|
English translation (excerpts) provided by Eli
And so what, if I love each feather and each spangle,
Why not try to see things from a different angle?
These lyrics are taken from the closing number of Act One of La Cage aux Folles, currently running in the intimate setting of the Menier Chocolate Factory. The song 'I Am What I Am' has been performed along the years by countless international pop artists (Gloria Gaynor anyone?) and has even become the Gay Pride anthem.
The whole show stresses repeatedly that life must be lived without hiding one's real self and that true feelings and affections are more important than conventions and the established rules of society.
This way the love story of Georges and Albin, who have lived together all their lives, and the "mother-son" relationship between Albin and Jean-Michel are allowed to triumph despite all the misunderstandings, the 'coups de théâtre' and the unforeseen events which make up the plot of this musical, written by Herman and Fierstein (oh yes, right the first Edna in Hairspray on B'way!) after the French play by the same name, which later became a successful French-Italian movie.
The main asset of this production, in the mainstream of the Menier's 'fringe' character, is – apart from the outstanding quality of its cast – the very intimate setting. The entire venue has been turned into a nightclub on the French riviera, red velvet curtains and blinking lights welcome the audience right from the entrance to the auditorium and are integral part of the sets.
Experienced performers Philip Quast (in the role of Georges) and Douglas Hodge (Albin/Zaza) mix beautifully all the ingredients: the tender and funny love story between the two leads, with its romantic moments (‘With You on my Arm’, ‘Song on the Sand’) but also with its big laughs following all the various misunderstandings; the "Cagelles" scenes, not to speak of the aspiring “Cagelle” Jacob… Also Neil McDermott, who plays Georges's son Jean-Michel, gives a very solid performance.
It's not surprising that once again the Menier has come out with a top-notch production and it wouldn't be a surprise if, like other recent productions, also La Cage would soon transfer to the West End. *pretty, please, Mr. Babani, do the trick again*.
