UPDATE: After a successful first run, 9 Works Theatrical will bring back Broadway’s fabulous musical comedy La Cage Aux Folles beginning August 15 up to September 6, 2015 in RCBC Theater in RCBC Plaza, Makati. Read on for my review of their first run in Manila, and scroll to the bottom of the page for show dates.

(Originally posted on March 5, 2015) If you’ve ever had to hide or even tone down who you are for the sake of family, a relationship (or the hope of finding one), or a job, then you’ll find that one of Broadway’s most beloved hit musicals La Cage Aux Folles will resonate with you, as it did with me—all while causing you to roar with laughter from start to finish. Now, you can watch it too, as 9 Works Theatrical brings La Cage Aux Folles to Manila.

More than just a play about being comfortable in your sexuality (on which the Robin Williams film Birdcage is based), the three-time Tony Award-winning musical hit is about being comfortable in your own skin, in accepting and never apologizing for or being ashamed of who you are, misunderstood as you may be. This hit a nerve, as I have many been told many times that I’m too maarte, too flamboyant, too flashy—as if this is something to be ashamed of, to hide, or to at least tone down. But if there’s anything the play—and of course life—teaches you, it’s that you mustn’t hide in the closet or tone down who you are; you have to be proud of who you are. La Cage is a celebration of love for oneself, accepting who we are, quirks and all, as encapsulated in La Cage Aux Folles’ most popular song, “I Am What I Am,” covered by the likes of Shirley Bassey and Gloria Gaynor, which eventually went on to top the UK charts.

The Plot

Literally meaning “the cage of mad women,” with folles being a slang term for effeminate homosexuals, La Cage Aux Folles shows the love story of Georges (played by TV and film actor Michael de Mesa), owner of a popular nightclub in Saint-Tropez, and his life partner Albin (played by veteran stage actor Audie Gemora), who is the club’s star attraction with the stage name Zaza.

Set against the backdrop of the ‘70s and the French Riviera, a time when the gay revolution was high and nigh, the musical is based on the 1973 French play by Jean Poiret and ignites when Georges’ son Jean-Michel (played by TV actor Steven Silva) brings home his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents (played by Miss Saigon alumnus Raul Montesa and star of West End and theater stalwart Sheila Francisco) to meet him and Albin whom he affectionately calls ‘mother.’ Mayhem erupts, role-playing and hilarity ensue, and family ties and personal beliefs are put to the test.

Missy Macuja-Elizalde, daughter of prima ballerina Liza Macuja and who is herself a rising star of the ballet stage, plays the role of Jean-Michel’s fiancee, Anne Dindon. She’s so pretty, and also playful, graceful, and game. Miss Saigon alumna Analin Bantug is also in the cast as restaurant owner Jacqueline, who will have a crucial role in the tummy-aching story.

Indeed, La Cage Aux Folles is one of the funniest musicals I’ve ever watched. I had a smile on my face throughout the whole show. It’s definitely a must-watch. Here are just some of the reasons why (I’m sure you’ll find more reasons to love it when you watch it):

1. Audie Gemora as Albin/Zaza is funny, endearing, and super fabulous as Albin/Zaza.

He’s a gem! He delivered punchline after punchline in perfect comedic timing, complete with utterly believable facial expressions, tone of voice, and flamboyant movement—from the tick of his fingers and flick of his wrist, to the way he sashays around the stage.

2. Theater veteran Noel Rayos as Jacob the butler and Albin’s personal assistant is one of my favorites in the musical and the cast.

Next to Audie’s performance and punchlines, I think it was Noel who made me laugh the hardest. With every costume change, every sudden appearance onstage, I have come to look forward to Jacob’s presence in scenes. Noel’s character and performance was such a delight to watch! It’s a pleasant surprise for me, which I shall try to not ruin for you by leaving it at that.

3. Michael de Mesa’s great acting and showmanship, as well as his delivering the “aww”-inducing kilig moments as Georges.

Michael de Mesa’s Georges is sensitive, loving, and super sweet to Albin and Jean-Michel. It’s so cute when he begs—when he said “Please” to Albin, drawing out the vowels, it reminded me of how my own boyfriend would do the same thing when he’s trying to coax a smile out of me when I’m having a tampo moment or a tantrum, and it just warmed my heart! Like Audie, he has had his fair share of memorable roles on stage, most notably as Tracy’s mom Edna Turnblad in the musical Hairspray (I watched him there, and he was awesome and hilarious!). I saw him shed tears of joy at the press conference after the preview, sharing how proud he was of the work everyone has done and of being part of the production.

