The Pasadena Playhouse is betting on nostalgia and star power with its upcoming production of “La Cage aux Folles,” set to open in November. The cast was announced Tuesday.
Leads are Cheyenne Jackson and Kevin Cahoon, both familiar faces to theater and television audiences. Jackson, a Grammy nominee known for his roles in “American Horror Story” and “30 Rock,” will portray Georges. Cahoon, fresh off a Tony nomination for “Shucked,” takes on the role of Albin.
“La Cage aux Folles,” which first graced Broadway in 1983, tells the story of a gay couple who run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez. The musical’s enduring themes of love, family, and acceptance have kept it relevant for decades.
“Beautiful. Bawdy. Bizarre. Welcome to La Cage aux Folles, the hottest drag club in St. Tropez and one of theater’s all-time biggest hits,” The Playhouse teased in its announcement.
Supporting cast members include Ryan J. Haddad (“The Politician”) as Jean-Michel, Shannon Purser (“Stranger Things”) as Anne, and George Salazar (“Impeachment: American Crime Story”) as Jacob. Veteran comedic actors Michael McDonald and Nicole Parker, both alums of “MADtv,” round out the principal cast as Edouard Dindon/M. Renaud and Marie Dindon/Mme. Renaud, respectively. El Beh will play Francis, and Shea Diamond will portray Jacqueline.
The creative team is equally impressive, with Sam Pinkleton directing. Pinkleton recently helmed the Broadway production of “Oh, Mary!” and has previously worked with Pasadena Playhouse on “Head Over Heels.” Music direction is by Darryl Archibald, with choreography by Ani Taj. The design team includes David Zinn (scenic), David Reynoso (costume), Stacey Derosier (lighting), and Daniel Erdberg and Ursula Kwong Brown (sound).
“La Cage aux Folles” features a book by Harvey Fierstein, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. The show is based on the play by Jean Poiret and has won multiple Tony Awards since its original Broadway run.
Pasadena Playhouse is offering a special 3 Show Musical Package, which includes tickets to “La Cage aux Folles” and two special theatrical events at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium: “Anything Goes” (starring Jinkx Monsoon as Reno Sweeney) and “Follies in Concert.”
The production is scheduled to run from Nov. 12 to Dec. 15, 2024, with the press opening on Nov. 17. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m., with additional 7:00 p.m. shows on Nov. 24, Dec. 8, and Dec. 15. Single tickets start at $44, with memberships available starting at $225. Tickets can be purchased through the Pasadena Playhouse website, by phone, or at the box office.
In conjunction with the production, Pasadena Playhouse is offering a 4-part virtual class called “La Cage 101: Behind the Sequins.” The course, taught by musical theater historian Robert W. Schneider, will feature guest appearances by Harvey Fierstein, Director Sam Pinkleton, and Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman.
This production is partially underwritten by The David Lee Foundation, Mary Lou Byrne & Gary W. Kearney, Bill Resnick & Michael J. Stubbs, and Tammi & Lenny Steren.
