Theater Review: "La Cage aux Folle" at The Arts at Angeloria's

Southington - The Arts at Angeloria’s, a hidden artistic gem in Southington, is presenting a rainbow-colored production of “La Cage aux Folles” in the Arts Barn on their beautifully manicured property through June 19.

“La Cage” features a book written by the iconic Harvey Firestein with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. The musical is based on a play of the same title written by Jean Poiret and is set in Saint-Tropez. The film “The Birdcage,” starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria, moved the location to South Beach, removed the French, and pumped up the comedic aspects. The musical version probably is better at getting across the acceptance aspects, making it the perfect show for Pride Month. At its roots, the piece is a farce that broke barriers for gay representation in the early 80’s and won six Tony Awards.

Lori Holm is the artistic director, and the “Angeloria” of the venue, and serves as producer, co-director, and set designer for this joyful production. Holm and co-director Peter Weidt work with music director Nick Stanford, who holds a BA in Music from UConn, to keep all of (beach) balls in the air for the three-hour performance (presented with one intermission.)

Technical co-directors Tim Nivison, a Southington High School junior, and Larch Purniton ensure that the stage looks great and that everyone can be heard. Liam Michael Dempsey has choreographed the chorus line known as Les Cagelles and the more refined waltzes equally effectively and the dancers carry it off well. The choreographer, who also commands the stage in the role of Hanna from Hamburg in a fabulous costume, gives a thoughtful description in the virtual program of the “protest art form” onstage at “La Cage” and ensures that the examples provided of character Drag are inclusive and authentic. And, by the way, his embodiment of the performer Hanna is fantastic.

Kim Turret designed the costumes that help immensely to tell the story, with shiny dinner jackets for Georges, tasteful and flattering ensembles for Albin, and a memorable peacock-hued look for Anne’s escape at the end. The costumer did an amazing job of working on a limited budget, The eight-piece orchestra that must squeeze into a corner at the side of the stage filled the barn with their wonderful music under the direction of Stanford.

Ed Rosenblatt, who played Stone in “City of Angels at A@A and calls Holm his “true love” in his bio, is so charming in the role of Georges and sings all of the Herman music very well. The role of his loving partner is brought to life by the multi-talented Roger Grace, who writes that he is celebrating 45 years with his husband during Pride Month.

Joey Abate returns to the A@A stage to play the role of the couple’s son Jean Michel. The young actor brings a heartfelt realness to the role. Abate will be directing two shows this season at the venue, one of which is an original piece written by him. Jason Michael is a riot in the role of maid/butler Jacob.

Les Cagelles are brought to magical life by Simara Rivera, Bobby Batch, Theresa Cusson (Sophie in A@A’s “Mamma Mia!” last summer,) Kulkahn Gorman, Emily Rose (Asaka in “Once on this Island,) and the choreographer. Patrick Cassidy plays the (onstage) stage manager who falls for Hanna.

Nicole Zolad portrays the bride-to-be Anne Dindon. Stephen Maher plays her ultra conservative father Edouard with Leann Crosby as his dutiful wife Marie. Tony Lamberto plays Mr. Renaud and his real life wife Heidi Bass-Lamberto plays his wife. Assistant costumer Liz Parsons covers the role of Colette. Weidt plays a waiter and Tabarro. Kassiani Kontothanasis plays the confident Jacqueline.

Thank you to the Arts at Angeloria’s for bringing this charming piece to their stage at just the right time. Remaining performances are June 17 and 18 at 7:00 p.m., with a closing matinee on June 19 at 2:00 p.m. Bring your own picnic to enjoy before the show and bring a jacket for the newly installed air conditioning, just in case.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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