Georges and Les Cagelles
“Open your eyes…you have arrived at La Cage Aux Folles,” says Georges, the owner of the bar and partner of its star performer, Albin; and indeed, when the curtains were raised, all eyes exultantly followed the story behind “the pride of Saint Tropez, the envy of the cabaret world, and the jewel of the Riviera!”
We are what we are
The story of La Cage Aux Folles revolves around the world of drag entertainment, a gay couple and their son’s plan to marry the daughter of an extremely conservative head of “Tradition, Family and Morality Party.” It features Audie Gemora as Albin, and Michael de Mesa as Georges, Steven Silva plays the role of their son Jean-Michel. In the show I watched last March 7, the role of Anne Dindon, Jean-Michel’s fiancee, was portrayed by Joni Galeste. Raul Montesa and Sheila Francisco, are Monsieur and Madame Dindon, the conservative parents of Anne. On the other hand, Noel Rayos is the butler who prefers to be called a maid.
The Best of Times
La Cage Aux Folles is by far, one of the best musicals that hit the Philippine theater scene. Without any hesitation, I can say that it is even better that many international touring productions I have seen lately here in Manila. While foreign productions rely on big budgets, huge chunks of sponsorship, and massive promotional machineries to sustain the audience’s interest, La Cage Manila relied on things which matter the most – excellent story-telling, fabulous costumes and stage design, and the impeccable talent of all people involved with the show. The story’s strength is its impressive coherence with the character development and its music – together they form a beautiful tapestry, intertwined with witty dialogues and awesome choreography. Watching the show feels like opening a magical wardrobe where you can see all colors of the rainbow bursting through its many costumes, while the lavish stage design transports you to the exact location where the story happens – a visual feast which not only makes the story believable, but also renders the audience with an unforgettable theater experience. The soul of the show remains to be the actors and the people who made La Cage Manila possible. Audie Gemora has proven once again that he is one of the royalties of Philippine theater. His acting and portrayal of Albin is so effective that I already wanted to give him a standing ovation at the end of Act 1, after singing the iconic song “I Am What I Am.” Noel Rayos, breaking away from his theater leading man image, is extremely funny as the butler who prefers to be called a maid. On the other hand, Sheila Francisco as Madame Dindon is a scene-stealer, she may have only graced the stage for a short time, but her presence is so captivating that you will draw to her character everytime she is on stage. I would like also to commend the musicians of La Cage Manila – listening to them is a musical treat in itself. Days after watching the show, I still find myself singing some of its songs under my breath.
Look Over There
There is no doubt that the show is a breath-taking entertainment bliss, but for me watching the show allowed me to look as well at some issues it presents in a subtle way. Watching it made me recognize our tendency to create double standards in some areas of life where we can not even arrive to a compromise. By standing to his real identity, by fighting for what he really is despite the society’s imposing idea of masculinity, Albin broke through the territory of hypocrisy where Monsieur and Madame Dindon tread. La Cage is also a family story nurtured not by blood, but by love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
Come to La Cage Aux Folles and see what the Philippine theater world is raving about – come as you are, no need for excuses, with or without a little mascara.
La Cage Aux Folles is presented by 9 Works Theatrical, directed by Robbie Guevarra.
Buy your tickets now!
THE ELLIS EXPERIENCE 