Theater review: Expect to be mesmerized by ‘La Cage aux Folles’

Having seen a few rehearsals, interviewed most of the cast and creative team, and attended its press conference, I already had a good idea of what to expect from 9 Works Theatrical's "La Cage aux Folles"—lots of chuckles and a few laughs and maybe some tears. But, I didn't expect it'd leave me speechless after.

The musical is based on a 1973 play of the same name by Jean Poiret. It debuted on Broadway in 1983 and won six Tony Awards and has been revived many times in various stages all over the world.

La Cage aux Folles centers on gay couple Georges (Michael de Mesa), the owner of a drag nightclub in Saint-Tropez, and Albin (Audie Gemora), his partner and, as "Zaza," the club's star. The conflict starts when Georges' son Jean-Michel (Steven Silva), born from a brief love affair, decides to marry Anne (Missy Macuja-Elizalde, Joni Galeste), a young woman from an ultra-conservative family.

Jean-Michel invites Anne's family to his home. But to get the approval of Anne's parents (Raul Montesa and Sheila Francisco), he must rewrite his background and erase his "mother" Albin from the picture.  

The musical opened with a powerful performance of "We Are What We Are" by the La Cagelles in their sequined ensembles and tap shoes. Given the choreography the La Cagelles had to master, I was ready to forgive a slightly sloppy or even a messy performance. But no. The La Cagelles—all experienced dancers, I reminded myself—impressed the crowd with their flawless dancing and singing. It was great enough for a finale; I had to remind myself the musical was just starting. How could they top that? The bar was set too high.

Then, theater actor Noel Rayos entered the scene as Jacob, the couple's butler who insists on being called a maid. And I knew I would be having a good night. If it weren't for Gemora and De Mesa's stellar performances, Rayos would have easily stolen the show.

I know Rayos is a theater veteran, but my gut told me that there was something more. Eureka! I realized after watching the musical that I first saw him as Prince Christian in Trumpets' "Little Mermaid" way back in 2000—my introduction to musical theater.

Jacob was far from the dashing prince Rayos once played. He really made it far. And I bet he's going to reach greater heights after "La Cage aux Folles."

Audie and Michael

I believe that veteran actors should never let you down. So I already had high expectations for De Mesa and Gemora, and thankfully they did not disappoint.

But my respect and appreciation for these two actors even increased after watching musical. Saying De Mesa and Gemora were outstanding would be an understatement. They were graceful on the stage they shared.

Although Gemora's Albin is more ostentatious than De Mesa's subdued Georges, the two of them shone in their solos and duets.

I was listening to the musical's Broadway recordings I found online while writing this review, and I genuinely wished it was Gemora's and De Mesa's voices that were singing instead.

I think it's important to highlight that "La Cage aux Folles" is De Mesa's return to the stage after six years. The TV and film actor just schooled everyone on how one should make a comeback.

Hard work really pays off

The people behind the musical, especially those who were with 9 Works Theatrical for a while, admitted that this was the most ambitious project they've ever mounted.

The cast clocked in six hours a day for four months for rehearsals. The set was decorated by hundreds of lightbulbs. Some of the costumes even needed to be hand-sewn. They even tapped the help of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines to provide some of La Cagelle's gowns.

But after receiving a generous standing ovation from the audience during the press night and rave reviews after their opening weekend, everyone agreed it was all worth it.

The cast and even director Robbie Guevara became emotional in the middle of the post-performance conference with the media when they started to recall the challenges they went through for the musical.

Director Peque Gallaga, who attended the press night, said he used to hate "La Cage aux Folles." He only showed up because he was invited by De Mesa—and he didn't expect this production would make him love the musical he once despised.

The team may be stressing the hard work they did But what makes them artists is that they were able to pull it all off effortlessly, Gallaga added.

With "La Cage aux Folles", 9 Works Theatrical marked its place in Philippine theater and made it livelier than ever. I can't wait to see what the company's next venture will be.  — BM, GMA News

"La Cage aux Folles" will run all weekends of March at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City. For more information, contact info@9workstheatrical.com.