Munster, Indiana
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
James Harms stars as “Albin” in Theatre at the Center’s production
of the award winning musical La Cage aux Folles
Photo credit: Greg Kolack
Theatre at the Center
Presents the Smash Hit Musical Comedy
"La Cage aux Folles"
February 7 until March 9
review by Ed Vincent
La Cage aux Folles is based upon a play by Jean Poiret (1973) and was later made into several films by the same name. It has also been performed live for many years on stage. The play
may best be know to many by the American version with the name of “The Birdcage” starring the wild Robin Williams and the wonderful Nathan Lane. The American film was a real comedy, much more light hearted than the play.
The play embraces plenty of humor and irony, but also gives
us some good lessons in tolerance and the lives of others. The
musical numbers and dancing are fantastic. The drama is
sort of a Midsummer Night's Dream in the Gay world.
The story, the songs, the dance, and the drama will get you
smiling and thinking. James Harms as Albin is a charm and
having seen him recently as Scrooge, reminds us all about what
good acting is, and Harms is excellent. Larry Adams, in the
role of Georges is top notched and a great team with James
Harms.
The entire cast is great and the events will keep you guessing
and wondering what is next. You may get somethings right
and somethings wrong, but a lot of the time you won't be
sure. Get a ticket and have some fun.
Larry Adams as “Georges” and James Harms as “Albin”
Photo credit: Greg Kolack
Theatre at the Center
Presents the Smash Hit Musical Comedy
La Cage aux Folles
Previews January 31 and opens February 7
Munster, Ind. – One of Broadway’s most popular musicals, La Cage aux Folles previews January 31, opens February 7 and closes March 9 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. With book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman, La Cage aux Folles is based on a 1973 French play by Jean Poiret and the subsequent 1978 French-Italian film of the same name. La Cage aux Folles later became the inspiration for the American film “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. La Cage aux Folles went on to receive eight Tony Awards in both 1983 and 2004. Theatre at the Center’s production will be directed by multi Jeff Award winning director Bill Pullinsi. Pullinsi has taken home multiple awards for his productions of La Cage aux Folles at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in 1987-88 and 1991-92. James Harms will also reprise his three-time Jeff award winning role as “Albin” in this production.
Rudy Hogenmiller will choreograph this production with musical direction by Bill Underwood. Set design is by Nick Mozak, lighting design by Denise Karzewski and costume design is by Nikki Delhomme. Production manager is Chuck Gessert, stage manager is Rebecca Green and Technical Director is Ann Davis.
La Cage aux Folles is a boisterous and uplifting celebration of love in an untraditional family who owns a popular St. Tropez nightclub. Albin (James Harms) and Georges’ (Larry Adams) twenty years of domestic tranquility is shattered when their son, Jean-Michel (Phil Higgins) must introduce his prospective straight-laced in-laws to his own loving "parents". The show is filled with gorgeous costumes, fabulous dance numbers and a wonderful score including “The Best of Times”, “I Am What I Am” and “The Song on the Sand”.
La Cage aux Folles first opened on Broadway August 21, 1983 at the Palace Theatre where it ran for 1,761 performances. The original cast, directed by Arthur Laurents, starred Gene Barry as “Georges”, George Hearn as “Albin” and John Weiner as “Jean-Michel”. This production received the 1983 Tony Award® for Best Musical as well as a slew of other awards including: Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Actor, Best Costume Design and Best Direction.
On December 9, 2004 a Broadway revival of the production opened at the Marquis Theatre. The production, directed by Jerry Zaks, ran for 229 performances and garnered an additional two Tony Awards® that year for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Choreography.
Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional, equity theater located at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.
The regular schedule is: Wednesdays & Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. ($36.00); Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. ($36.00) and 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. ($40.00). Additional performances include occasional Friday and Saturday matinees and Thursday and Sunday evenings. Season subscriptions are $150. Gift certificates are available and make the perfect gift for all occasions. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. For groups, contact Charlie Misovye at 219.826.3258. For more information
on Theatre at the Center, visit www.theatreatthecenter.org.
It took us only 40 minutes by car from Oak Park and there were plenty of places to eat in the area too.
Performance times for all shows are: Wednesdays & Thursdays
at 2 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays 2:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m and
Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and may be
purchased by calling 800.511.1552. Group discounts are available by
calling 219.836.3258. Theatre at the Center is located at 1040
Ridge Road in Munster, Indiana and is conveniently located off
I-80/94.
For more information on Theater at the Center, visit
www.theatreatthecenter.com.
© Oak Park Journal
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
