I watched Douglas perform this and i must say, although his voice is an amazing instrument, he did tend to play the part for laughs a little bit tooooo much on the night I watched him. It verged on a pantomime dame. The part of Albin has so many layers and shades and i remember thinking "why is he so desperate for laughs".
Currently, you can see 'La Cage aux Folles' in Holland till June and I've seen this musical six times now. It's FAN-TAS-TIC! (also) Great actors, great songs, everything is great!! I really love the whole show.
(You can find a youtubemovie about the Dutch version when you type for example: 'la cage aux folles fragmenten')
The reason there's another actor coming on as Zaza is because the other person(Graham Norton) was taking over from Douglas and i guess the producers thought
putting him on the royal variety show would be a good way of promoting him taking the role over,though i do say he does look like he's scared to death here(Graham i mean not Dougie hodge)
This is coming to Memphis next year...I want to see it really badly! Loved watching The Birdcage when I was little which this was based off of...super excited!
I saw the show with Barrowman and Simon Burke. I may have been the only person in the audience who went to see Simon, not Barrowman - having worshipped him from 3yrs old - he hosted Playschool.
I was doubtful of Barrowman's ability to handle the role, if I'm honest. His acting on television has often been a little shaky, but might I say, that John Barrowman blew me away. He played the role to perfection. Now, knowing the great things he is capable of - I could become a fan of his yet.
@roxey00 I should of been clearer, my mistake. I meant the actual musical... I love Nathan Lane and Robin WIlliams, but stuff like that just is more funner with the campy musical tone... in my opinion...
Hodge is brilliant in this role. I saw the Tony Awards performance before going to the show and wasn't all that impressed with the Tony Awards performance so I was skeptical. I was blown away by the show- it's pure entertainment while still evoking emotions during amazing songs like I am what I am. Brilliant!
When Doug Hodge performs as Albin/Za Za, it is an amazing thing to be a part of. I've watched every video on YouTube of past performances, having only a minor familiarity with the musical before some recent luck of seeing it at the Longacre Theater, and Hodge remains the most talented of all portrayers in this role.
This song on stage is a joy to watch, stunning and sad, just as it is on video. The man absolutely deserved that Tony and the Olivier Award. (He's also a gracious winner. =P)
When Doug Hodge performs as Albin/Za Za, it is an amazing thing to be a part of. I've watched every video on YouTube of past performances, having only a minor familiarity with the musical before some recent luck of seeing it at the Longacre Theater, and Hodge remains the most talented of all portrayers in this role.
This song on stage is a joy to watch, stunning and sad, just as it is on video. The man absolutely deserved that Tony and the Olivier Award. (He's also a gracious winner. =P)
I just saw him and Kelsey last night! BRILLIANT! I don't think I had laughed the way I did in a long time! Hodge's faces were just perfect with expression.
@JW4manProductions There's a scene or two that was cut out of this. Usually, Zaza has time to change her clothes during the scenes, but since those scenes were taken out, the actor didn't have enough time to change into the gold & black dress, so they had a different actor play Zaza in the middle.
I saw la cage with douglas hodge and denis lawson in the west end last year - best show I've ever seen by a mile!! He was an absolutely wonderful Albin, and this was a lovely little reminder of that great night
ok, I don't know who is saying Douglas Hodge isn't good but they could not be more wrong. How disgusting. I saw la cage a month ago on broadway and he was extraordinary. I love Douglas Hodge. He is a fantastic performer, he has such an amazing and powerful voice and he really makes the character come alive. And Kelsey Grammar starring opposite him really made the show.
Furthermore, as someone with a musical ear, Kelsey Grammer can sing. Is he the strongest on Broadway? Not at all. But he can sing. Pretty well. Not perfectly though.
Douglas Hodge is quite honestly one of the best performers I've ever seen on Broadway. You must remember that video recordings don't have the same magic as a live performance. He captivates you from the first moment. He is a master of comedic timing, but the next second the theatre is silent with the intensity of the moment. I feel honored to have seen him live. I've seen few performers with such heart and power.
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i saw this a week or so ago and it's very madly outdone on broadway. kelsey cannot sing to save his life, no offense to those without a musical ear. douglas totally outdoes his character and not in a good way and everything is just so plain and boring. the parts that do deserve a thumbs up were the maid/butler and the chorus who simply were stunning with what they did!
