Barrier-breaking Broadway musical comes to life at CSPS

When “La Cage aux Folles” opened on Broadway in 1983, the focus initially wasn't on the fast-paced love story, which is full of wit and unpredictability. The first few stories were about the protagonists — a gay couple — which shocked the mainstream.

"It was simply groundbreaking," Revival Theatre Company Executive and Artistic Director Brian Glick said. "The out-of-town previews focused on one thing. The writers from Boston thought it was crazy that there was a play about two men in love at that time, but everyone embraced ‘La Cage.’ It's that good of a musical."

“La Cage aux Folles” broke barriers on Broadway, becoming the first Broadway musical centered on a homosexual relationship. That was ironic since many working in New York theater are gay. The stirring act one finale, "I Am What I Am," became a gay anthem.

However, “La Cage aux Falles” — which will run from May 30 through June 8 at CSPS — remains resonant and popular 42 years after it made its debut on the Great White Way since it’s about more than sexual orientation.

"First and foremost, the show is about a couple in love, and that will always be relevant," Glick said. "Love is at the heart of the play, and that's why it stands the test of time ... even if the main characters of 'La Cage' are gay.“

“Add in the family comical farce, and you have a great play,” he added “Those who come out and see the play find laughter and joy, and they love the big production numbers and how flamboyant it is. 'La Cage' is one of those plays that checks all of the boxes."

Glick, who will direct "La Cage,“ first experienced the 1978 film in 2002. "But I grew up with the show tunes," Glick said. "I didn't know much about the movie until I saw it."

"Bird Cage," which is a 1996 film adapted from the movie, was Glick's first cinematic experience drawn from "La Cage aux Folles."

"I enjoyed ‘Bird Cage,’ which is based on the play," Glick said. "As I got older, I really appreciated how fun the story is and how it's more relevant than ever with gay rights. 'La Cage aux Folles' is a play about accepting people who are different."

The biggest challenge presenting 'La Cage aux Folles' is casting.

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"You have to be incredibly gifted to be part of this production," Glick said. "You have to be a great singer, a great dancer and a great comedian. It's a tall task to find special performers for these roles. That's why we did a national search. We spent a year trying to find the right individuals to fill those roles. We have folks coming in to perform from Nashville, New York and Texas. If you don't have the right pieces of the puzzle, the show isn't going to work as well. We have a great cast. Casey Prince, who has been part of our theater community for years, is part of our production.

“Catherine Blades, who is now on ‘Everyday Iowa,’ is amazing. I'm very excited about what these performers are bringing to the table."

The “La Cage aux Folles” production is a trimmed down version, which fits well at CSPS.

"It makes it more intimate, and it will feel more personal," Glick said. "It will feel like a club when you enter the theater. We'll have cabaret seating. What that means is that we are selling cabaret tables. When you come into CSPS, you'll feel like you're part of the show."

It's an amusing and emotional production.

"’I Am What I Am’ still brings the house down. That song and the play delivers the message that people shouldn't be forced to change," Glick said. "The gay couple's son is getting married to a daughter, who is part of a family that's on the conservative side. They don't have the same views on issues, but it's okay. People who have their mind set in a certain way should learn that everyone has a place in society. You might not agree with them on every issue, but it's about accepting them. Everyone wants to be accepted."

“La Cage aux Folles" was accepted by the mainstream and critics. The production, which has never left the stage, won a staggering six Tony awards in 1984. The play was awarded Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design.

"That's not surprising," Glick said. "’La Cage’ is a phenomenal play that shouldn't be missed."