Thoughts on La Cage aux Folles.
I went to see this yesterday, and in the voice of Craig Revel Horwood, it is FAB U LOUS. I really loved it. John B and Simon Burke were note perfect. The whole cast was excellent. There were two numbers that were absolute perfection. One was "I am what I am" which is a show stopper. I have seen some pretty good singers in my time, even the likes of Carreras, and I think JB doing this song was one of the greatest solos I've ever seen. The other number is a whole cast production number early in the second half.
Now the important things, I searched JB's face for signs of botox (I was pretty close to the front) and couldn't see any. He still has his frowny bit between the eyes, and a lined forehead. I was very relieved, nothing uglier than that startled look. If he does use it, can only be on crows feet as that was the only area I couldn't see any sign of wrinkles. Of course make up can cover those. He has amazing legs, but does have a very masculine body. Unlike the cagelles who are so skinny it's painful, and amazing dancers, JB definitely looks muscle bound and has a man's figure. The most lovely bit early on when he is wearing a bustier, and his body does look very good. He looks very thin in the suits, and he is the tallest person in the cast, even in the bits without heels.
Now for my only slight reservations. I did think he was too pretty and young, and just really good. Now Albin is supposed to be faded, past his prime, and only get some small roles out of respect for his history. JB was powerful and brilliant and young, so the dialogue and story were at odds with his performance. There were one or two moments when that tired and jaded thing came across, but not really. I know the critics have really picked up on this, and JB is defensive, but they have a point, it's one of the main themes of the story. His acting was brilliant in terms of the comedy, very funny, his drag was hilarious. Also the banter with the audience was very well done. However his acting isn't overly strong in terms of portraying the deep hurt that Albin has experienced. There is a scene where he is trying to walk like John Wayne, now JB plays up to it, got the LOL's from the audience, it was brilliant. But, in the original French film, that scene is very poignant, because it is funny, very much so, but there is such pathos and sadness underlying it. JB would give one of his cheesy grins, when really, his character is devastated by the most awful things that have just been said to him by the son. So I felt he sometimes slipped out of character to be his usual self, and it was a shame. How great would it have been if he had embraced the faded queen, trying to cling to some dignity whilst hearing and knowing that he has become ridiculous. I think it is tough to get that across on stage, as there are so many laughs in it as well. I do know from friends who have seen this and earlier casts, that previous incumbents in the role have achieved it. JB is also not as camp as Albin is usually played, but I think he plays the overdramatic queeny bits very well.