Broadway by the Bay, a musical theatre company, continues its 45th Anniversary season with the classic Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles, running Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, October 3 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center (600 N. Delaware Ave., San Mateo).
“We are delighted to bring La Cage aux Folles to the Peninsula,” said Executive Director, Jim Gardia. “This show goes down in history as one of the best musicals of all time, and we know our patrons are going to really love this production!”
Based upon the French play of the same title, La Cage aux Folles, tells the story of Georges – the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment – and Albin – his romantic partner of 20 years and star attraction – and the adventures that ensue when Georges’ son Jean-Michel – fathered during a one-night heterosexual fling – brings home his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents to meet them. With book by Harvey Fierstein and music/lyrics by Jerry Herman, the show features some of Broadway’s most memorable songs including, “I Am What I Am,” “Song on the Sand” and “The Best of Times.” The original Broadway production of La Cage aux Folles won six 1984 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” “Best Score” and “Best Book.” The Broadway revival won the 2005 Tony for “Best Revival of a Musical” and “Best Choreography” and the current Broadway revival won three 2010 Tony awards including “Best Revival of a Musical,” “Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical” and “Best Direction of a Musical.” La Cage aux Folles is the only musical to ever win the Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical” twice and the only show that has won a “Best Musical” award (original and revivals) for every staged production.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Brooke Knight and Executive Director Jim Gardia, Broadway By the Bay will close the 45th season with the West Coast premiere of Broadway by the Year (November 18 – 21). A musical and historical snapshot of the Great White Way highlighting songs from Broadway shows of 1930 (Girl Crazy, Strike Up the Band and The New Yorkers) and 1964 (Funny Girl, Hello Dolly and Fiddler on the Roof).
