Music Theater Works presents LA CAGE AUX FOLLES starring RuPaul Drag Race’s Ginger Minj.
From “We are What We Are” to the “The Best of Times” curtain call, this production crushes it! Cast, costumes, choreography, comedy swirl together for a dynamic musical spectacle.
The creative team of Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Harvey Fierstein (book) debuted this Tony Award-winning musical in 1973. Based on the play by Jean Poiret, the story is about a gay couple’s son becoming engaged to the daughter of an ultra conservative politician. The comedy (and drama) is around the son asking his parents to deny their identities, their love and their showbiz passion – a drag show. In the 1970s, this provocative set-up would have been understandably ripe for amusing hi-jinx. Fifty years later, although (unfortunately) the political climate still has some offensive alt-right folks, the mainstream adores and appreciates RuPaul’s tutelage around the amazing and hard-working world of drag queens. That said, I did have a strong negative reaction to the son through the entire first act for being a selfish and insipid character. This emotional response shows a chink in Fierstein’s otherwise shiny comedy.
In the lead, Ginger Minj (Albin) is Diva perfection. She owns this stage. Her presence is this dazzling balance between showbiz headliner and heartbroken mother. Minj has full-on moxie flirting and teasing the audience. She is deliciously bawdy as she struts around onstage. Backstage, her vulnerability is palpable as she endures her family’s rejection. Then, showing us why she reigns as ‘Queen’, we watch her transform – yet again- into a beautifully, defiant showstopper. Minj ends the first act with a searing “I Am What I Am.” I went into intermission a little misty and completely infatuated with Ginger Minj.
Director Kyle A. Dougan masterfully orchestrates this glamorous follies. Minj and Les Cagelles are in a fashion-forward runway showcase under the imaginative design team, Justin LeBlanc (costumes), David Ian Grant (hair and makeup) and Alexis Bevels (wig artist). They kick off the show in eye-popping fluorescent and keep the textures and colors ever-changing. At one point, Les Cagelles are dressed in Can-Can dancing ruffles. Choreographer Christopher Carter has them doing high kicks, cartwheels, splits and other high-heel defying movements. Les Cagelles (Daniel Hurst, Matthew Weidenbener, Gabe Kohlbeck, Brian Selcik, Riley Vogel, Jordan Taylor) are transfixing between the choreography and the costumes.
So much to love about this show!! Jason Richards (Georges) charms as the leading man. His chemistry with Minj is playful and steadfast. Both his solos “Song on the Sand” and “Look Over There” have a lingering sweet fervor. Richards is particularly commanding in “Look Over There”. This seems to inspire Christopher Ratliff (Jean-Michel) to deliver a touching and sincere reprise.
I really enjoyed LA CAGE!! “The Best of Times” number was my favorite as everyone joins into the singing, dancing and merriment. The happiness vibe is intoxicating. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to enjoy NOW…
And live and love
As hard as you know how.
And make this moment last,
Because the best of times is now,
Is now, is now
Is now, is NOW!
Yes, “The Best of Times” is now… in Skokie! So, get a ticket NOW! And experience pure joy with Ginger and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.
Running Time: Two hours and fifty minutes with one intermission
North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Based on the play by Jean Poiret
Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Directed by Kyle Dougan
Music directed by Kyra Leigh
Choreography by Christopher Chase Carter
Wednesdays at 1pm
Thursdays at 7:30pm
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thru April 3rd
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Brett Beiner
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago