Directed
by: Garrick Smith.
Musical Direction by: Rose Shorney.
Choreographed by:
Jacquelyn Richards.
Costume design by: Suzan Cooper.
Set design by: Steve and
Susie Walsh.
Presented
by: Supa Productions. ANU Arts Centre until November 22nd.
Reviewed
by: Bill Stephens
“We are
what we are” proclaim Les Cagelles, six dancers of indeterminate sex, who, strut,
mince, high-kick and tap energetically in grotesque make-up and a succession of
tacky costumes at “La Cage Aux Folles, a
drag nightclub in St. Tropez, run by
Georges (Jarrad West). The star of “La Cage Aux Folles” is drag queen, Zaza, the
alter ego of George’s effeminate partner, Albin (Ben O’Reilly).
Georges
and Albin have lived happily above the nightclub for years, but their happiness
is threatened when George’s son, Jean Michel (Alexander Clubb) suddenly
announces that he is going to marry the daughter of the famously anti-gay
politician, Edouard Dindon (Len Power).
How they
deal with this predicament is the meat of Jerry Herman’s delightfully hilarious
and tuneful musical currently enjoying its first Canberra showing in this
exuberant production directed with panache by Garrick Smith for Supa
Productions.
The
linchpin of the show is Ben O’Reilly’s brilliant performance as Albin/Zaza.
O’Reilly skilfully balances the silliness and pathos of Albin, with the
confident glamour of Zaza in a carefully modulated performance of considerable
depth. Jarrad West matches him with a strong
and charming Georges. Both sing well and their scenes together are beautifully
managed. Alexander Clubb is impressive as their head-strong son, Jean Michel,
and Fraser Findlay makes the most of his scene-stealing role as the
butler/maid, Jacob.
Rose
Shorney’s large, full-throated orchestra brilliantly captures the authentic
Broadway sound to do full justice to Herman’s wonderful score. Steve and Susie Walsh’s setting with its spectacular
use of led lighting, Suzan Cooper’s often dazzling costumes, Jacquelyn Richards
spot-on choreography, and Phil Goodwin and Peter Barton’s superb lighting and
sound design all add pizazz and razzle dazzle to this hugely enjoyable
production.
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The La Cagelles
This review first published in CITY NEWS digital edition on November 8. It will be published in the print edition on November 12. |
