La Cage au Folles → Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company of SA

Friday night in Saint-Tropez! 

Ticked off another musical in the theatre cannon that I haven't seen before - La Cage au Folles! Based on Jean Poiret’s 1973 French Play, this musical adaptation first premiered on Broadway in 1983. Breaking ground at the time for LBGTQ+ representation in musical theatre, the show is a joyful celebration of uniqueness, love and acceptance. Georges, the owner of a drag nightclub in Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, the star performer who appears as the glamorous Zaza, are sent into turmoil when George’s son announces his engagement to the daughter of a conservative politician. Ordered to keep up a more “respectable” appearance for his future in-laws, Georges attempts to hide their unconventional family life, including Albin. Chaos and confusion ensue, culminating in an uplifting resolution about staying true to oneself. 


Michael Bates as Albin and Daniel Flemming as Georges were a delight to watch, their hilarious banter was balanced with a comforting chemistry. Impressively, they nailed the challenging vocals in this show's repertoire. Most memorable was Bates’ ‘I Am What I Am,’ to close Act I!


Full of vibrancy, were ‘Les Cagelles,’ the zesty drag performers at the club. I thought their choreography was excellently paired with their energetic stage presence that was cheeky, fierce and flamboyant. 


The Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company of SA is treating us to an affluent escape to the glittering world of Saint-Tropez, where feathers and flair reign supreme. Friday’s crowd was lapping it up!

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