Sunday, August 23, 2015

Review of 9 Works LA CAGE AUX FOLLES: Funny, Feeling and Fabulous

August 23, 2015




I knew the basic story of "La Cage Aux Folles" from the hit 1996 movie "The Birdcage" starring Robin Williams. As far as the musical itself, I only know one song, "I Am What I Am". This 9 Works production of "La Cage" initially ran earlier this year, but I missed that one because of schedule conflicts. The reviews of that show on social media were glowing, so I wished there would be a rerun. Well, I got my wish, as they ran the show again beginning last August 15. I was not going to miss it this time.

Georges ran a nightclub featuring female impersonators, where his partner Albin is the star drag queen diva performer Zaza. One day, Jean-Michel, Georges' 24-year old son from a one night stand, came home with news that he is getting married to his girlfriend Anne. However, since Anne's parents were of the ultra-conservative sort, he wanted Georges could invite his real mother Sibyl and to request Albin not to attend at all. When he gets wind of this, Albin is hurt very deeply. But when a problem arose on the critical day of the visit of Anne's family, Albin still could not let Jean-Michel, the son he raised, down -- but it has to be in his own fabulous way.

Audie Gemora has already been showered with all sorts of accolades for his performance as Albin since the first run of this musical in the first quarter of this year. Clearly we can see why. We know he can be glamourous and scandalously funny in drag from his award-winning featured performance as cross-dressing director Roger deBris in "The Producers". In the showy lead role of Alban, Gemora stayed in character with class, restraint and dignity, even as he was practically onstage in the whole duration of the play. He positively slayed the showstopping closing song of the first act "I Am What I Am," imbuing the anthem with hurt, pain and indignation.

Michael de Mesa is unceasingly charming as Georges. His role may be considerably lower-key in acting moments and in costumes, but de Mesa still manages to shine right through. He is probably the only member of the cast who does not wear a wig or a dress, but his presence was never overwhelmed in all the diva drama, feathers and ballgowns. I have not heard him sing since he was Collins in "Rent" way way back, so hearing de Mesa sing and dance again was an additional thrill.

Everybody else in the cast seemed to be having a lot of fun. Standing out were Joni Galeste (as Anne) with good girl vibes and killer ballet moves, and Sheila Francisco (as Anne's mother) with her repressed ebullience fighting to come out to the open. Some of the cast may be overdoing the flamboyance, coming across as annoying than funny. Some of the cast may look uncomfortably miscast, with physical disconnect with their role.  Anyway, what is important was that everything was done all in the spirit of fun, where exaggeration is the norm, with no inhibitions holding them back. They are who they are.

The technical aspects of the set were all in their colorful and fancy best, with all those glittering lights. Those showgirl costumes were all so glittering and extravagant -- no expenses were spared in that department. The choreography was very good, especially the tap dancing which was a true joy to watch. 

Kudos to Director Robbie Guevara and the rest of the 9 Works cast and crew for this entertainingly funny, feeling and fabulous show!  A definite must-watch! 


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"La Cage Aux Folles" will run weekends at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at the RCBC Building, Makati up to September 6, 2015.  For tickets and inquiries contact 0917-554-5560, 586-7105, Ticketworld at 891-9999 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.




18 comments:

  1. I love going to see plays and musicals. I feel a bit out of the loop because I have never seen Bird Cage. But now that you have mentioned it I will go and watch it. I'm sure the play was much better. Its something about seeing people perform live and onstage that brings more to a story.

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  2. I super love The Birdcage! I sure hope I can watch this show. How interesting!

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  3. I want to watch this. I want to see Michael de Mesa as a theater actor. He is one of the few local actors that I like and it would be interesting to see him on stage. He is a versatile actor and I think he can take on any role given to him.

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  4. all these names are so foreign to me. haha, it definitely sounds like a good, entertaining show to watch though! and i love watching tap dancing!

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  5. I am fervently hoping they will bring this production here in Thailand. With the number of Filipinos here in the kingdom plus Thai theater enthusiasts, for sure they'll be able to pull off a successful show here.

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  6. Wow, just looking at the costumes is making me want to check out this play. I'm sure it'll be pretty entertaining to watch. Not familiar with The Birdcage though.

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  7. sounds interesting though I have to say, not exactly my kinda show - a tad too dramatic for my taste..

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  8. Michael de Mesa is such a great actor and having him in a musical play such as this would be great to watch. I didn't know he sings! It would be nice to watch him do something different from being the usual "kontrabida" character.

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  9. You were lucky to catch the rerun. It looks like a really well executed play with experienced actors leading the helm.

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  10. reminded me of the time I did my stage performance in school. The amount of time spent on rehearsals... Yes, they look happy, but I can tell you, it's very tedious and tiring!

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  11. Looks wonderful though I have never watched these kind of musical but always want to go for it. Lovely costumes as well!

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  12. When it comes to stage play, all the glitter and extravagant costumes are welcome! Since this is similar to Bird Cage, then it is worth watching :)

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  13. I love musicals, and this is one of the three I have seen:)

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  14. My dad is such a big fan of musicals that I will definitely recommend this to him! Loved reading your review! :D

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  15. You always go for this musical show? Look like a lot of fun

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  16. I actually joined a contest to get free tickets to this show but wasn't lucky enough to win them. It wouldve been so much fun to watch this musical.

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  17. I actually joined a contest to get free tickets to this show but wasn't lucky enough to win them. It wouldve been so much fun to watch this musical.

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  18. Sounds like a great show to watch! I love light-hearted dance choreos ;)

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