THE BIRDCAGE

The evening started quite well with a very nice dinner at Da Marino on W. 49th St, where we were pleasantly surprised to see Chris Noth picking up dinner. An obvious tourist sitting across from us yelled out “Chris,” as he was walking out and when he turned around, snapped a picture of him. Needless to say, Mr. Noth was none too pleased with this. Guess that living in NYC has made us somewhat jaded about seeing celebs, although Cathy insists that Chris smiled at her as he was walking in and out. (He definitely winked!)

On to the Longacre Theatre, relatively small for a venue that hosts musical theatre, but somewhat comfortable nonetheless and a good choice for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, since even those seated relatively far away were closer to the action than in some of the larger theatres usually reserved for musicals.
The literal translation of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is “cage of madwomen,” although a loose translation can be “birdcage,” thus the Robin Williams/Nathan Lane movie of this story by that name.

Harvey Fierstein’s book is wonderful and there are some truly memorable songs by Jerry Herman, including “The Best of Times,” “Look Over There” and “I Am What I Am.” This is actually the first time in a while (other than PROMISES, PROMISES) that we can recall walking out of the theatre singing one of the songs. Perhaps we’re getting old(er) but it seems that the revivals have more memorable songs than the newer musicals.

Kelsey Grammer was perfectly cast in the role of Georges, and British import Douglas Hodge was a wonderful Albin and the chemistry between the two of them was really quite good and believable. Fred Applegate was the perfect M. Dindon and as a matter of fact, the entire cast was quite good. The La Cage drag queens were obviously just that, overemphasized if anything, which was very amusing.
The sets, costumes and choreography were all well done, which combined with the cast made for a very enjoyable two hours of musical theatre. Not the best thing we’ve seen this year but quite enjoyable.

Next up: I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER