Little Theatre's 'La Cage' is sparkling, delightful fun

By Richard Pacheco, Standard-Times correspondent

The Little Theatre of Fall River presents a bold, brisk and spirited "La Cage Aux Folles," ignited by some sparkling performances and vibrant voices.

The familiar tale of a gay couple who have to meet their future daughter-in-law's family is loaded with laughs. The fiancee's father is a politician determined to uphold family values by stamping out the Riviera hot spots that cater to homosexuals. The looming get-to-gether will, of course, cause all sorts of mayhem for the characters -- and merriment for the play's audience.

John E. Moniz sparkles as Georges, Jean Michel's father and the owner of the hottest transvestite night spot in town. Mr. Moniz has a rich voice and impressive stage presence. He performs "Song on the Sand" and "Look Over There" with passion, energy and earnestness.

Bill Whitehead Jr. is simply terrific as Albin, a role he handles with dash and flair. He swishes about amusingly, but his voice packs a lot of power. His rendition of "I Am What I Am" is an elegant and emotional show-stopper. His duet with Mr. Moniz, "With You on My Arm," is stylishly lustrous.

John Ashley is right on the mark as Jean Michel. His frantic sincerity and concern is vivid. He renders "With Anne on My Arm" with conviction and grace.

Holly Ashley turns in a deft performance as the sweetly sincere fiancée, Anne.

Dani Oliveira as the butler/maid, Jacob, is outrageously funny. His antics and mannerisms are wildly amusing, his timing impeccable.

Bruce Kullander as the uptight, ever proper Edward Dindon is amusingly priggish and snobbish.

Dee Kullander is just right as his somewhat mousy, loyal wife.

Jean MacMillan is engaging as Jacqueline.

The large supporting cast is energetic and full of finesse.

Director Jeff Belanger keeps a rollicking pace, adding laughter with each new touch and twist.

Musical director Al Deston handles it all with poise and skill.

Choreographers Janice MacDonald, Michael J. Coury and Michael Gutter create zesty dance numbers that are a marvel to behold.

It is all rousing fun, deftly performed and skillfully sung.

It will be presented again at the Bristol Community College auditorium 8 tonight and tomorrow night.

LTFR Home Page