FAQs on ‘La Cage’
What you should know about “La Cage aux Folles,” playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through September.
The musical “La Cage aux Folles” is playing the Goodspeed Opera House through September, and here’s what you should know ...
Timely topics: “La Cage” might be 32 years old, but, boy, does it hit the current zeitgeist, considering how transgenderism and same-sex marriage pop up in the headlines. The characters here aren’t transgender— they’re tranvestites — but the notion of dealing with bigotry over either of those subjects or over gay marriage feels just as fresh now. I mean, the “La Cage” showtune “I Am What I Am” could be Caitlin Jenner’s theme song.
Good stuff: Even discounting the timeliness factor, “La Cage” is blessed with strong material. Jerry Herman has fashioned some of his strongest showtunes for “La Cage” — which is saying something for the guy known for “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mame.” The numbers make an undeniable impression, from the poignant “Look Over There” to the rousing “Best of Times.” The book, meanwhile, which Harvey Fierstein wrote based on Jean Poiret’s play, melds saucy humor with real emotion and substance.
Plot points: “La Cage’s” main characters, IF YOU GO What: "La Cage aux Folles" Where: Goodspeed Opera House, 6 Main St., East Haddam When: Through Sept. 10; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun.; also, 2 p.m. on select Thursdays and 6:30 p.m. on select Sundays Tickets: Start at $27, prices subject to change based on availability Contact: (860) 873-8668, goodspeed.org