Petite ‘La Cage’ looks sweet on Broadway

Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge costar in a modest yet merry revival

BY MICHAEL SOMMERS

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

BROADWAY REVIEW

The Menier Chocolate Factory is a six year-old theater company with a 180-seat space in a Victorian era building in south central London. Specializing in smart, small-scale revivals, the company already has sent several shows to the West End and Broadway, notably "Sunday in the Park with George" and the current "A Little Night Music."

Their latest import is "La Cage aux Folles," which opened Sunday at the Longacre Theatre and showcases a delightful turn by British actor Douglas Hodge as a motherly drag star.

Last revived on Broadway five years ago, the familiar musical packs a typically beguiling score by Jerry Herman and an amusing book by Harvey Fierstein regarding a longtime gay couple who own a drag nightclub in St. Tropez. You know the story, right? So let's skip those details and get on with the show.

Expect not a glitzy production here but rather a surprisingly cozy interpretation of the musical that glows with easygoing warmth. Director Terry Johnson stages matters neatly upon Tim Shortall's cute, modest setting that incorporates the Longacre's pink-and-white wedding cake-style plasterwork into the design. A cluster of café tables and chairs links the stage with the auditorium to foster a sense of intimacy.

Genially partnered by an ingratiating Kelsey Grammer as his lover Georges, Hodge interestingly portrays Albin as something of an anxious shrinking violet who improbably blossoms into the bold, larger-than-life personality of Zaza whenever he gets into mascara and high heels. Confidently commanding the spotlight, Zaza is a blowsy comedienne who always seems to share a naughty secret with her audience.

A.J. Shively and Elena Shaddow look very nice indeed as the sweethearts whose engagement upsets the household. Swishing around with a quavering Latino accent and an impish disposition, Robin De Jesus is a hoot and a half as the girly-boy butler.

Only half a dozen performers depict "Les Cagelles," but they are a springy, energetic crew who gaily romp through choreographer Lynne Page's frisky splits and can-can routines with well-knit precision indicative of the show's unassuming expertise.

Brightly performed by a nine-member musical ensemble, Jason Carr's colorful orchestrations do well by Herman's happy, heartfelt score. It's easy to fall in love with this diminutive charmer of a production.

"La Cage aux Folles" continues an open-end run at the Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48th St., New York. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.lacage.com.