By Afshin Razi
Beautiful, bawdy and wonderfully theatrical, The Carnegie’s La Cage aux Folles is a glittering musical comedy with catchy Jerry Herman songs, outrageous adult humor and plenty of sequins. Beneath the feathers, however, is a serious story about family, prejudice and the courage to insist that love does not need anyone else’s permission. Herman wrote the music and lyrics, Harvey Fierstein wrote the book, and the musical is based on Jean Poiret’s play. The original Broadway production won the 1984 Tony Award for Best Musical.
Welcome to La Cage
The story takes us to Saint-Tropez, a coastal town on the French Riviera, where Georges is the suave owner and master of ceremonies at the glitzy drag nightclub La Cage aux Folles and his longtime partner Albin stars as Zaza. Their world is upended when Georges’ son, Jean-Michel, plans to marry Anne Dindon, daughter of a rigid conservative politician. Jean-Michel’s solution is to make his family appear “respectable” for one dinner. Naturally, nothing goes according to plan.
Wash Your Eyes and Look Again
There’s a beautiful line in a poem by the Iranian modernist poet Sohrab Sepehri that says, “Wash your eyes; you must look at the world in a different way.” That idea feels tailor-made for La Cage aux Folles.
The show wonderfully conveys the absurdity of social prejudices we might hold, allowing us to reexamine our notions about love, parenting, masculinity, femininity, and family. When you wash your eyes and see beyond old assumptions, it becomes clear that love, care, commitment, and honesty matter far more than conventional roles or appearances. The comedy is broad and deliciously adult, but the undertones are serious. Acceptance here is not passive. It is fierce.
A Cast Ready for the Spotlight
Kevin Kelly is terrific as Georges, bringing a polished showman confidence that reminded me of Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman. Kelly is charismatic, funny and grounded enough to steady the whirlwind around him.
Josh Walden is simply sensational as Albin/Zaza in a true tour-de-force performance. Walden moves from grand diva comedy to wounded dignity to powerhouse vocals with tremendous physical precision. “I Am What I Am” becomes more than a famous show tune. It is a declaration of self-respect. Kelly and Walden are perfectly paired at the center of this production.
Jack Haroutunian wisely plays Jean-Michel with restraint. In a production where so many characters are supposed to play big, Haroutunian gives the story the straight man it needs, pun absolutely intended. Beautiful singing and strong acting chops make Jean-Michel believable even when his choices are frustrating.
Arden Allmon is delightful as Anne. Towards the end of the show, my wife leaned over and said Allmon looks like a young Dolly Parton, and now I cannot unsee it. She certainly brings that same effortless warmth and bright energy to the stage. If there is going to be a Dolly biopic one day, casting directors should take note. Denton Yockey and Sarah Folsom are hilarious as Anne’s conservative parents. Max Cadillac as Jacob and Brittany “Harmony” Hayes as Jacqueline add more levels to the comedy.
Sequins, Skill and Glorious Chaos
Way Wagoner, Connor Austin, Sheldon Mba, Benji Godley-Fisher, Zach “Zoo” Finkelstein and Zay Tucker form a terrific Cagelles ensemble. The dancing is sharp, the audience interaction is fearless, and even when the spotlight moves elsewhere, the background work stays alive through reactions, glances and meaningful body language.
Immersive Magic and Creative Craft
The Carnegie makes the audience part of the fun. The party begins before the curtain with an immersive preshow and continues inside through direct interaction, entrances through the house, winks and flirtation. You are not simply watching La Cage. You become one of its patrons.
Director Rachel Stevens, Walden and music director Jacob Priddy lead The Carnegie’s creative team. Stevens keeps the comedy moving without losing the story beneath it, while Walden’s choreography is energetic and appropriately extravagant. The many rapid costume changes are executed flawlessly and become part of the production’s momentum.
Tyler Gabbard’s scenic design is intricate and realistic, creating a convincingly inhabited nightclub and backstage world. John Faas’ detailed costumes define character as much as they dazzle, complemented by wigs from Kora Sline and Candace Leyland. Julie Cowger’s lighting adds to the nightclub effects. Dani Lobello’s sound and Priddy’s music direction give Herman’s memorable score plenty of polish and punch.
Final Verdict
The Carnegie’s La Cage aux Folles is a masterclass in musical comedy with a massive heart. Between the dazzling lead performances, fearless ensemble work, and rich story, it’s a celebration from the moment you walk through the doors. Do not miss this sparkling, soul-affirming production.
Tickets to La Cage aux Folles
La Cage aux Folles is bringing the Riviera to The Carnegie August 14 through August 23, 2026. Grab your tickets and check showtimes by calling 859-957-1940 or visiting https://thecarnegie.com/
Run time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. Recommended for mature audiences.
