As a theater enthusiast with a penchant for the dramatic and a soft spot for musicals, I can’t help but be thrilled about Cheyenne Jackson’s return to the world of musical theater. Having grown up watching Broadway legends like him grace the stage, I must admit that his talent has always left me in awe.
Broadway veteran Cheyenne Jackson was considering a hiatus from musical theater, much like he had done previously. However, this changed when an irresistible opportunity came his way.
Sam Pinkleton, the director, expressed interest in casting you as the lead for the revival of the Tony-winning musical ‘La Cage aux Folles’ at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Jackson, who is recognized by TV viewers from shows like “Doctor Odyssey,” “Call Me Kat,” “American Horror Story,” and “30 Rock,” explains that a week before Sam’s call, he had already decided to step away from musical theater once more. He had previously taken a break for about 10 years, and felt satisfied with his creative needs as he had worked on productions such as “Once Upon a Mattress” and “Into the Woods.” However, Jackson was eager to shift his focus towards writing and other endeavors. Sam’s call came in, and knowing about the upcoming project ‘Oh, Mary!’, he was persuaded by Sam’s vision and decided to join the team.
In a twist of events, Jackson plays Georges, proprietor of a drag club in the South of France, who is requested by his son Jean-Michel (portrayed by Ryan J. Haddad) to feign heterosexuality for one evening to meet the future spouse’s parents (Michael McDonald and Nicole Parker), as the father-in-law-to-be is a conservative politician hostile towards the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for the closure of drag clubs. A wave of comedy unfolds when Georges’ long-term companion and the club’s reigning drag queen, Albin (Kevin Cahoon), unexpectedly arrives at the family gathering disguised as Jean-Michael’s elderly aunt.
The primarily LGBTQ cast is rounded out by George Salazar playing the role of Albin’s maid Jacob, with additional ensemble members being drag queens and gender-bending performers portraying the club’s Les Cagelles.)
Jackson remarks, ‘Everything feels so unusual.’ He continues, ‘It’s as if I’m participating in a grand, sparkly celebration each evening. It serves as an ideal form of therapy for me.’
The film “La Cage aux Folles” is based on a play and an influential 1978 French comedy movie with the same title. Directed by Mike Nichols and written by Elaine May, their American remake titled “The Birdcage” featured Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in leading roles.
Jackson admits he hasn’t had the chance to watch ‘La Cage,’ either the French film or its Broadway version, because he was always involved in a show when ‘La Cage’ was playing. However, he has watched ‘The Birdcage’ instead.
The resurgence took place barely two weeks following Donald Trump’s re-election. “We find ourselves discussing a political figure who aims to shut down all the drag clubs and enforce his moral values,” Jackson remarks. “The performance couldn’t be more relevant right now.
The musical “La Cage aux Folles” is on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse until December 15th. To purchase tickets, visit pasadenaplayhouse.org.
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2024-11-26 08:46