Trinity Rep’s ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ A Funny, Stylish Romp

PROVIDENCE, RI — Celebrating LGBTQ Pride, Trinity Rep’s ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ , the beloved musical, closes its 2023-2024 season with a the company’s funny and stylish production.

This is a highly entertaining show with a lot of heart and soul. Stephen Thorne (“Sweeney Todd”) stars as gay nightclub owner Georges and newcomer C. Mingo Long is Albin, his lover.

Albin’s alter ego is Zaza, the main attraction at George’s club, La Cage Aux Folles. Their son is Jean-Michel (Michael Jennings Mahoney), who announces his engagement to Anne (Kayla Shimizu). Georges and Albin are thrilled to hear about it, but there’s a small problem: Anne’s father (Dereks Thomas) is an ultra-conservative activist from a “family morality” organization and therefore, bound to be horrified by being around gays.

Jean-Michel and George plan to pull a trick on Anne’s parents when they visit. Jean-Michel’s long absent mother will pretend to be Georges’ wife, to give the illusion of a heterosexual household. This involves leaving Albin out in the cold. The situation develops into a zany farce when Jean-Michel’s mother fails to show up for the big family meeting with the Dindons – Anne’s parents.

Georges’ goes a bit overboard when he redecorates the house with lots of religious symbols to please Mr. Dindon. Brad Reinking is an irreverent blast as the saucy Jacob, Albin and Georges’ “maid” who reluctantly becomes a butler when the Dindons arrive.

“La Cage Aux Folles” began as a play by Jean Poiret before being adapted into a musical in the 1980s. Jerry Herman wrote the music and lyrics. Harvey Fierstein wrote the book. Taavon Gamble, who has appeared in several Trinity productions, served as director and choreographer. Long brings real star quality to his dual roles as Albin and Zaza, displaying real vulnerability on the tender Act One closer, “I Am What I Am” – a clarion call for being yourself without apology.

Thorne displays expert comic timing as the sometimes selfish and bewildered Georges. His attempts to make Albin act masculine generate plenty of laughs. Rachael Warren (“Sweeney Todd”) brings warm personality and charm to the role of restaurant owner Jacqueline.

Last but not least, there are the actors playing Les Cagelles, the performing troupe at La Cage: Alexander Crespo-Rosario II, Augusto Guardado, Alex LeBlanc, Kevin Patrick Martin, and Stephen Ursprung. One of the highlights was the joyful performance of “The Best of Times” set in the restaurant with Albin, Georges, Jean-Michel, and the Dindons.

Janie Howland’s set design, featuring lots of chandeliers and glittering lights, is truly spectacular, along with Olivera Gajic’s imaginative costumes and Erica Lauren Maholmes’s colorful lighting.

The orchestra, conducted by Andrew Smithson, was in fine form throughout the performance. “La Cage Aux Folles” is a celebration of love and music and glamorous drag queens.

At two and a half hours, it’s a bit on the long side, but it delivers what it promises: a funny and stylish romp with high energy.

La Cage Aux Folles runs through June 30. Trinity Repertory Company. 201 Washington St., Providence. For tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit trinityrep.com.