POPULAR musical La Cage aux folles makes a much-anticipated visit to Cardiff's New Theatre in January featuring real-life icon Julie Goodyear (Bett Lynch) of Coronation Street fame.
This is a rare chance to catch Jerry Herman's seldom performed, glamorous and sophisticated musical spectacular, based on the book by Harvey Fierstein.
Running for nearly a year at the London Palladium, it was the toast of the West End in the mid 1980s. Since then, its outrageous, yet touching storyline, and colourful parade of characters has granted it cult status, winning over a whole new generation of fans, and forming the basis for the Robin Williams vehicle, The Birdcage.
Albin and Georges are lovers as well as popular female impersonators starring in the drag queen show, Les Cagelles. Problems arise when Georges' 25- year-old son, Jean-Michel, a result of a brief encounter years back, announces that he is engaged to Anne Dindon, the daughter of a well-known homophobic politician, Edouard Dindon.
Anne's parents want to come and meet Jean-Michel's mother and father. Little do they know that Albin, a man, has essentially been Jean-Michel's mother figure his whole life. Jean-Michel wants to keep Albin away from the Dindons but Albin is hurt and insists on making an appearance.
In the end, after much hilarity, and due to a little blackmail, the Dindon's are forced to accept Jean-Michel into their family.
Considered by many to be Herman's finest work, La Cage aux folles' score is a powerful collection of unforgettable numbers, including 'I Am What I Am,' 'The Best of Times' and 'Song on the Sand'.
Add to that a collection of stunning production numbers, and dazzling costumes, based on designs for the New York and London productions and you've got what promises to be a very special night for the New Theatre.
La Cage aux folles plays Cardiff's New Theatre Tuesday January 29 to Saturday February 2. Performances are 7.30pm Tuesday-Thursday, and 5pm and 8.30pm Friday and Saturday. Tickets are priced at £7 to £19.50. Box office: 029 2087 8889.
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