Porter & Brady Electrify 'La Cage aux Folles'

The recent revival of the 1983 musical "La Cage aux Folles" at New York City Center, directed by Robert O'Hara, offers a conventional take on the well-known show. While the production lacks a cutting-edge approach, it is significantly buoyed by the electric chemistry between its stars, Billy Porter and Wayne Brady. They portray the central gay couple, Georges and Albin, with a palpable blend of comic timing and sexual heat, making their long-standing relationship feel authentic.

Despite the dated aspects of Harvey Fierstein's book and a plot that strains credulity, Porter and Brady's performances are compelling. The direction also takes an unconventional approach to the ensemble dancers, Les Cagelles, encouraging individual performer personas rather than strict uniformity. This departure, while creating challenges for choreography, adds a distinctiveness to the production that makes it a memorable, albeit non-traditional, staging of the classic musical.