“If the experience is so fabulous it sends you floating onto the street, it
deserves 5. So, 5 out of 5 from me.“
Veronica Hannon
5 Stars
State Theatre
Until April 23, 2023
Star power never goes out of style, and Paul Capsis is an indisputably authentic star. He and the rest of the La Cage Aux Folles cast bring plenty of the magic stuff to the stage at the State and make it the best night out in town.
Albin is a gift of a role. George Hearn was the first. He stepped out of the wings at the Palace Theatre on Broadway in 1983 to play our flamboyant hero, and last Thursday night, Capsis shared his “own special creation” with us.
From the pen of Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Harvey Fierstein (book), time has not dated nor dimmed this musical about two gay long-term lovers.
Drag artiste Albin and his club owner partner Georges (Michael Cormick) live a cosy existence and run the titular Riviera nightspot. They have raised Georges’s son, Jean-Michel (Noah Mullins), together. Their heterosexual offspring is something of a serial dater. Still, he has decided to put a ring on the finger of his latest love, Annie (Chloe Malek). Unfortunately, Annie comes from Conservative stock; more precisely, her father, Edouard (Peter Phelps), is a homophobic nightmare. The plot revolves around the two sets of lovers attempting to
hoodwink the bigots and win the happily ever after.
It is immediately evident that there is great chemistry between Capsis and Cormick (who is quite the matinee idol, it must be said). You believe these men have lived together for 20 years and remained in love. The antics to hide their lifestyle from their son’s future in-laws
are hilarious, but it is clear that they are doing so to protect their family and home. Theatre director to watch, Riley Spadaro, does a great job. He makes choices that ensure the depth of feeling in the piece is not lost among the glitter and rhinestones. He allows Capsis to shine, and it is truly an unforgettable performance. Capsis as Albin (and alter ego, Zaza) is glamourous, side-splittingly funny, resilient, and in possession of tremendous dignity. His handling of “I Am What I Am” is an impassioned exploration of self-belief and
courage, and it rightly brings the house down.
Spadaro is also aware (as is the generous Capsis) that the show is not all about Albin. Cormick is a commanding presence, has a glorious singing voice and is the perfect straight man (so to speak) to the febrile Capsis. The entire cast plays their parts with utter conviction.
Malek is delightful as the spinning ingenue, and Phelps is perfect (and seems to be having a ball) as the detestable pollie. The chorus or Les Cagelles are terrific movers and singers as required, but we can also pick out their distinct characters, and they provide more than a
pinch of spice.
The hummable tunes are masterfully delivered by the small on-stage orchestra conducted by Craig Henshaw. The camp choreography by Veronica Beattie George is incredibly endearing, especially the ostrich feather fan dance. I thought I should be circumspect and give this show 4.5 stars but why? The audience had a roaring good time. If the experience is so fabulous it sends you floating onto the street, it
deserves 5. So, 5 out of 5 from me.
Veronica Hannon, Theatre Now
