‘La Cage aux Folles’ review: A heartfelt tribute to the roots of drag
- Luke Durling
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tradition pulses through every shine, sparkle, wig, and eyelash in The Croswell’s radiant new production of “La Cage aux Folles.” Equal parts spectacle and soul, this show is a glittering love letter to the origins of drag, transporting audiences to a world that feels both nostalgic and urgently relevant. Under the direction of John MacNaughton, the cast and crew deliver a production that’s as moving as it is fabulous.
Full disclosure: I grew up loving “The Birdcage,” the 1996 film adaptation that reimagines this musical with a few tweaks in setting and tone. The bones of the story remain the same, even down to some of the dialogue, so when The Croswell announced it was staging the original musical that inspired one of my favorite films, I was equal parts thrilled and apprehensive. Could it live up to the version that meant so much to me?
I’m happy to report that every actor not only met my expectations, but often surpassed them.
The story centers on Georges (Eric Parker) and Albin (Johnny Reed), a couple who run the titular drag nightclub in Saint-Tropez. Their lives are thrown into chaos when their son, Jean-Michel (Matthew Porter), announces his engagement to Anne (Caroline Coy), whose father, Edouard Dindon (Lane Hakel), is an infamously conservative and bigoted politician. What follows is a series of comedic and heartfelt attempts to make the family appear as “straight and narrow” as possible in order to impress the in-laws. Aided by a vibrant ensemble of characters and show-stopping nightclub performers, the plot never lags in energy or charm.
The La Cagelles alone are worth the price of admission. Each performer brings their own unique flair and personality to the stage, crafting a vibrant world of drag that radiates authenticity and joy. Johnny Reed’s portrayal of Albin is especially unforgettable, emotive, grand, and utterly irreplaceable. Evan James Copeland delivers comedic brilliance as Jacob, the loyal (and delightfully dramatic) butler/maid, while Parker anchors the story with his rich baritone and quiet strength.
The production’s technical elements are just as impressive. Scenic designer Doug Miller and his team transform the stage into everything from a vintage nightclub to a cozy apartment with seamless elegance. The costumes, designed by Alexandria Szczotka, are as dazzling as they are diverse, perfectly complemented by David Blackburn’s striking makeup and Tallie Kissinger’s extravagant wigs. The speed and precision of the costume changes are a show in themselves.
And let’s not overlook the choreography. Dean Shullick’s dynamic movement direction brings a vibrant pulse to the show, reinforcing the deep sense of tradition and passion woven into every step.
Ultimately, what makes “La Cage aux Folles” soar is its heart. This is a production grounded in love, family, and authenticity, one that uplifts the art of drag and vaudeville not just as entertainment, but as a vital form of self-expression. The Croswell's take on this classic is a glowing reminder of the beauty in being seen and the power in being unapologetically yourself.
THE CROSWELL’s production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES continues through Sunday, June 22nd. Tickets can be purchased here.