I can't believe anyone who saw this show would NOT think Douglas Hodge was absolutely brilliant. Hey, ladies, he's going to win the Tony Award this year...just don't know if it'll be for leading lady or leading man in a musical. Hah!
I saw this on Broadway last month. Douglas was FANTASTIC. And I gotta say that the "ladies" on broadway right now are WAY better than these. They were the best part of the show! And they did it all in at least 3 inch heals.
it's great to see someone who acts like a woman, george hearn surely didn't
get it at all. a little liza, lots of bassey, some susan boyle, and a dash of patti lupon
( how come no one impersonates lupone?). she looks great, it looks like it's touching, like the original movie, unlike the hearn show. can't wait to see it, but
really wish mandy patinkin was in it as i thought was the original plan.
@WWEQAF Was at it last week in Broadway.......... had never heard of the show before... just bought tickets because Kelsey Grammar was in it etc.... it's a fantastic show... very funny.. Kelsey Grammar is good of course but Doug Hodge is excellent... and watch out for a young actor called Robin De Jesus ( or something like that)... he is absolutely superb... it's an excellent show and you will have a blast. Men in drag will greet you as you enter the theatre and they are quite funny too....
@Flyba1 Thank you for your review, I am actually an avid Broadway fan, and have heard the many great yhings about Doug Hodge, and Robin de Jesus, is actually an original cast member of In the Heights, and he was a lways a favorite to see. Add men in drag and Im already hooked
having played this role twice, i appriciate his take,,ALOT!
HOWEVER....from what I see here..his ZAZA is really broken and fragile and while he is being proud and strong, it seems its like a battered woman trying to be assertive while she is waiting to be hit..a nice color to play, not working for me here...i really do want to see this production
I cant wait to see this production, which transferred to Broadway, its still in previews, but this summer i plan on seeing it if only to see Douglas Hodge as Albin
It's doing previews on Broadway right now, and Doug Hodge and Kelsey Grammer are gonna kick ass. Gonna take a minute getting used to Hodge's voice, though... Good practice here before I hitchhike to New York to see the show.
I so want to get over to Broadway to see this. I thought Doug Hodge was astounding in the role. He sings it pitch perfect, I think, brave and proud while dying inside.
Saw Douglas Hodge perform this for the final time last year and he was absolutly captivatly, he may not have the greatest west end voice but he captivates the role, When this song came on he had the whole audience griped, he showed such emotion and sadness throughout the song and had us all in tears, Truly the best thing i have seen on the west end.
I'm going to give him a chance when it opens here in NYC, but I have to say, George Hearn, who I was lucky enough to have seen in the original B'way production is VERY hard to beat.
I saw La Cage aux Folles on Broadway in the 80's with George Hearn. This version is a very different approach to the role of Albin. Not everyone is going to be a Hearn or a John Barrowman. I think this production will be worth going to see on Broadway.
I am still trying to figure out why the production with Gary Beach didn't really go over on Broadway running just 6 months.
I agree with the ones saying this performance isn't worth the criticism others have given it.
I Have to say those of you who are saying Douglas isnt good , You are wrong , I've seen Him and he is amazing , when your sitting there live in the theater watching Him singing I Am What I Am he would have you in tears because the passion that he sings the song with is amazing he is just an amazing albin and he would be one of the funnest too . Because i couldnt breath he was that funny In the title song ( la cage aux folles ) and indeed all the show .
I completely agree. I saw him live in this show just before Christmas and he was incredible. It's a shame it was right at the end of the run otherwise I would have gone again. What I can't imagine though, is Graham Norton playing that role. Uhhh, what?
@phantom664 You're right. He is truly marvelous in this role. When Act 1 was over, the person next to me handed me a tissue and I only then realized I had been sobbing the whole time.
@phantom664 I have to agree. I saw the show with Hodge in the lead in London. He was perfect as Albin. The whole show was just stormingly amazing though. The entire cast was all on form. It's rare when seeing a show to be totally as gob-smacked as I was (and I also cried a little at the end of Act I)!
