ny1.newsx.cc

NY1 Theater Review: "La Cage Aux Folles"
Updated 04/05/2011 02:28 PM
By: Roma Torre

The Broadway musical "La Cage Aux Folles" recently welcomed Harvey Fierstein and Christopher Sieber to the production. NY1's Roma Torre filed the following review.

"La Cage Aux Folles" seems seedier than ever before. That's high praise for a production that always aimed to restore the show's setting to the back alley. And now with its two new proprietors, Harvey Fierstein and Christopher Sieber, it's clear that what may be lacking in polish is gained in affection -- for each other and from their audience.

At first blush they are the unlikeliest of pairs. Fierstein with his croaky voice and mature plus-size frame, and the dashingly boyish Sieber. But over the course of this two and a half hour musical, we sense a real bond between them that's as close to a true love affair as I've ever felt in this show.

Incredibly, Sieber stepped into the role of Georges with less than two weeks of rehearsal after Jeffrey Tambor abruptly quit. And with his warm and engaging presence -- not to mention wonderful singing voice -- it's turned out to be a perfect fit for him.

The pivotal part of Albin, the club's aging, temperamental drag queen is in the very ample hands of Harvey Fierstein who wrote the book for this musical 28 years ago. He's actually a fine singer despite his vocal limitations but best of all, his expressive face and heartfelt delivery renders him a teddy bear that you want to hug.

Even if you have seen La Cage before, Harvey and Christopher are bound to make you fall in love with it all over again.




Copyright © 2008 NY1 News