BWW Reviews: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Has a Spectacular Opening at the Fisher Theatre

La Cage Aux Folles opened with a flourish of sparkles, dancing, and laughter tonight at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit. George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber led the entertaining cast in this funny, yet heartfelt show.

Hamilton is a well-known name with his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star and has been acting on film and stage for years, but his age slips away while watching him perform in La Cage. He sings and dances on stage with ease and makes his character of Georges endearing and lovable. And his infamous spray tan look fits right in with the setting of the show in Saint-Tropez!

Sieber steals the show and the spotlight. He is just fantastic in every aspect of his role. His acting in unique, truthful, and honest while he switches between being Albin and the glamorous drag queen Zaza. Sieber’s voice is equally as beautiful as his acting. His solo at the end of Act 1, “I Am What I Am,” is gorgeous and the audience was silent during it, and then gave him a standing ovation when he finished.

The Cagelles are also dynamic on stage. Matt Anctil, Logan Keslar, Donald C. Shorter Jr., Mark Roland, Terry Lavell, and Trevor Downey are all fabulous dancers and make terrific looking woman. Their costumes are equally exquisite with all the sparkles and beads to give the feel of a real cabaret performance. The tricks, spins, and crazy dance routines the group performs makes the show fun and lively. Plus the comedic elements they add to the show outside the song and dance routines are absolutely hilarious. Their birdcage dance number during the show’s title number is brilliant and one of the highlights of the show.

The set is grand with elements that make the audience feel like they are Saint-Tropez with pinkish hues and ambient lighting. The costumes are fun, bright, and stand out, especially some of Zaza’s more elaborate ones. Director Terry Johnson won a Tony Award for this show and it was well deserved. The use of the stage, the intricate and entertaining dance numbers, and overall flow of The show is done beautifully. It is definitely a show that should not be missed!

Do not forget to arrive at the show early to enjoy the preshow entertainment with Lili Whiteass. She is the host drag queen and performs a stand up comedy act about a half hour before curtain. Ms. Whiteass is very funny and not to be skipped, but remember that she holds nothing back and everything, and one, is fair game!

La Cage Aux Folles limited engagement at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit runs until October 7^th. For more information or for tickets, visit www.broadwayindetroit.com.

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