This was a gem of a show when it was in London, you New Yorkers should be grateful for the transfer. And it's heresy that shows like "We Will Rock You" still continue! >.<
While Hodge is good, Hodge doesn't sing how Jerry Herman wrote the songs. He's good but he's supposed to sound manly and powerful on the verge of breeakdown. I would rather see Barrowman do this. BUT I WOULD DIE 9OF HAPPINESS) IF I SAW GARY BEACH DO IT, INSTEAD OF HODGE ON B-WAY THIS YEAR INSTEAD. THAT WOULD BE A TRUE GEM. **(gary beach just was in an okay production, but was magnificent.)--incredible.
He is supposed to be angry, but asserting his identity proudly and LOUDLY. Douglas Hodge seems more like he's being flamboyant and diva-ish. I don't like it at all :/
John Barrowman and Simon Burke were AMAZING when I saw it at the Playhouse. Very glad my mum didn't take me to see it with Graham Norton or I would have thought much less of it. He's too camp and has too much vibrato to play the role properly
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I just saw yet another inferior to the original : A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC - Catherine Zeta Jones played it like Nancy in Oliver- a wench.. ugly set.. Angela Lansbury the only saving grace, And more are on their way.. Is there no end? Won't anyone produce an original musical ? Bravo to FELA!
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Why do they keep reviving these shows - That are always inferior to the originals? And speaking of originals - let's have some original shows - Jeesh!
Saw the show last night. The intimate atmosphere works so much better than the original production. As John Barrowman would say. ' Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic!
the guy in the blue wig is nicholas cunningham,saw it in london with john barrowman,never seen the show before ,but i had seen the movie,i was blown away,so amazing,when he was singing it was the best song i have ever heard
I saw Quast, Allam and Burke and Barrowman within the space of a week. And this is my review.
Barrowman's voice you could not fault in the slightest and he was clearly most comfortable as Za Za in the cabret parts of the show. However he's Albin isn't brilliant, he messed up quite a few lines (so did Simon Burke) and his comic timing isn't brilliant either. But I still LOVED watching him.
Went to John and Simon in La Cage 20th October and they are both managing to get their lines out ok now and the singing is fantastic all round - loved it so much have booked to go again next month before they both finish!
He really was! I have such mixed emotions about the change in cast - upset that he and Philip Quast are leaving, but really excited about John Barrowman and Simon Burke.
I loved this version, the voice was incredible on Douglas Hodge, and it truly felt like a complete breakdown moment. I particuarly liked the traumatic pause before the last "I am What I am", very effective :-)
It is a brilliant night out I thought. And I'm a perfectly straight male. I almost cried when Albin sang "I am what I am" after being so destroyed by his "son"'s behaviour. Really great show, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.
saw this back in the day....meant alot to this gay man.....listen to the words...tells you alot....costumes...you got to be kidding.
saw the original loved it...defined alot about me.....i am what i am.....can't wait for the return to broadway.....forget about the little house productions....we need full scope.....thank you alan carr
I personally think that the cheap costumes are part of the current London production's charm. The set at the Playhouse looks just as cheap, and to me it really sums up songs such as "I am What I am" and "I put some more mascara on." It makes no concessions about Albin's world being a little shabby, and Le Cage au Folles a little gaudy. But in his eyes it's glamourous and fun.
I think its nice that a musical that has gained such cult status has returned with a more down to earth charm than...
Totally AMAZING production. Allam was a little flat at times in his singing, but he portrayed Albin prefectly and him and Quast were superb, along with the rest of the cast, especially the chorus.
I saw "Wicked!" two weeks before, and as much as I REALLY enjoyed it, I prefer La Cage by a margin.
The current London production has EVERYTHING you could want from the Weest End; good tunes, great cast, and drag queens! :D
Roger Allum was awesome, the production was very moving, hilariously funny, camp as christmas and very very sexy, big muscle boys in basques, what s not to like?
SEEN IT IN LONDON ....LOVED IT....
zerochris 2 weeks ago
Testerone surges in female fetuses don't produce lesbians (google "Prenatal hormones? Stree? Immune attack".
Bestmanme08 3 months ago
WTF as if fliping through the air wasnt enough.. these crazy ladies do it with heels on..
rey118304 3 months ago
What is the song between 0:54 - 1:44 ?
jmasters24 6 months ago
@jmasters24 its the title song, 'La Cage Aux Folles'
MusicalsFan15 1 month ago
I watched Douglas perform this and i must say, although his voice is an amazing instrument, he did tend to play the part for laughs a little bit tooooo much on the night I watched him. It verged on a pantomime dame. The part of Albin has so many layers and shades and i remember thinking "why is he so desperate for laughs".
It kind of ruined the show a bit for me.
Snoggerer 7 months ago
merci pour tous supère spectacle
AMBU871 10 months ago
Currently, you can see 'La Cage aux Folles' in Holland till June and I've seen this musical six times now. It's FAN-TAS-TIC! (also) Great actors, great songs, everything is great!! I really love the whole show.
(You can find a youtubemovie about the Dutch version when you type for example: 'la cage aux folles fragmenten')
SuperDuppie 10 months ago
@das0448 I am a HUGE fan of french films so I will def check that out. Thanks so much.
londonchick103 10 months ago
I wish he had done the high note at the end of "I am what I am" he so could have hit it and it would have been even more amazing.
zzAlariczz 10 months ago
This is an amazing song to sing when angry.
anlee617 10 months ago
The reason there's another actor coming on as Zaza is because the other person(Graham Norton) was taking over from Douglas and i guess the producers thought
putting him on the royal variety show would be a good way of promoting him taking the role over,though i do say he does look like he's scared to death here(Graham i mean not Dougie hodge)
jontyjenny 11 months ago
This is coming to Memphis next year...I want to see it really badly! Loved watching The Birdcage when I was little which this was based off of...super excited!
londonchick103 11 months ago
@londonchick103 The Birdcage was based off of this, not the other way round. :)
ejmac1991 11 months ago 3
@ejmac1991 Yes that's what I ment lol...sorry.
londonchick103 10 months ago
Douglas Hodge is AMAZING!
TheBriguy04 1 year ago
wow amazing!
prettyasian888 1 year ago
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on that shoes..... I can't believe it!!
4eumel 1 year ago
@NLisabel Ja vind ik ook. Deze versie is meer een satire. Het lijkt of de Nederlandse versie veel gevoeliger en vrouwelijker is.
famalfonso 1 year ago
in 1 woord: GEWELDIGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!
miisanne 1 year ago
I saw the show with Barrowman and Simon Burke. I may have been the only person in the audience who went to see Simon, not Barrowman - having worshipped him from 3yrs old - he hosted Playschool.
I was doubtful of Barrowman's ability to handle the role, if I'm honest. His acting on television has often been a little shaky, but might I say, that John Barrowman blew me away. He played the role to perfection. Now, knowing the great things he is capable of - I could become a fan of his yet.
doctorwhofangirl22 1 year ago
@doctorwhofangirl22 well he is a west end actor first and foremost so you saw him at what he does best :P
dancaqueen239 1 year ago
zaza! :D OMG I <3 Douglas.... I saw him live as close as I could get....! it's TOO good...!
1091Elianwi 1 year ago
can you get a dvd of this to buy, this video looks filmed
ArchieCGM 1 year ago
@ArchieCGM This was at the Royal Variety Show, For the Queen!
Tondaactress 1 year ago
I love this musical.... only, I heard a version of "La Cage Aux Folles" done by Paige O'Hara that was ASTOUNDING, yet I can't find it ANYWHERE!
Still, I think if they made this in to a movie it'd kill
Cerberuswaltz 1 year ago
@Cerberuswaltz watch birdcage its the same plot just no music or singing
roxey00 1 year ago
@roxey00 I should of been clearer, my mistake. I meant the actual musical... I love Nathan Lane and Robin WIlliams, but stuff like that just is more funner with the campy musical tone... in my opinion...
Cerberuswaltz 1 year ago
@Cerberuswaltz they did make it into a movie.... just not a musical
Tondaactress 1 year ago
@Tondaactress Lol, well, I meant the actual musical into a movie. I should of been clearer
Cerberuswaltz 1 year ago
Thanks to the genius of Jerry Herman, we have this.
fobesq 1 year ago
fantastic, faboulus
MrStratos1986 1 year ago
wow wow wow wow wow
jjaniero 1 year ago
douglas hodge is my new hero. i saw him in guys in dolls in 2005, and i'm so glad to see that he's getting his due.
yackel29 1 year ago 6
lalalalallalalalalallalalalalalalalalalaallalalala
roxey00 1 year ago
fucking fantastic
jesistyping 1 year ago
As a frequent attender of musicals, saw the NY production last Saturday. Douglas Hodge...brilliant...and steals the show from Kelsey Grammer.
