Bring on the Girls

La Cage aux Folles – Music Theater Works

The glitz and glamor of summer in St. Tropez, with its sunbathed beaches, and all the sparkle and shine of its nightclubs, features wonderful performances by musical stars in sequins and feathers, backed by a troupe of talented chorines in glitzy drag. And yet, all this magic and majesty almost takes a back seat to the musical’s warmhearted story about an unconventional family who love and support each other through thick and thin. The story of Georges and Albin, their son Jean-Michel and his determination to impress Anne, his bride-to-be, and his future, ultra conservative in-laws, M. Dindon and his mousy wife, Mme. Dindon, is a story that overflows with love, caring and devotion. All the rest is sweet la glace on un gateau.   

It’s hard to believe that Jerry Herman’s beloved musical comic classic has been around since 1983. It was twice revived on Broadway, in 2004 and again in 2010, and all the productions earned multiple awards. It’s the only Broadway show to have won the Tony and Drama Desk for Best Musical for both the original production, as well as for the two revivals. This zesty, tune-filled musical is so beloved the world over that it’s played in almost every country. 

Jerry Herman’s gorgeous score and Harvey Fierstein’s family-friendly libretto comes close to pushing the envelope. But as the first mainstream theatrical production to feature a happily married gay couple, this musical was way ahead of its time. Now that same-sex marriage has become more accepted and is the law for most of the country, one of this musical’s greatest accomplishments is to reinforce how both gay and straight parents share the same values and concerns. Raising a child is raising a child, and it affords the same challenges and problems for everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual preference.

Music Theater Works’ Producing Artistic Director, Kyle A. Dougan, returns to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts to lovingly guide this production. He’s the energy behind the company’s previous successful productions of “Legends  of the 50’s and 60’s” and, more recently, “Billy Elliot.” This time around the company is performing in the smaller, more intimate North Stage, where cafe tables and chairs wisely replace the front row of the audience, giving the venue the feel of an actual nightclub. Dougan has chosen to spotlight all the glimmering showmanship of the titular bistro, featuring Scenic Designer Scott Davis’ giant, movable, 3-dimensional letter background announce that we’re at La Cage. The space above the stage is bedecked with dozens of dazzling chandeliers and disco mirror balls, all suspended overhead, courtesy of Andrew Meyers’ brilliant Lighting Design. One of the highlights of this show are the campy, comic and colorful costumes by talented Designer Justin LeBlanc, of “Project Runway” fame, especially those created for Zaza and the chorus of Les Cagelles.   

The love and deep affection shared by George and Albin, two middle-aged men whose many years together as a couple, forms the heart of this musical. It’s strong and genuine, especially the result of Mr. Dougan’s sensitive direction. The couple’s unflagging parental care and adoration of their young son, Jean-Michel, is paramount in this tale about familial love and a deep respect for one another. It offers the message that just because a married couple doesn’t look like Ozzie and Harriet or the Brady Bunch, their love is just as strong.

Handsome and mega-talented Jason Richards plays George, the harried owner and producing director of the titular St. Tropez nightclub. Audiences will recognize Mr. Richards from his many crowd-pleasing performances at the Marriott, Paramount, Chicago Shakespeare, Mercury and Porchlight Theaters. along with many other Windy City venues. He is magnificent here as Georges. If you close your eyes and just listen to this gifted actor sing, he sounds very much like a young Nathan Lane. His musical highlights include the whimsical “With You on My Arm,” the lush romantic ballad “Song On the Sand” and the lovely, heartbreaking “Look Over There.” As Georges, Jason is always the polished showman, a quality which, for better or worse, sometimes overtakes his more intimate, romantic scenes with Albin, the love of his life.

However, the real star of this production, and the best reason for heading up to Skokie for this enjoyable production, is Ginger Minj. With an awe-inspiring resume filled with everything from her fame and huge following earned on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (twice!), to film, television, recordings and live performances and tours, Ginger is a national treasure. She’s even authored a biographical cookbook! Ms Minj is truly a showbiz original and a consummate professional, who embellishes her performance with improv and ad libs that are impishly aimed at members of the audience. Playing an outgoing gay man, who also happens to be a flamboyant female impersonator named Zaza, as well as the loving parent of a young son, would seem a challenge for most performers. However, throughout the musical, there’s a wonderfully sincere warmth and honesty that radiates from Ginger, particularly in her scenes with Mr. Richards and with Christopher Ratliff, who’s near perfect as Jean-Michel. 

Ginger Minj is always firmly in control of everything she does on the stage. Her rendition of the title song, “La Cage aux Folles,” her onstage transformation into Zaza, “A Little More Mascara,” and the infectious and toe-tapping “The Best of Times” are all solid and intricately layered. However, Ginger’s most impressive musical moment comes at the end of Act I, with her hurt, soulful interpretation of “I Am What I Am.” Defiantly ripping off her wig at the end and hurling it at George, Albin proudly storms off the stage and up the aisle, leaving audiences to wonder whether the indignation and betrayal she’s suffered has finally severed this couple’s relationship.

A talented ensemble of triple-threats support the performances of these two leading performers. As previously mentioned, one of Chicago’s most handsome young leading men, Christopher Ratliff, is sensational as Jean-Michel. He sings like a dream in “With Anne on My Arm” and in a poignant reprise of “Look Over There.” Honey West has never looked or sounded more beautiful and sexy than in the featured role of restauranteur and socialite, Jacqueline. Thomas E. Squires, Caron Buinis and Heather Banks are all excellent as M. Dindon, his bullied wife, Mme. Dindon and his lovely daughter Anne, who’s the apple of Jean-Michel’s eye. Dane Strange is hilarious as Jacob, the couple’s gay butler/maid. And, of course, there’s the amazing, incomparable chorus of Les Cagelles, who are all beautiful and perform with carefully executed choreographic skill. They include the multitalented Daniel Hurst, Matthew Weidenbener, Gabe Kohlbeck, Riley Vogel and Jordan Taylor. And the astounding, almost athletic choreography was created by the multi-gifted new Artistic Director of Mercury Theater Chicago, Christopher Carter. 

Kyra Leigh has taken great care as she musically directed this production, which is led by Linda Madonia’s talented seven-member backstage orchestra. The technical artistry that supports Mr. Dougan’s excellent production brings us both the the razzle dazzle of the nightclub, the romantic mood of the Riviera beach, and the coziness of George and Albin’s apartment.

This is one hot production that’s not only stunning in its showmanship, but equally warm and touching in its depiction of a family who radiate love and respect for each other. To escape the bitter Chicago cold, head to Skokie for an afternoon or evening of romance and glitz along the St. Tropez beach. There’s memorable music sung by a gifted cast, exciting choreography executed by an ensemble of unbelievably talented performers, and a loving story that’s bound to warm up the theater. Ladies and gentlemen: Bring on the girls!

Highly Recommended             

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 10 -April 3  by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available at the theater box office, or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.