George Hamilton dazzles audiences as the star attraction in the glamorous musical "La Cage Aux Folles," now playing at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.
The Broadway musical, based on the 1973 French play, follows Georges (Hamilton), the manager of the Saint-Tropez drag nightclub "La Cage" and his "wife" Albin (Christopher Sieber), who is the star drag queen performer at the club.
Comedy and chaos collide when Georges' 24-year old son Jean-Micheal (Billy Harrigan Tighe) comes home to announce that he is engaged to the love of his life, Anne Dindon. Her conservative parents plan to come visit Georges and Albin. The only problem is… Jean Micheal does not want Albin there due to his extravagant behavior.
"La Cage Aux Folles" was as fabulous as Broadway musicals get. It truly was a magical experience! The musical numbers caught my attention the most, as they were all vibrant and spectacular. Each number got the audience moving and clapping along in their seats. The opening number of "We Are What We Are" gave the audience a wonderful insight into the whimsical glee of the show. The finale number managed to put a huge smile on each audience member's face.
Mr. Hamilton, who is a Palm Beach native, was pure amazement as his role of Georges. For 72 years old, this man has it all! He is able to belt out one heck of a tune, all the while, having a heart of gold. He really was able to make Georges his own character and most importantly, had fun doing it.
Sieber, who I have had my eye on since starring in the television series Two of a Kind, was able to steal the entire show. His character Albin was over-the-top and zany, which Sieber played to a tee without going overboard. He had a sincerity and warmness about him that made me grow fond of Albin. His performance of "I Am What I Am," which closes out Act 1, brought tears to my eyes as it was done so powerfully and emotionally.
The only small complaint I have was that it was hard to hear Mr. Hamilton at times. Perhaps, his microphone was too low. This, however, had no bearings on the enjoyment of the show or Mr. Hamilton's excellent performance.
"La Cage Aux Folles" ends with a simple message of loving people for who they are and not changing for others. In spite of everything going on in the world, from teen bullying to gay marriage rights, it was excellent to see a humorous musical that makes you realize that it is OK to be just you. This is a message that we all, young and old, can take with us once the show has ended.
I highly recommend seeing "La Cage Aux Folles" before the musical ends its' run at the Kravis Center on February 19th. It is a delightful treat that you do not want to miss. One thing is for sure… it will make you stay FABULOUS forever.
Get your tickets fast, as they are quickly selling out. Please visit kravis.org for more details or call the Kravis Center Box Office at 561-832-7469 or 1-800-572-8471.
Don't wait too long as you will regret missing this musical.
See you at "La Cage Aux Folles."
You can contact me at krcasteel@vwc.edu or on Facebook.
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