La Cage Aux Folles
Harvey Fierstein (Book); Jerry Herman (Music & Lyrics)
Based on the Play by Jean Poiret
San Jose Playhouse
Anyone hoping to find any time soon in the San Jose area even a yard of chiffon, silk organza, netting, voile, or gauze much less any spangles, sequins, boas, or feathers might as well give up. Costume Designer Julie Englebrecht surely has acquired every available such item to dye in all colors of the rainbow as she stitched together the many dozens of eye-popping, glittering, sexy, and hilarious outfits worn and often changed in a blink for San Jose Playhouse’s currently running La Cage Aux Folles.
The only musical ever to win two Tonys for Best Revival of a Musical as well as its original, 1984 Tony for Best Musical is now receiving a not-to-be-missed production at San Jose Playhouse with a cast that leaves one’s sides hurting from laughing and one’s eyes welled up in heart-felt emotion. Harvey Fierstein’s (book) La Cage Aux Folles broke many barriers when it opened in 1983 – being the first Broadway musical to portray openly and proudly a gay, romantic relationship. In 2022, Harvey’s story (based on the 1973 play by Jean Poiret) and the music/lyrics by Jerry Herman still titillate, entertain, and declare proudly a message important for all to hear: “I Am What I Am.”
No matter how many and in what combination one has already seen the original 1973 play; the original, revived, or the many touring, local, or international productions of the musical; or either of the two, play-inspired movies, San Jose Playhouse’s La Cage Aux Folles offers a fresh, fun, and funny new addition well-worth seeing – one that will bring both laughs and tears as well as a ton of pure enjoyment.
For my full review of this fabulous production, please proceed to Talkin’ Broadway .
Rating: 5 E
A Theatre Eddys “Best Bet”
La Cage Aux Folles continues through April 24, 2022 in production by San Jose Playhouse at 3 Below Theatres, 288 South 2nd Street, San Jose. Tickets are available online at https://sanjoseplayhouse.org/ or by calling 408-404-7711.
Photo Credit: David Lepori
