The Carnegie opened its production of La Cage aux Folles this week. Playing only through August 23, 2026, this team of entertainers will to transport you to Saint-Tropez for a night of heartwarming spectacle that can’t be missed.
The Story
La Cage aux Folles follows Georges (Kevin Kelly), the owner of a glamorous nightclub in Saint-Tropez, and his longtime partner, Albin (Josh Walden), the star performer of the club. Their comfortable life is turned upside down when their son (Jack Haroutunian) announces his engagement to the daughter of a highly conservative politician (Arden Allmon). When their son asks Albin to hide his flamboyant identity for the meeting with his future in-laws, a hilarious series of complications unfolds.
The Carnegie’s production of La Cage aux Folles will send audience members home with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. With its infectious energy and colorful design, this is the kind of production that reminds audiences of why live theatre is such a special experience.
The evening begins well before the curtain rises. One hour before the performance, audiences are invited to a beach-themed preshow party complete with lifeguards and caftan queens. Guests can grab concessions, mingle, and join in the fun before taking their seats. It is a clever touch that immediately establishes the spirit of the evening and allows the audience to join the world of La Cage aux Folles.
The Performances in La Cage
At the center of that world is Josh Walden as Albin, and their performance gives the production its beating heart—and its most electrifying moments. Walden’s performance of “I Am What I Am” is especially moving, building from personal vulnerability into a powerful declaration of identity and pride. The audience responded with a completely deserved mid-show standing ovation at the conclusion of the number. It is one of those theatrical moments when the distinction between performer and audience seems to disappear.
Walden also takes on the role of choreographer, and their work with Les Cagelles is a highlight of the production. Connor Austin (Hanna), Zach “Zoo” Finkelstein (Babette), Benji Godley-Fisher (Mercedes), Sheldon Mba (Phaedra), Zay Tucker (Bitelle), and Way Wagoner (Chantal) bring tremendous personality and athleticism to their numbers. The choreography is playful, energetic, and dazzling, giving the performers opportunities to showcase both their comic timing and physical abilities. Walden further showcases the Cagelles abilities by carefully choreographing each set change to keep the dazzling world of show business alive and beating throughout all scenes. The Cagelles feel like a genuine ensemble rather than simply background dancers, and their enthusiasm is contagious.
Kevin Kelly plays Georges and brings warmth and the confidence necessary to anchor the emotional side of the story. To parallel this grounding performance, we see Max Cadillac as Jacob. Cadillac brings a comedic sparkle to the stage during each entrance, a hilarious addition to the many chaotic storylines of the show. Jack Haroutunian’s Jean-Michel provides an important youthful perspective as the story navigates family, expectations, and acceptance. Together, the principal cast creates a convincing sense of a family whose love for one another ultimately matters more than convention.
The Designers
Tyler Gabbard’s bright, eccentric set design immediately transports the audience into the club scene. It feels theatrical without overwhelming the performers, creating an environment that is colorful and full of personality. Julie Cowger’s lighting design adds another layer of spectacle and mystique to La Cage, emphasizing the show’s glamour while helping transition the audience into its various moods and locations.
The lighting and set pair beautifully with John Faas’s costume design. Bright colors and playful fabrics make the production visually irresistible. These costumes provide the perfect canvas for the wonderful wigs and makeup designed by Kora Sline and Candace Leyland. The result is a world that feels larger than the physical theater itself. Dani Lobello’s sound design contributes to that illusion, immersing the audience in the atmosphere of the club while also helping create the sense of numerous indoor and outdoor spaces within the theater’s limited room.
Jacob Priddy’s music direction and Rachel Stevens’s direction lead the stellar production team. Their combined work keeps the production moving while allowing the humor, emotion and spectacle to naturally coexist. Most importantly, the creative team understands that La Cage aux Folles works best when it is allowed to be both enormously entertaining and genuinely heartwarming.
Overall La Cage aux Folles is a Must-See
Beneath the sequins, dancing, and outrageous costumes is a story that remains true throughout the ages. La Cage is a dazzling celebration of individuality, family, and the joy of being exactly who you are. This ever-present theme makes the show accessible to audiences across generations. The production’s sheer exuberance ensures that there is something to enjoy for everyone.
This is a show that invites you to laugh, dance, cheer, and perhaps even see yourself a little differently by the time the lights come up. In other words, it is exactly what a great night at the theater should be.
Tickets to La Cage aux Folles
La Cage aux Folles runs through August 23rd, 2026 at the Carnegie at 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY 41011. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online at LA CAGE AUX FOLLES – The Carnegie or by calling 859-957-1940.
Run time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
La Cage aux Folles contains mature themes and language, including discussions of suicide, drugs and alcohol, violence, and sexual content.
