Christopher Sieber

The original Broadway production opened on August 21, 1983, and ran for four years and 1,761 performances, closing on November 15, 1987. It was nominated for nine 1984 Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical. Subsequently, La Cage made history as the only show to win the Tony Award three times for best production, taking home the hardware again for the revivals in 2005 and 2010. The 20+ cities national tour based on the most recent revival began in October and is now playing at the Citi Performing Arts Center Shubert Theatre in Boston as part of the Lexus Boston Area Dealers Broadway in Boston Series.

George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber star as Georges, the owner of the Saint Tropez nightclub of the title, and his longtime partner Albin, the club's featured chanteuse Zaza. Hamilton receives first billing, but Broadway veteran Sieber is the brightest light of this high wattage ensemble. When he goes from padding about in bathrobe, scuffs and wig cap, to applying his makeup before slipping into Zaza's glittery gown, ostrich feathers, and towering coiffure, Sieber creates his diva, part earth mother, part Sophie Tucker ("A Little More Mascara"). His Albin is a little insecure and a lot sensitive, but give him a wig and a boa, and he's a new "man," coming alive in the glow of the spotlight with the audience eating out of his hand.

Sieber is gifted with a voice that is alternately warm and powerful. He sings with tenderness in a duet with Hamilton ("Song on the Sand") and joie de vivre with the Company ("The Best of Times"), but truly shines in his interpretation of the aforementioned anthem, "I Am What I Am." With his heart breaking, he tentatively croaks out the first lines, but gathers strength and gradually builds volume, confidently singing the final phrases with pride and conviction for a compelling conclusion to the first act. The characterization has more facets in act two, and Sieber is up to the task.

The role of Georges plays to Hamilton's strength, which is to appear suave and debonair, but both the intensity and diversity of emotions are sorely lacking. For example, when Georges is angry with his son Jean-Michel for wanting to disassociate with Albin, his expression is comical and his tone barely reflects his displeasure; and he sometimes behaves more like a father than a loving partner with Albin. While his singing voice has a pleasant timbre and blends well with Sieber's stronger instrument, Hamilton is challenged by having to sustain notes and occasionally lapses into Rex Harrison-ish talk-singing. As for dancing, the less said the better, and one wonders how he managed a six-week run on the second season of "Dancing With the Stars" in 2005. Then, as now, it seems the star got by on his dazzling smile and consummate showmanship.

As compared to the original, this iteration of La Cage is toned down several notches; the nightclub is less glitzy and the infamous chorus of dancing Cagelles is smaller, less glamorous, and far less mysterious. However, there is something sadly telling about the backstage scenes that gives greater authenticity to the performers' moments in front of the footlights, when the audience in the Shubert becomes the patrons in the intimate club on the Riviera. Les Cagelles—Matt Anctil, Logan Keslar, Donald C. Shorter, Jr., Mark Roland, Terry Lavell and Trevor Downey—perform amazing terpsichorean feats with Lynne Page's insanely wonderful choreography. Some of their high kicks would put the Rockettes to shame and they look better than they have a right to in Matthew Wright's stunning costumes.

Jeigh Madjus, an elfin actor with a big attitude, steals the scene every time he appears as Jacob, Albin's maid or butler, depending upon whom you ask. Billy Harrigan Tighe has a sweet voice and establishes Jean-Michel as a young man in thrall who is self-involved, but eventually comes to see the error of his ways. As the object of his affection, Allison Blair McDowell shines in the moment when Anne stands up to her controlling father. Bruce Winant (M. Renaud/M. Dindon) and Cathy Newman (Mme. Renaud/Mme. Dindon) are comical in their dual roles, and Gay Marshall makes an impact as the cunning Jacqueline.

Scenic Designer Tim Shortall, Lighting Designer Nick Richings and Sound Designer Jonathan Deans, Tony nominees all, have created an effective set that serves as both onstage and backstage at La Cage, a seaside promenade, and the rather gauche apartment of Albin and Georges. Music Director Joey Chancey and his small coterie of musicians and synthesizers are situated in view in small loge-like areas flanking the set, providing a satisfactory level of accompaniment in keeping with the scaled back nature of the production.

Tony Award-winning Director Terry Johnson has put more of the focus on the story, the relationships and the struggles than on the glamour and glitz of the St. Tropez setting. He zooms in on the day-to-day hardships and desires of Les Cagelles, as well as the principal characters, and successfully puts his own stamp on the revival. Fierstein's masterful book and Herman's classic songs have had minor alterations, but continue to be the heart and soul of this iconic Broadway musical comedy whose message has repeatedly stood the test of time. I'm happy to report it has renewed its place in my heart.

La Cage aux Folles through December 18 at the Citi Performing Arts Center Shubert Theatre, 270 Tremont Street, Boston; Tickets via Telecharge 866-348-9738 or www.citicenter.org or www.BroadwayInBoston.com. For more information about the tour, visit www.lacage.com.Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman, Book by Harvey Fierstein, Based on the play by Jean Poiret; Scenic Design, Tim Shortall; Costume Design, Matthew Wright; Lighting Design, Nick Richings; Sound Design, Jonathan Deans; Wig & Makeup Design, Richard Mawbey; Music Director, Joey Chancey; Production Stage Manager, Brian J. L'Ecuyer; Orchestrations & Dance Arrangements, Jason Carr; Choreography by Lynne Page; Directed by Terry Johnson.

Cast: George Hamilton, Christopher Sieber, Dale Hensley, Jeigh Madjus, Gay Marshall, Allison Blair McDowell, Cathy Newman, Billy Harrigan Tighe, Bruce Winant, Ashley Kate Adams, Ken Clark, SuEllen Estey, Todd Thurston, Danny Vaccaro; CAGELLES: Matt Anctil, Christophe Caballero, Trevor Downey, Rylyn Juliano, Logan Keslar, Terry Lavell, Todd Lattimore, Mark Roland, Donald C. Shorter, Jr.

Photo: Paul Kolnik