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'La Cage' returns, better than everBy BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times Staff Writer© St. Petersburg Times published January 9, 2003 When La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway in 1983, its gay theme was considered risky and daring. Would New York audiences storm out? They loved it. But would it play in Peoria? Or at, say, Hudson's Show Palace Dinner Theatre? You betcha. It broke attendance records when it played in 1999 and became the most-requested encore at the theater. The Show Palace is doing it again, and the newest version, which opened Friday, is better than the first. Director John Vincent Leggio's cast is first-rate, his choreography is energetically precise and he has added some nice surprises. La Cage turns on the performance of Albin, the female impersonator who stars at the club owned by his longtime lover, Georges. Albin is flamboyant, but the actor in the role has to make him appealing to general audiences. Michael L. Walters is a terrific Albin: slightly jaded but still vulnerable, confident but easily hurt, effeminate but not a parody. His off-script, standup comedy routine midway through the show is a hoot. His powerful I Am What I Am brings a catch to the throat. When Jean-Michel, Georges' (Jerry Gulledge) son from a semidrunken night of passion with a showgirl, insists that he's 24 years old, not a mere 20, Gulledge's eye-roll says volumes about vanity and aging. Tyler Fish is a wonderful Jean-Michel; he has a fine singing voice and the exuberance of youth. Matthew McGee, a Show Palace regular (Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Dame Edith/Barbra Streisand in Christmas Spectacular) and a clear audience favorite, vamps it up as the couple's flouncy maid, Jacob. McGee's style -- Jack Benny's drollery coupled with Chevy Chase's pratfalls -- makes the most of his moments onstage. Tom Hansen's glittery set, painted flats and lighting are excellent. The recorded music is okay, especially the concertina solos, but it was a little loud at times on opening night. Erik Michelsen's costumes are appropriately ornate, but can we please lose Georges' ill-fitting sequined coat? THEATER REVIEW: La Cage aux Folles, through Feb. 16 at Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson; 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Doors open two hours before each show for buffet and cash bar. Dinner and show, $37.50; show only, $26.45. Ages 12 and younger, $19.95 and $14.95. Call (727) 863-7949 in west Pasco, toll-free elsewhere 1-888-655-7469.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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