RUN! TO SEE "LA CAGE AUX FOLLES" at CINNABAR!

by Sandy and Richard Riccardi

We knew it was going to be a good night when, before the show, executive director Terence Keane announced the locations of the nearest exits in case of fire, emergency, or acute homophobia.

Petaluma audiences were treated to an evening of non-stop rollicking and frolicking entertainment on Friday evening at the Cinnabar Theater. Opening night for “La Cage Aux Folles” was most polished indeed, with uniformly excellent performances by a stunningly talented cast. Originally written as a French play of the same name by Jean Poiret in 1973, it was turned into a dazzling Broadway musical by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein in 1983. The title literally means “the cage of crazy women”, but “folles” in France also commonly refers to “queens”, as in fabulously flamboyant gay men. But, as Cinnabar’s Artistic Director Elly Lichenstein points out, feathers and glitter aside (and there are plenty of feathers and lots of glitter), this is truly a story about family. A gay couple tries to hide who they are from their son’s future (conservative) in-laws, to hilarious and deeply poignant consequence.

Heading this company of talented actors and singers was Michael Van Why, poignantly and affectionately playing the cross-dressing Albin/ZaZa (and doing a heart-rending and beautiful rendition of “I Am What I Am”), and Stephen Walsh as Albin’s more “masculine” partner Georges, who, though greatly torn, falls for his son’s request to hide Albin from his future in-laws. Walsh’s song, “Look Over There”, had us in tears from the sentiment as well as the pure gorgeousness of Walsh’s voice.

Stephen Dietz as the morally conservative Edouard Dindon is a marvelous shock to the system after all the gender-bending fun has been taking place. Like having your scotch and sodas interrupted by an unexpected glass of castor oil. He was outstanding. His wife, played by Madeleine Ashe, was delightful. Kudos to director Sheri Lee Miller and to Ms. Ashe for creating a twist we’ve never seen on this character---a woman who desperately wants to join in the fun she’s never had.

We would drive six hours to see James Pelican in anything, so we were happy to see him at our local Cinnabar portraying Jacob, the maid. Imagine for a moment a man standing 6’5” tall, rail thin, dressed in a French Maid outfit, lipstick and heels, with genius physical comic timing (as he is a professionally trained clown). Well, you get the picture. Just go see him.

Kyle Stoner as the son, Jean-Michel, has a lovely voice and acting chops to boot. Miguel Evangelista was hilarious as the stage manager precariously dating the dominatrix. Audrey Tatum, Elly Lichenstein and Clark Miller sang beautifully in their rather thankless roles. (So here: We are thanking you!).

Then, of course, all the real glory goes to the Cagelles: Valentina-Cavatina Osinski, Jean-Paul Jones, Quinn Monroe, Zack Turner, and J. Anthony Favalora. From what I can glean, we had the privilege of watching three authentic, professional drag-queens at work, plus one woman-making-you-wonder, plus one man brand new to the concept of high heels and a bra (on himself at least). They were a beautiful chorus, fully as captivating as a larger group would have been, singing, dancing, and acting magnificently. Mary Chun and her orchestra did a remarkable job with a tiny space (as usual).

Costumes by Clay David and Sheri Lee Miller. Choreography by Sheri Lee Miller with special thanks to Quinn Monroe. Stage direction by Sheri Lee Miller.

Our cheeks hurt from laughing by the end. Don’t walk, RUN (or maybe sashay) to see Cinnabar Theater’s production of “La Cage Aux Folles”.

http://www.cinnabartheater.org/ 707-763-8920 Get your tickets early. Some nights are already sold out.

 Extended through November 10, 2013!

 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. / Sundays at 2 p.m. 

HOW MUCH:      $25 for ages 21 and under

$35 for adults

 Significant discounts available as part of a ticket package