A huge 37 years since its last appearance in Sydney, the Tony Award-winning musical 'La Cage Aux Folles' triumphantly returns, with lauded Australian singer and actor Paul Capsis playing the lead role of Albin.
Written by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman, 'La Cage Aux Folles' is a story of love, commitment, family, and acceptance. The themes of this decades-old production are still just as relevant and enduring today.
'La Cage Aux Folles' is revolutionary and barrier-breaking in its own way thanks to its queer representation and portrayals – the show's emotional track 'I Am What I Am' has gone on to become a queer anthem. Plus, most Australians will know the story from 'The Birdcage', starring Robin Williams.
Joining Paul in 'La Cage Aux Folles' is a cast of immense talent, including Ben Mingay, Stefan Dennis, screen and theatre star, Zoë Ventoura, Chloe Dallimore, Anthony Brandon Wong, Noah Mullins and Chloe Malek.
Meanwhile, the notorious and dangerous Cagelles will be taken on by the all-singing, all-dancing abilities of Nick Eynaud, Nick Jones, Joe Meldrum, Liam Peel, Caity Plummer, Ethan Ritchie, Trent Sinclair and Max Walburn.
Here, Australian performer Paul Capsis chats to us while preparing to play the role of Albin in 'La Cage Aux Folles'.
It’s been almost 40 years since this show played to Sydney audiences. What do you think is the most thrilling part about its return?
That’s nearly as long as I’ve been in the business and fortunately I got to see that production. The environment now is perfect for its return, Post 'Priscilla' and RuPaul, drag is now mainstream. When 'La Cage' premiered, the world was very different. Its message was new and now it's current. The thrilling part is the joy it infuses into the world, the songs, the characters and the comedy, not to mention the dancing, costumes etc. . .
Tell us a bit about your character, Albin.
Albin is a survivor and never ashamed of being born a homosexual. He is married to his partner Georges, long before the concept of same-sex marriage was a thing. He is also a surrogate mother to his partner’s son. The last time I played a mother, my daughter was played by the genius of the theatre, Pamela Rabe and I was a grandmother in that production too! Albin is flamboyant and plays his alter ego Zaza at the La Cage Aux Folles.
What are you most looking forward to about playing Albin?
The humour, the comedy, the world is in desperate need for laughter and some light. The fabulous songs Albin gets to belt out. I’m looking forward to working with Director Cameron Menzies.
How did the prospect of you playing this role come about for you?
The Producer David Hawkins has wanted me to play Albin for some years. David has given me the greatest opportunity of my career, some years ago, playing the iconic MC in 'Cabaret'. Producers like David are rare. He has vision and courage to go against the grain.
And what can you personally relate to most about Albin?
That we are both homosexual, we love to perform, we are artistic, we are tough, we are strong. We are who we are. We are born the way we are and we have no shame or guilt. We embrace what God has given us with much pride.
Why do you think this story resonates so many years later?
The world has changed so much for the better. I can’t help but think of all the courageous trailblazers who set the path for us all to be here. We still have adversaries, we still have homophobes, they will always be there, it’s a sad fact of life. There have been so many revolutions and they keep happening. The thing for me and 'La Cage Aux Folles' is, its celebration of us.
You saw Jon Ewing play the role in the show. Have you taken anything from his performance that you’ll be applying in yours?
It’s so many years ago that I saw him and I think I saw it twice, I loved him and the show so much. I remember the satisfaction of seeing a fellow gay man up there being so brilliant, both as an actor and a singer and John’s performance was rooted in total truth and from that point of view, I shall aim for truth.
What sorts of pre-show rituals/activities do you like to do to hype yourself up before a performance?
I pray mostly. I like to keep quiet and think about the audience and what mood they are in, I take what I’ve been through in the day and leave it at the stage door and collect it when I’m leaving to catch my bus home after the show. I do simple gentle sirens to warm up my voice. I don’t talk about the outside world or current affairs.
What is the main thing you’re hoping to communicate to audiences through your portrayal of Albin?
Power, the power of singing and the deep satisfaction of being your true self. Connecting to the truth of Albin, his struggles, his joys and his passion for living. . . And absolutely the humour and wit and the joy of working with a super talented cast.
'La Cage Aux Folles' plays The Concert Hall – The Concourse (Sydney) from 30 November-3 December.
This story originally appeared on our queer sister site, FROOTY.
