jerry Herman’s (Hello, Dolly!, Mame) unforgettable score includes the touching You On My Arm, The Best of Times and the proud and defiant anthem, I am What I Am.
From the creative duo who brought you Anything Goes, The Producers and The Pirates of Penzance – Director Dean Bryant and Choreographer Andrew Hallsworth will create this new production, featuring Musical Direction by Mathew Frank, scenery by Dale Ferguson and costumes by Owen Phillips.
Featuring Melbourne’s own Rhonda Burchmore OAM as Jacqueline, the chic restaurateur and friend of Georges and Albin, La Cage Aux Folles also stars one of Australia’s favourite comediennes, Marg Downey as Marie – the shy, retiring and sex-starved wife of Edouard and Anne’s mother.
Multi award winning and much loved Australian actor Gary Sweet plays Edouard – a pompous, radical right-wing politician, and Anne’s father, with Aljin Abella as Jacob, Georges and Albin’s butler (though he clearly prefers to be called a maid), Robert Tripolino as Jean-Michel and Emily Milledge as Anne.
The cast also includes Spencer Bignell, Evan Lever, Rubin Matters, Lauren McKenna, Adam Noviello, Taylor Scanlan, Greta Sherriff, Anthony Sheppard, Kyle Stevens, Troy Sussman and Josh Gates
La Cage aux Folles is a timeless and deliciously funny tale of family values, unconditional love, and above all, the need to celebrate who we are.
“This is Jerry Herman’s best musical yet – happier, more assertive, more buoyant than Hello Dolly! or Mame.” – The New York Post
La Cage Aux Folles
Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 21 November – 7 December 2014
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or online at: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.theproductioncompany.com.au for details.
Image: Todd McKenney as Zaza and Simon Burke as Georges – photo courtesy of The Production Company