Xposeart1 1 year ago 2
Douglas is f*cking awesome in this role. He makes the character really sensitive.
wickedfeylady 1 year ago
Hodge is brilliant in this role. I saw the Tony Awards performance before going to the show and wasn't all that impressed with the Tony Awards performance so I was skeptical. I was blown away by the show- it's pure entertainment while still evoking emotions during amazing songs like I am what I am. Brilliant!
niyaphillips 1 year ago 12
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When Doug Hodge performs as Albin/Za Za, it is an amazing thing to be a part of. I've watched every video on YouTube of past performances, having only a minor familiarity with the musical before some recent luck of seeing it at the Longacre Theater, and Hodge remains the most talented of all portrayers in this role.
This song on stage is a joy to watch, stunning and sad, just as it is on video. The man absolutely deserved that Tony and the Olivier Award. (He's also a gracious winner. =P)
JennRocksVegas 1 year ago 2
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JennRocksVegas 1 year ago
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When Doug Hodge performs as Albin/Za Za, it is an amazing thing to be a part of. I've watched every video on YouTube of past performances, having only a minor familiarity with the musical before some recent luck of seeing it at the Longacre Theater, and Hodge remains the most talented of all portrayers in this role.
This song on stage is a joy to watch, stunning and sad, just as it is on video. The man absolutely deserved that Tony and the Olivier Award. (He's also a gracious winner. =P)
JennRocksVegas 1 year ago
why are there two zazas in this scene? i just saw douglas hodge on broadway and he was amazing but why are they seemingly switching off?
JW4manProductions 1 year ago
@JW4manProductions
I just saw him and Kelsey last night! BRILLIANT! I don't think I had laughed the way I did in a long time! Hodge's faces were just perfect with expression.
brightsunshine 1 year ago
@brightsunshine oh ok cus i saw it on broadway and it was just douglas hodge the entire time. thanks!
JW4manProductions 1 year ago
@JW4manProductions There's a scene or two that was cut out of this. Usually, Zaza has time to change her clothes during the scenes, but since those scenes were taken out, the actor didn't have enough time to change into the gold & black dress, so they had a different actor play Zaza in the middle.
sammyfischer2005 1 year ago
I saw la cage with douglas hodge and denis lawson in the west end last year - best show I've ever seen by a mile!! He was an absolutely wonderful Albin, and this was a lovely little reminder of that great night
IndigoT 1 year ago
saludos desde mexico... m encanta esta obra! kisiera conseguir ala musica.. por favor si alguien sabe donde la puedo obtener se los agradeceria..
fujiazcapotzalco 1 year ago
That "F" on "am" during the last three words is graceful and amazing!
alexandertom05 1 year ago
he gave me chills--really breathtaking performance!
mcurt9 1 year ago
douglas hodge was wonderful and deserved the tony! hurrah
dickie1066 1 year ago 2
He just won the Tony Award for Best Actor In A Musical. so to all the haters, SUCK IT.
faggyboy2 1 year ago 4
ok, I don't know who is saying Douglas Hodge isn't good but they could not be more wrong. How disgusting. I saw la cage a month ago on broadway and he was extraordinary. I love Douglas Hodge. He is a fantastic performer, he has such an amazing and powerful voice and he really makes the character come alive. And Kelsey Grammar starring opposite him really made the show.
msdaniebananie 1 year ago 5
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What the hell did he do to "I Am What I Am"? Overly stylized, it's dreadful!
