If community theater is performance in its purest form, one can't help but come away feeling reaffirmed after watching the Argenta Community Theater's latest production.
La Cage aux Folles is a funny and touching musical about nightclub owner Georges and his cross-dressing partner who pretend to be straight when their son brings his fiancee's conservative parents to meet them.
While the play drills directly down into the strong emotional territory of what constitutes a family, and pride in one's identity, its sharp dialogue and outlandish costuming keep things brisk. The costumes, designed by Director Rafael Castanera along with Michael Akers and Billy Chapell, blare off the stage with rhinestones, feather boas, bull whips, bustiers and headdresses.
But the costumes disguise a harder facade. The lead role of Albin (Brandon Box-Higdem) registers the insecurity of the aging performer and romantic partner when he sings, "Put a little more mascara on." Later, rejected by his partner, Georges, and the son he raised, Jean-Michel, he storms onstage. "I don't want praise. I don't want pity ... So what if I love each feather and each spangle?"
Ethan Patterson as Jean-Michel displays an impressive voice during his musical parts. Brent Miller makes the most of his role as the puckish, cross-dressing butler, Jacob, about whom Georges always complains ("I hired a butler." "Well you got a maid!").
And a quintet of dancers known as "les Cagelles" display impressive dancing under the choreography of Christen Pitts and Katie Greer.
The enthusiasm of the cast, combined with the Argenta Theater's intimacy, makes this rendition of La Cage compelling viewing.
Metro on 07/23/2016