When the curtain rises on “La Cage Aux Folles,” Marathon Community Theatre’s newest musical, crowds can expect to be dazzled by spectacular costumes and no shortage of catchy tunes as the cast brings a colorful drag club to life.
However, as director Fred Hundhammer explains, at its core, “La Cage” truly centers around“a family, but an unusual family.” The show centers around Georges (John Hunt) and his partner Albin (John Journell), the manager and star attraction of a Saint Tropez drag club. The two have managed to stay together for 20 years, but are about to face their biggest test when their son Jean-Michel (Justin Ahearn) announces his engagement to Anne Dindon (Sarah Brignac). The only problem? Jean-Michel’s soon-to-be father-in-law is the leader of the “Tradition, Family and Morality Party,” with an openly stated purpose of closing local drag clubs. Jean-Michel asks his parents to put on yet another act to make his family situation more palatable to his future in-laws, and the comedy (and drama) truly begins.
Hundhammer is quick to praise the resolve and work ethic of the cast, noting that the show has challenged many of them to push beyond the scope of their prior theatrical experience. “They worked very hard to create something they’re not used to creating. Half the people here have never seen a drag show, and some have performed in them but have never acted in a play before. I’m proud of the way it’s coming together; they’re a hardworking group.”
By the time audiences leave the MCT playhouse, the cast and crew hope they can depart with “an appreciation for tolerance and beautiful music.” In Hundhammer’s words, “It’s a colorful show, and I hope Marathon audiences can enjoy it.”
“La Cage” has an 8 p.m. curtain on Thursdays through Saturdays from Mar. 7 through Apr. 6, with a matinee performance on Sunday, Mar. 24 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the MCT box office, by calling 305-743-0994, or by visiting http://www.marathontheater.org.