AtLastOnTheGround 1 year ago
Furthermore, as someone with a musical ear, Kelsey Grammer can sing. Is he the strongest on Broadway? Not at all. But he can sing. Pretty well. Not perfectly though.
wireandangels 1 year ago
Douglas Hodge is quite honestly one of the best performers I've ever seen on Broadway. You must remember that video recordings don't have the same magic as a live performance. He captivates you from the first moment. He is a master of comedic timing, but the next second the theatre is silent with the intensity of the moment. I feel honored to have seen him live. I've seen few performers with such heart and power.
wireandangels 1 year ago 10
i saw this on tuesday on broadway for my birthday and it was amazing i was stunned you go from laughing to schocked to tears its a blast
StephLondon81 1 year ago 3
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i saw this a week or so ago and it's very madly outdone on broadway. kelsey cannot sing to save his life, no offense to those without a musical ear. douglas totally outdoes his character and not in a good way and everything is just so plain and boring. the parts that do deserve a thumbs up were the maid/butler and the chorus who simply were stunning with what they did!
thisperson321 1 year ago
I can't believe anyone who saw this show would NOT think Douglas Hodge was absolutely brilliant. Hey, ladies, he's going to win the Tony Award this year...just don't know if it'll be for leading lady or leading man in a musical. Hah!
CharlesHerschel 1 year ago 2
I saw this last night and I was blown away by this number...to see the raw emotions and talent thrown into this character is utterly amazing.
wanttobediva 1 year ago
.,he look likes Hugo Chavez...
scorpioninpink 1 year ago
I saw this on Broadway last month. Douglas was FANTASTIC. And I gotta say that the "ladies" on broadway right now are WAY better than these. They were the best part of the show! And they did it all in at least 3 inch heals.
mtgal82 1 year ago
I saw Lee Roy Reams as Albin/Zaza on tour....He was AMAZING!
ScottAlanChang 1 year ago
This is not the version that is currently on Broadway.
\There are no colored wigs. The silhouettes are better.
What is on Broadway right now does not compare to this.
I I found Douglas Hodge disappointing.
dgoldyn 1 year ago
@dgoldyn Umm they don't have colored wig but the wigs are florecent and glow when the light hits them..
wanttobediva 1 year ago
it's great to see someone who acts like a woman, george hearn surely didn't
get it at all. a little liza, lots of bassey, some susan boyle, and a dash of patti lupon
( how come no one impersonates lupone?). she looks great, it looks like it's touching, like the original movie, unlike the hearn show. can't wait to see it, but
really wish mandy patinkin was in it as i thought was the original plan.
mzmiller52 1 year ago 4
Graham Norton has to make the ugliest girl I've ever seen.
TheatreFan4 1 year ago
I am going to see the show in Broadway in a few weeks, and I am so excited to see Doug Hodge, he is fabulous, cannot wait!!!!!!!!
WWEQAF 1 year ago 2
@WWEQAF Was at it last week in Broadway.......... had never heard of the show before... just bought tickets because Kelsey Grammar was in it etc.... it's a fantastic show... very funny.. Kelsey Grammar is good of course but Doug Hodge is excellent... and watch out for a young actor called Robin De Jesus ( or something like that)... he is absolutely superb... it's an excellent show and you will have a blast. Men in drag will greet you as you enter the theatre and they are quite funny too....
Flyba1 1 year ago 2
@Flyba1 Thank you for your review, I am actually an avid Broadway fan, and have heard the many great yhings about Doug Hodge, and Robin de Jesus, is actually an original cast member of In the Heights, and he was a lways a favorite to see. Add men in drag and Im already hooked
WWEQAF 1 year ago
having played this role twice, i appriciate his take,,ALOT!
HOWEVER....from what I see here..his ZAZA is really broken and fragile and while he is being proud and strong, it seems its like a battered woman trying to be assertive while she is waiting to be hit..a nice color to play, not working for me here...i really do want to see this production
bdamson 1 year ago
Give me George Hearn any day.
bushnjail 1 year ago
That Susan Boyle sure can really sing.
Just kidding, saw it on Broadway tonight. It needs work. Hodge is hilarious, though.
idratherbe8587 1 year ago
blah looks like something i wouldnt watch:\ someone change my mind lol
MarineForceAlpha 1 year ago
I cant wait to see this production, which transferred to Broadway, its still in previews, but this summer i plan on seeing it if only to see Douglas Hodge as Albin
WWEQAF 1 year ago
It's doing previews on Broadway right now, and Doug Hodge and Kelsey Grammer are gonna kick ass. Gonna take a minute getting used to Hodge's voice, though... Good practice here before I hitchhike to New York to see the show.
