Theater Thursday: La Cage Aux Folles

We received complimentary tickets to La Cage Aux Folles for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: La Cage Aux Folles 

 Where: New York City Center

             131 W. 55th St.

             New York NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through June 28, 2026

The musical, La Cage Aux Folles, with its themes of love and acceptance, couldn't be more timely or necessary. The show also has a delightful score loaded with extremely fun, meaningful, and memorable songs. Many of them have become quite popular outside of the show, having been recorded by numerous artists and/or featured in numerous concerts and revues. These include the anthemic "I Am What I Am" and the lovely "The Best of Times".  The music is particularly gorgeous in this iteration of the show. City Center's full orchestra can and does take advantage of the complete orchestrations, which have not been heard since the original production. 

The show has been updated somewhat to reflect changes in the world since it premiered in 1983. A lot of that has to do with the way we now look at gender. For the most part, the changes are positive and reflective of more enlightened and accepting ways of looking at the world and its people. However, one aspect of the plot's resolution no longer makes sense since the setup that would explain it no longer exists. 

Even so, the show is still quite enjoyable, full of brilliant, funny performances and great singing. Particular standouts include Wayne Brady, who radiates charm as Georges, and Michael McElroy and James Jackson Jr., who are quite amusing in supporting roles. The latter particularly chews up the scenery. All in all, the show is a joyous celebration of being who you are and living the life you were meant to lead, not the one others may expect of you. 

And that's our view. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.org/events-tickets/2026-encores-series.

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits:

All La Cage Aux Folles production photos by Joan Marcus.

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Any Concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.