New cast in "La Cage Aux Folles"

[+ beethoven]

I go to the theater a lot, and have posted many comments on The Spa, but never here. So you have no idea of what my tastes are like, and how to evaluate what I say. However, I thought I'd comment on Harvey Fierstein and Jeffery Tambor and the production of "La Cage" that I saw last night (Tuesday). Most disappointing! Mr. Tambor is not up to the task. It's a musical, and it would be nice to engage a lead who can sing. His song about the sands (I forget the exact title) was an embarassment. He ruined a beautiful song. Harvey Fierstein's "I Am What I Am," which closes Act One, was totally devoid of emotion or impact. The production as a whole was cheap and cheesy. Jerry Herman's first mega-hit, "Hello, Dolly," was produced by David Merrick, who pulled out all the stops and spared no expense. I'm sure Mr. Herman was both furious and anguished at this bus-and-truck version.

Let's hope that "Priscilla," which begins previews next week, is a lot better.