4. The Les Cagelles are hilariously fabulous!

I looked forward to every number, every song, every dance, stunt, and costume, and I was delighted by each and every one. The punchlines made me squeal with laughter, and every performance simply mesmerized me. “We are what we are, and what we are, is an illusion” has been an LSS (last song syndrome) of mine since the press preview last Feb. 27, right before opening night on Feb. 28. I would smile and feel a thrill each time I heard this played or sung.

Transforming as the 10-person corps de ballet known as Les Cagelles is a cross-section of performers from the contemporary dance world, theater, and showbiz, among which are JP Basco, Mara Celine Javier, Randi de Guzman, Carlos Deriada, Chesko Rodriguez, Dindo Divinagracia, Cheeno Macaraig, James Stacey, and TV and film actor Rafa Siguion-Reyna. Choreography is by Arnold Trinidad, PJ Rebullida, and Yek Barlongay; and musical direction is by Joseph Tolentino and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson. Kudos to the choreographer and the costume designers!

5. The costumes are all a glamorous spectacle, they’re as integral to the musical as the performances!

Speaking of which, the costumes deserve a separate item, as they are the collaboration of scenic and costume designer Mio Infante and the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines. I actually wish I can slip into some of the Les Cagelles costumes or Zaza’s gowns and off-duty outfits. Among the famed designers whose creations you’ll see onstage are John Abul, Danilo Franco, Gener Gozum, Edgar Madamba, Ole Morabe, Oscar Peralta, Lito Perez, Nholie Pilapil, Rholand Roxas, Edgar San Diego, and Fanny Serrano.

“We’re truly honored to have them onboard,” shares Infante, adding that Repertory Philippines and theater stalwart Baby Barredo has opened her company’s costume trove to this production of La Cage Aux Folles. “We will be unearthing costumes from Rep’s 1988 production, and from other shows like M. Butterfly as well.”

For inspiration, Infante looked toward the Folies Bergère, a cabaret music hall in the 1890s, all the way through the Années folles (or the golden 20s). Mio also found himself drawing upon the likes of the flamingo showgirls from Las Vegas to add authenticity to the scenes involving the Cagelles.

6. Steven Silva’s singing.

It was a given for the other performers, like Audie and Michael who are seasoned theatre actors and musical performers, but it was the first time I heard Steven sing onstage in a musical (I didn’t watch Grease), and I was really impressed! He’s really proven he can hold his own among more experienced actors like Audie and Michael who played his parents, and that he has definitely come a long way from his teeny-bopper days on GMA-7’s reality show Starstruck, where I first met him back in the day and later on as a hunk on Cosmo! He definitely delivered the hunk factor on this one, too (especially since the other theatre hunk in this musical, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, was all dolled up as a Cagelle most of the time).

7. The set truly transported you to the glitzy and glamorous Saint-Tropez setting of La Cage Aux Folles.

And in over two hours, I was lost in the fantasy. I even felt a slight tinge of sadness when the musical drew to a close to thunderous applause. I just wanted the Les Cagelles performances and the endearing banter between Georges and Albin to go on and on and on!

“With musicals such as Caredivas, Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert being well-received by our local audiences, La Cage Aux Folles arrives at an opportune time when conversation is high and ripe about the gay community,” shares 9 Works Theatrical artistic director Robbie Guevara. “The musical sheds light on issues such as acceptance, gender equality, but triumphs more so in its universality. It’s a musical that speaks to everybody. At the core of its action are friendship, family, love, and how it can exist between two people regardless of sex, background, or ideology.”

La Cage Aux Folles will return to RCBC Plaza, Makati on August 15, at 8PM, with other show dates as follows: Aug. 16, 4PM (Sun); Aug. 22, 8PM (Sat); Aug. 23, 4PM (Sun), Aug. 28, 8PM (Fri); Aug. 29, 8PM (Sat); Aug. 30, 4PM (Sun); Sept. 4, 8PM (Fri); Sept. 5, 8PM (Sat); and Closing Show on Sept. 6, 4PM (Sun).

Show photos by Trixie Reyna

Did you enjoy this story or find it helpful? Get updated on my latest blog posts; like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram.