David Engel - I AM WHAT I AM - La Cage aux Folles

[TheChiliDragon]

I have always preferred the emotional (=insecure/nervous, but determined not to back down) versions of this song, compared to the ones who proudly belt it out. Being who you honestly are, for all the world to see, is scary. And so very liberating :)

[rose13red]

This is a song for everyone and this singer is so powerful I choked up a little.

[mnemko]

The Hearn version is better acting, especially in the slow portion. But this has a more overt power. I get the chills from this one.

[WicHavenGrove]

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ThatOneFreakyChic]

This is second best to hearing it live in Chicago. It pretty much makes my life.

[ducky811]

I am DYING to play this part!!! I cannot sing for SH*T though. I would have to use a vocal track and lip sync it.

[olliemenzelchenoweth]

@ducky811 i sung it..if i could do it..anybody can..but i used a different technique , but i performed it live !

[lincsposter]

Sadly my family did not agree with this and sent me to Coventry! (English for we don't want to know him!) Great song no matter who sings it! Life's not worth a damn!

[jjff619]

I m hetero, but support gay and les. heartily. As some of me friends are gay/les, i know they suffer a lot.. eye watering while watching this video. Shout loud, I am What I am!

[77cobby]

Oh my...this is the best interpretation of this song I've ever seen!! Bravo!

[pitabread12]

i came to this video expecting to declare how much more I love John Barrowman\s version of this song... but actually, I really like this guy's performance. well done, I say!

[DC11961]

I feel like Douglas Hodge was a good Zaza/Albin personality wise but in looks and voice David Engel surpassed him by FAR.

[Aperryable]

this is amazing

[jacobdmarsing]

Perfect! Absolutely Perfect!

[lincsposter]

A very powerful and heart-felt performance! I agree with other posters - this is a song for EVERYONE regardless of sexuality. If we were all the same , life would be very boring!

[myloverisbillmurray]

damn good job! bit too much shouting for me, but damn good! made me feel proud to be a white hetrosexual male AND an individual!

[JBaumann2012]

I fucking love this song

[gvt2u]

Didn't David play the drag queen with the whip in the original production?

[f8ball]

@gvt2u Yep! He was Hanna from Hamburg in the original.

[gallimarie99]

The best performance of I am what I am that i have been able to find on youtube, and in my opinion, the best performance out there. I have seen La Cage live, and David Engel's version of this song is ten times better than the current Zaza/Albin's performance of this song in the broadway revival.

[davidgsy1]

This Performance I feel is up there with Douglas Hodge!!!

[maddieylena6]

By far the best performance of this song I have ever seen.

[MorbidVixen]

SO beautiful. <3

[edgarivanrivera]

great performance... great song love it

[Velociactor]

"Life's not worth a damn till you can say 'Hey World! I am what I am!'"

^^^My senior quote!

[That70sloseR]

I get chills every time I hear this it's incredibly beautiful and moving.

[fobesq]

simply fabulous

[kingelf3]

i did this for my final performs (john barrowman cover) but acopller (no backing track) i real regert not doing to the backing track and in drag (my toror told me not to do in drag as they thought it would take away from the perfomace) still i had a grate time singing :)

[consurprise]

Bravo David!!! What a joy to stumble upon this vid. Wish I'd have seen it in person as I know it would've been THAT much more thrilling. Proud to know you, call you friend and to have shared the stage with your brilliant talent. Now, how do we petition the producers of the new revival to put you in this starring role on the upcoming National Tour? The time is now! ;-)

[mochaman15]

@consurprise of ALL the performances of this song i have seen, THIS is the epitome of how it should be sung. I've not seen it in person, but watching it on youtube gives me shivers every time!!!!!!!!!!!!! BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ugahush]

great song.

[charlas31]

Just for you!

[filmjedi]

Absolutely breathtaking... one of the most hearfelt renditions I've ever seen!

[Heathaholic]

I always get teary during this song haha its so inspirational and i listen to it whenever i feel kind of ashamed of being what i am. I always got teased and put down but, when i listen to this song i realize it doesnt matter what people say, I AM WHAT I AM

[carwyncymru]

BRAVO! STUNNING PERFORMANCE!!!!! 

[JennRocksVegas]

Wow! What a gorgeous performance... Where was this show?

[salzedo11]

I played in the pit for this show with Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, and David was amazing, night after night after night in this role. He is truly one of the nicest, most genunie people and most talented actor/singers I've had the pleasure to work with.

[shutterbug93]

David's absolutely amazing! SO wish I'd seen this production!

[KStewSuperFan]

This is the best version ever!!! David rocks!!!!! :)

[pabspale]

"Fucking brilliant performance", indeed, GraceUnderPressure1. It gives me chills... probably the best I've ever seen.

[CooperStar5]

This is fantastically done!

[LadyP101]

Though I've never seen the play or the original movie, I find myself going back to this clip time and time again. It's sung with such feeling and it speaks on so many different levels, I'm always just in awe.

[TheRainbelle]

i love this song so much, i saw La Cage Aux Folles twice in London 2009 with Philip Quast <3 as Geroges and Roger Allam as Albin and it was the best show I have ever seen :) makes me so happy! x

[Christinasvenska]

Fabulous performance!!! This is my anthem song....it helped me realize that it's ok to do what makes you happy in life....for me, that's performing musical theatre....no matter who tries to hold you back. Thanks for posting!

[ladyjane63]

David is Amazing. He was one of our Cagelle's when our local company did La Cage about a decade ago.

[zoen23]

I get chills every time I watch this! His performance never ceases to amaze me!

[mickstery6]

this is my favourite performance of the song

[newrochellephoenix]

I may have posted this already-but something in Davids performance really gives the feeling of what his characters life has been with its ups and downs.

[Agaeme1]

In Portugal we have a wonderfull version of La Cage, and this role is performed by an actor called José Raposo and his performance is brilliant. This one reminded me of his, because of the emotion and the strenght.

[Hydeversiontwo]

I do love this song.....

[rtmscott10]

I really love John Barrowman, but I have listened to both versions sung by both men in La Cage and I'm sorry John, but David sings this with much more emotion and intensity. Thank you David!!!!

[taurist]

the best and most heartfelt

[thecjclones]

this is the best version of this song

[thecjclones]

this is so amazing have you heard john barrowman sing it its amazing

[thegaythespian]

the only versions I've heard of him are from his tours, not from the show, and in those, he's a little to showy and not quite emotional enough for me. I want to see a taping of him actually in the show.

[MentalMaladies]

I love the sleeves of that outfit.

[scotcheggs]

thats excellent.

[puckhiggins]

I have no clue who this guy is, but he does this song beautifully. You can really feel the emotion in the way he sings it.

[YeckaMeryl]

I also just saw it in Waltham tonight (who knew it was so popular!) and both the leads were phenomenal. Mr. Engel in particular. Bravo to both of them!

[Mattboco2011]

Just saw closing night! He was BRILLIANT!!

[bway1497]

What a great a song! I can't stop watching this but i don't know the show. What's it about?

[YeckaMeryl]

The original story was a French and Italian film, but this musical came out in the mid 1980s. It's also the story that "The Birdcage" was based on, and the film sticks pretty close to the musical's plotline. In short, it's about a gay couple who is being asked by the son to not come out to his fiance.

[TheVampireLePage]

My Love and I sae David in La Cage Aux Folles this past weekend and what a brilliant performance it was! After having seen both the French and American film versions We werent sure what to expect but the acting of both David and the other cast members was outstanding and it took all the control I had not to cry as the lovers left the stage together at the end.

[averynb1218]

I just saw him in the production at Reagle Players in Waltham. The production had its flaws but he was wonderful.

[smevil2213]

I have been thinking about seeing the production. what would you say its flaws were. was it worth seeing?

[averynb1218]

The main flaw was Jamie Ross, the man who played Georges.  It really felt like he phoned in his whole performance. He kinda did nothing but say his lines and add gestures. The guy who played Jean Michel was weak too. It's definitely worth seeing, though.

[MandaKay1283]

I am working with David right now on La Cage Aux Folles at Reagle Players in Waltham, MA. It is such a great show and he is an absolute JOY to work with. Please come see the show! Visit the Reagle Players website for more information! :)

[f8ball]

I just saw the opening performance of La Cage Aux Folles, featuring David Engel, in Waltham, MA. FANTASTIC. Last time I cried during a musical, I was 8 and watching Gavroche die in Les Mis. Engel's performance of this song was the most powerful proclamation I have seen in such a long time. Bravo, bravo, bravo.

[Queendansemsmusic]

fantastic.. :)

[1618hp]

Wow. So fantastic. He's got such an incredible voice and he clearly knows how to sing really well . . . and it's fascinating to see the layers of character show themselves as his emotions break through . . . the way he is more masculine the angrier he gets, like he's so upset that he's losing control a little. And I don't even know the show that well.

[newrochellephoenix]

Were I in the audience-Id be crying buckets of emotions.

[AtLastOnTheGround]

Wow -- You can just feel the emotion pouring out of him. SUCH a fantastic performance. Neither underdone nor overdone.

And I LOVE the tone of his voice, especially on "ovation." He's phenomenal.

[brucieboy08]

wow great video and great action aswell well done:-)

[thegaythespian]

Brilliant performance.

[thegaythespian]

is this the revival cast?

[Sondheimsbitch]

Fab. Although i think he is too young, buff and good looking for Zaza,

[damechastain]

Whoa.

Wow.

[KrystalBall11]

Wow, damn good performance.

[filthybaggage]

He looks like Elsie Tanner

[dickie1066]

amazing!

[2litl2l8]

I feel like I've just watched a master class in musical theatre. Mr. Engel is sheer genius with his art! Bravo?! Brava?!

[Whiteweb80]

Bravo! What an emotive performance of a powerful song.

[lilalfyalien]

Brilliant! Wonderful song and profound performance.

[gnaediges]

Absolutly brilliant. Hut ab. You definatly have my ovation. You give power and courage with your performance. Thank you for that. Thank you.

[animesis]

i do love this rendition, u can feel the emotion ripping through him

[n2n001]

hats off, david! i have to admit, im a hearn man myself, but this guy is GENIUS!!!

[GraceUnderPressure1]

This isn't just a song for drag queens, its a song for everyone in the world, and I mean EVERYONE! Everyone can relate to this song, we are what we are and I think thats beautiful that we're not all the same and well, some of us, are able to accept others and do "see things from a different angle".

Why would we all wanna be just like everyone else expects us to be?

Fucking brilliant performance and beautiful song :)

[Sandra0Argentium]

I couldn't agree more!

[newrochellephoenix]

Damn right-

[ej2love]

@GraceUnderPressure1 u r so rite i agree 100 percent wit u

[alexmz123]

@GraceUnderPressure1 This is what I call seeing beyond the feather and the glitter. This song is not about just being gay but being free to be yourself. You gat an A for insightful analysis, GraceUnderPressue1. Hello, world!

[newrochellephoenix]

@GraceUnderPressure1 Damn right !!!!!!!

[NakamuraNamiko]

@GraceUnderPressure1 Amen. I'm a straight woman and I couldn't agree more.

[noirstar]

Whoooa! YouTube is amazing. I did LaCage with David Engel on the Road in the 80's. He'd just left the Broadway company where he played "Hannah from Hamberg" and on the road he'd taken on the role of Jean-Michel (The Son). Talk about coming full-circle.  SO proud of this guy. Bravo!

[luvMACxo]

i cryed when i saw this performed live

[Holycani]

this is really good, thumbs up :)

[stonefish150]

I think this is the best rendition I've ever seen, even including the time I saw it performed live.

[buddmar]

Excellent! Sung with genuine feeling, passion and sincerity. A real show-stopper! I would have loved to see this in person.

[ronnehh]

I wish I was even slightly as great as this guy at singing this song.

[mwp2paris]

Showstopping, stomping, bruised palms from the ovation...an absolutely breathtaking performance of one of the great songs from the Broadway Stage.

[Cathatya]

Amazing :)

[gypsymusicalluvr]

moving, touching, amazing.

i saw keene curtis on tour in the '80's but this is a much purer vocal.

[madestofmad]

did not think this musical would be a hit but i was wrong and it is very funny at parts love this song

[ruachWind]

bloody good...

[TousVous]

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Goosebumps all over!!!

[pansatyric]

... I've said it before, and I'll forever say it: actors who sing are vastly more thrilling than singers who act. I saw Hearn on Broadway, and Dearest David, you blasted him right off the damned stage. Brava, Brava, Bravissimia!!!

[mickstery6]

I can't remember or imagine it done better.

[joebobnc]

Excellent performance. Such passion.

[tonibgood2000]

Truly awesome. Each performer brings to the stage their own "Sazon". I agree that some may not be as committed as others and not put what "we" as an audience feel is enough into the scene. Again, this performer is fantastic

[midtowner]

I'm stunned. Goosebumps and tears, doesn't get better than that! This guy is the best I've ever seen do this song, and I've seen a looooot of them.

[pomeranianzdad]

I agree with those who applaud this video. I've watched so many renditions of this FANTASTIC song and philosophy, and this is the most powerful, best portrayed, best performed.  BRAVA!

It renews my pride in being who I am!

[mbb008]

Powerful and wonderful!!!

[mlkarny]

I have had the fortune of seeing David Engel as Albin/ZsaZsa twice. I consider it one of the best musical theatre performances I've ever seen- and I've seen hundreds...

Unfortunately Gary Beach in the Broadway revival made looked like a cheap minstrel performance compared to David's.

[Dirkdebruyne]

mmm, I saw Gary Beach in "la cage.." on broadway, and I find your appraisal a bit harsh..he was a very funny Zaza but in this number he was very moving and sincere, and in great voice at the performance I saw(it was a matinee with an AWFULL theatre party/tourist audience who had obviously stumbled into the theatre knowing fuck-all about the show...but anyway)..but I agree that his guy is glorious too !

[leanmusclcowboy]

Awesome performance. Definitely one of the best if not the best i've seen on youtube. Totally in character with such feeling.

[hairyeahyeah]

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO....heard this song many times and this would have to be the most heartfelt and amazing rendition. I LOVE THIS!!! Thanks so much for sharing this gem.

[bwaycraz3d84]

I remember a couple years ago when youtube (or perhaps it was the poster) took this off. I'm so glad it's back! I love this performance!

[jsct66]

Wow! What a performance. BRAVO! (And that orchestra!) WOO HOO!

[mlkarny]

I had the fortune of seeing this MTW production twice and now wish I had seen every performance. Out of 100's of musical theatre performances in London, on Broadway, LA, and other cities, David's performance as Albin/ZsaZsa ranks among the best musical theatre performances I have seen on any stage.

[eliana84]

One of the best versions!

[Sarostar16]

This is sooo Good!!

[tabbi119]

Superb. This guy is a doll.

[silverthroated]

Yay it's back on youtube!

[illusionist1956]

Excellent version played and sang with real passion.