La Cage aux Folles Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield Book by Harvey Fierstein, based on play by Jean Poiret Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, directed by Mike Donahue “Because the best of times is now ...
” Has there ever been a musical as special and groundbreaking as this one? I think not. It opened in 1983 after a lengthy gestation period involving playwright and director Arthur Laurents. The season’s other hits included the “Tom Sawyer” musical “Big River;”; “My One and Only”; “The Tap Dance kid”; and revivals of “Porgy and Bess,” “Show Boat,” and “On Your Toes.
” However, August brought in the first show to highlight the lives and loves of a very funny homosexual couple and their straight son. Its chorus of showgirls further confused audiences, most of whom ultimately understood that there were both men and women portraying the girls. George Hearn, a deep baritone who had just played Sweeney Todd, took the central role of Albin who performs as ZaZa.
All of this was new, alarming, charming, and disarming. Now, 41 years later, it has the same effect on its audiences as it did in 1983: People love it! With or without acknowledged stars, people love this show. Barrington Stage Company’s excellent production is no exception.
Laughter, sobs, applause, embarrassed giggles, rhythm claps, and sighs filled the air at the Boyd-Quinson Stage during the opening performance. Polished performances graced the stage, and beautiful music escaped the .
