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Theatre Review: La Cage aux Folles at Stars
Topics: Birdcage, La Cage Aux Folles, Bakersfield, stars, Bakotopia, theater, theatre, musical, comedy, gay
Posted by seafaire Mon Feb 4, 2008 14:04:47 PST
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0 responses 5 comments Location: 1931 Chester Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301

Theatre Review: La Cage aux Folles at Stars
Hit 1978 French musical comes to downtown Bako for a month full of laughs through Feb. 23, 2008

By seafaire, Bakotopia.com contributor

Check out my sleeves and read the stripes - three lines, 10 years each stripe and that equals 30-plus years in the American marriage machine.

Feel free then to ask me what makes a marriage, a family, and even more importantly - what doesn’t?

Saying the words “I love you” by itself is for sissies. If you are not doing, you do not truly love - you are blowing smoke.

Love is an action word. Loving actions come from the heart, and “La Cage aux Folles,” playing at Stars Dinner Theater from Jan. 31 through Feb. 23, wears its heart on a sequin-dipped, feather-floating sleeve.

The story is about a common dilemma of a son who could be marrying the wrong girl from the wrong family - or is it the other way around?

Mischief is rampant in this terrific musical based on a small French indie film that became one of the highest grossing non-English films ever released in 1978. In 1986, the U.S. version of the film and musical - “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams - continued the story.

“La Cage aux Folles” comically details some of the lengths a family will go to in order to please, support and care for each other. We know that loving families are more alike than different, but when the groom-to-be describes his family as “different,” you find out just what he means.

Bakersfield actors Jason McClain and Bruce Saathoff portray a long-suffering gay couple who own a club featuring female impersonators.



Albert (played by Jason McClain) is also the featured star in the club’s cross-dressing review. These two highly experienced performers create constant laughter, but are also believable as a couple who could love and tolerate each other in a long term relationship.

There is much hilarity as the couple attempt to accommodate the wishes of their son to mask their “real” life and appear dreadfully dull and bourgeois.

Each member of the supporting cast creates a jewel of a performance - together c'est magnifique!

Actor Maceo Davis, a man of many incredible costumes, is the scene-stealing houseboy. The lovely Les Cagelles as showgirls and boys decorate the stage in sequins, feathers and miles of gorgeous games.

You must keep your eyes on the stage every minute, as there are too many visual goodies to miss. If the story becomes too silly, order a tall cocktail and let your eyes to roam through oceans of leggy show folk, sky-scraping wigs, and more beads than a decade of Mardi Gras!

The effort put into every costume piece, every wig, the show-stopping production numbers, the incredible finale - this ain’t Vegas, baby, it’s better!

The dinner will dazzle you with a delectable meal from Chef Jack. Some of the choices include a chicken cordon bleu or an incredible stuffed shrimp that I swear had a brush with a very friendly Cajun before landing beautifully on my plate.

The performers love their over-the-top characters and pour heart and soul into every movement and note. Don’t miss it!

-Stars Dinner Theatre - 1931 Chester Ave., downtown
-PERFORMANCE DATES: Feb. 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
-TIME: Doors at 6:30, show at 8 p.m.
-PRICES: $49 - $41 includes dinner / $25 Show only
-INFO: 661-325 - 6100

Originally printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 21, 2-7-08

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Comment From: matt

The Birdcage is one of my favorite comedies. I remember seeing the French movie version of 'La Cage' on Moviechannel back in the day! They made a sequel too... Comment From: LiveForInsanity

I completely agree with your review.I got to watch this wonderful show come together and finally got to see it all the way through for the first time on Sunday. It's such an enjoyable show...Jason is hilarious! Maceo was such a sport in those adorable outfits...Bruce, well he's just a great person in general and an amazing actor...and the lovely cagelles will never be forgotten! Oh those times back stage...But yes! I would so recommend this show to anyone who wants to see it!P.s. The louder the audience, the better show you get!! The cheers make it!!<3 La Cage!!!!-D.R

Comment From: jenraven

YAY for theatre reviews ... YAY for Bakotopia.com! Comment From: SamG

Thank you for the review! Can't wait to see the show! Comment From: rajbandfly

There are only two shows left of this wonderful musical. People, DO NOT MISS THIS ONE. I am playing bass in the pit for this show and it is one of the best this company has put on.