La Cage aux Folles takes the spotlight at University Theatre

(Norman, Okla.) – It’s sparkle dust, ostrich plumes and a whirl of flamboyant fun as OU Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre and University Theatre present the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical La Cage aux Folles.  The production opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, with five additional performances at 8 p.m. Feb. 28, March 6 and 7, and matinees at 3 p.m. March 1 and 8 in the Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval in Norman. The production is led by the artistic genius of OU faculty members Shawn Churchman, director, Lyn Cramer choreographer, Harold Mortimer music director/conductor, and Paul Christman, artistic director. This production is rated R.

La Cage aux Folles allows its audience to enjoy the experience of a night out in the campiest of St. Tropez drag nightclubs as well as a "meet the parents" farcical comedy. This “modern family” musical was created by Harvey Fierstein, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman.

“La Cage aux Folles remains as groundbreaking today as it was 30 years ago.  The secret is a simple story wrapped in a “fabulous” package,” Churchman explains.

Background - The original 1983 Broadway production received nine nominations for Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. The success of the musical spawned a West End (London) production and several international runs. The 2004 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Revival, the 2008 London revival garnered the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. The 2010 Broadway revival was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. La Cage aux Folles is the only musical which has won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical twice, and the only show that has won a Best Production Tony Award (Best Musical or Best Revival of a Musical) for each of its Broadway productions.

OU Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre students excel in this large 25-member cast.  Lead roles are played by Tanner Rose, as Albin, guest artist and OU alum Aaron Umsted, as George, and Aaron Boudreaux, as Jean-Michel. Rounding out the cast are: Victoria Abhalter, Clair Avakian, Brandon Block, Matthew Borchers, Kai Daly, Conor Donnely, William Harris, Jeff Jordan, Andrew Kohagen, Mark Jammal, Mattie Joyner, Spencer Laboda, Patrick Nowak, Michelle Owens, Katie Perry, Madison Pugh, Gray Randolph, Aubrey Reece, Basit Shittu, Taylor Rae Steedman, Andy Tofa and Daniel Verschelden. 

The production staff includes Jon Young, scenic designer, Lloyd Cracknell, costume designer, Adam Honoré, lighting designer, Alan Hiserodt, sound designer, Taylor Finley, stage manager, Scott Henkels, technical director, Kasey Allee-Foreman, production manager and Rich Taylor, executive producer.

For the best price, purchase tickets in advance by phone, online, or in person at the OU Fine Arts Box Office at (405) 325-4101, theatre.ou.edu, located at 500 W. Boyd St, Catlett Music Center, Norman. Advance ticket prices for La Cage aux folles are $30 for adults, $25 senior adult, OU faculty and staff, and military, and $20 for students.  Tickets at the door are $40 for adults and $25 for students, cash or check only.  Get social with OU University Theatre by becoming a fan on Facebook.  The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution, www.ou.edu/eoo.  For accommodations on the basis of disability call the OU Fine Arts Box Office (405) 325-4101.

The Gayly – February 27, 2015 @ 9:30am.