‘La Cage Aux Folles’ is a timeless classic that gives Muny theater-goers permission to leave their prejudices in Forest Park and come inside and be whoever they are. When the curtain opens, a kaleidoscope of sparkling colors, glitz, and glamour will take you away to a nightclub on the French Riviera where the atmosphere is festive, fun, and flashy.

     It’s the story of a gay couple who have been in a long-term relationship and have raised one son, Jean-Michel (Mason Reeves). They live above their nightclub, La Cage Aux Folles. Georges (Norm Lewis) is the manager/emcee and Albin (Michael James Scott) is ZaZa–the star of the show. Their shows are spectacular extravaganzas of sparkling dancing drag queens in feathered costumes and jaw-dropping headdresses.

    Jean-Michel (Reeves) has announced that he wants to marry Anne Dindon (Cameron Anika Hill). Anne’s father (Terence Archie) is head of the conservative “Tradition, Family, and Morality” party. Anne’s parents are coming to dinner to meet Jean-Michel’s parents and Jean-Michel wants them to appear “normal.” Domestic bliss is turned on its head when Jean-Michel begins to redecorate the apartment and insist that Albin (Scott) not be there for dinner because he is too flamboyant. Georges (Lewis) reluctantly agrees to pretend to be heterosexual for one night and invites Jean-Michel’s birth mother to attend the dinner. With all the pretending going on, the stage is set for a comedy of errors and lots of laughs.

     ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ was originally a French play written by Jean Poiret in 1973. It was later rewritten by Harvey Fierstein and given music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. It made it’s only other appearance at The Muny in 1986, after playing four years on Broadway. In 1996, the movie “The Birdcage,” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, became the spinoff that most people recognize.

    The ensemble for this show can look like Las Vegas showgirls, Parisian can-can dancers, or a menagerie of high-strutting birds and animals. The costumes are worth the price of admission! And the dancing is energetic and more fun than Mardi Gras! It runs the gamut from ballet to cartwheels that end in splits. Richard J. Hinds has made a triumphant debut as a Muny choreographer.

    Each cast member deserves a separate review, but I only have space to single out the biggest star, Michael James Scott, who brought the house down during the curtain calls. He put his heart and soul into the role and worked up a visible sweat. He made us laugh and he made us want to cry. When he tried to play a straight man, he was a hoot. As Albin, he gave us a glimpse of the real issues that are painfully relevant in today’s political climate.

     This was my first time to see ‘La Cage Aux Folles,’ but somehow I was familiar with the music. From the overture to the sing-along during the finale, I loved what I heard. My favorite songs are “We Are What We Are” sung by Georges (Lewis) and Les Cagelles; “I Am What I Am” sung by Albin (Scott); and “The Best of Times” sung by Albin (Scott), Jacqueline (Meghan Murphy) & Company.

     My litmus test for a good Muny musical is simple. The music has to grab me from the beginning and send me home humming. The actors have to be excellent singers and well-suited for their roles. The choreography has to be outstanding. The costumes have to be breathtaking. The sets must be awesome. The storyline must have romance, comedy and a happy ending. In short, ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ has it all. Seeing it made me feel like it was the best of times.

    ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ will be playing at The Muny in Forest Park now through Aug. 14. See it and be part of The Muny’s 107th season.

  Photos: Bottom  ensemble performing  a scene from “La Cage Aux Folles”