=0p Totally excited now.
ABCSuperSoaper 1 year ago
@ABCSuperSoaper
i live here-am seeing it on May 7. would love to meet you!
tytyty858 1 year ago
@tytyty858 i saw it this past thursday - it is FANTASTIC
bryancampione 1 year ago
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
crbar1 1 year ago
I so want to get over to Broadway to see this. I thought Doug Hodge was astounding in the role. He sings it pitch perfect, I think, brave and proud while dying inside.
beguilingeyes 1 year ago 2
Saw Douglas Hodge perform this for the final time last year and he was absolutly captivatly, he may not have the greatest west end voice but he captivates the role, When this song came on he had the whole audience griped, he showed such emotion and sadness throughout the song and had us all in tears, Truly the best thing i have seen on the west end.
Pinkiebrain 1 year ago 4
I'm going to give him a chance when it opens here in NYC, but I have to say, George Hearn, who I was lucky enough to have seen in the original B'way production is VERY hard to beat.
scottreiburn 1 year ago
barrowman and norton are my life. I <3 them soooo much
HellsyG11 2 years ago
This looks kinda sloppy in my opinion...
I know it's gotten raves and it's really toned down but I prefer Jerry Mitchell's choreography from the previous broadway revival.
Jarrod005 2 years ago
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I saw La Cage aux Folles on Broadway in the 80's with George Hearn. This version is a very different approach to the role of Albin. Not everyone is going to be a Hearn or a John Barrowman. I think this production will be worth going to see on Broadway.
I am still trying to figure out why the production with Gary Beach didn't really go over on Broadway running just 6 months.
I agree with the ones saying this performance isn't worth the criticism others have given it.
Good clip.
SidInVa 2 years ago
I Have to say those of you who are saying Douglas isnt good , You are wrong , I've seen Him and he is amazing , when your sitting there live in the theater watching Him singing I Am What I Am he would have you in tears because the passion that he sings the song with is amazing he is just an amazing albin and he would be one of the funnest too . Because i couldnt breath he was that funny In the title song ( la cage aux folles ) and indeed all the show .
phantom664 2 years ago 58
I completely agree. I saw him live in this show just before Christmas and he was incredible. It's a shame it was right at the end of the run otherwise I would have gone again. What I can't imagine though, is Graham Norton playing that role. Uhhh, what?
JOWIFI1 2 years ago
@phantom664 You're right. He is truly marvelous in this role. When Act 1 was over, the person next to me handed me a tissue and I only then realized I had been sobbing the whole time.
mormonophobic 1 year ago 4
@phantom664 I have to agree. I saw the show with Hodge in the lead in London. He was perfect as Albin. The whole show was just stormingly amazing though. The entire cast was all on form. It's rare when seeing a show to be totally as gob-smacked as I was (and I also cried a little at the end of Act I)!
This was a gem of a show when it was in London, you New Yorkers should be grateful for the transfer. And it's heresy that shows like "We Will Rock You" still continue! >.<
thewaybad 1 year ago 3
@phantom664 saw him too on Broadway, Kelsey Grammer didn't show up.. but Douglas steals the show anyways.. he's FANTASTIC! I concur..
folkgirrl 1 year ago 2
@phantom664 he is amazing.....plus, why would he win a tony if he was shit??? :D
murbuzz 1 year ago
While Hodge is good, Hodge doesn't sing how Jerry Herman wrote the songs. He's good but he's supposed to sound manly and powerful on the verge of breeakdown. I would rather see Barrowman do this. BUT I WOULD DIE 9OF HAPPINESS) IF I SAW GARY BEACH DO IT, INSTEAD OF HODGE ON B-WAY THIS YEAR INSTEAD. THAT WOULD BE A TRUE GEM. **(gary beach just was in an okay production, but was magnificent.)--incredible.
LimpLeg190 2 years ago
Douglas Hodge is truly awful. Not only his vocals but he really hasnt grasped the point
I went to see this with Barrowman as doing "i am what i am". Blown away isnt the word, the applause was loud enugh that dust was coming from the roof.
No point, just a wonder at the praise Hodge recieves...
llamaboy01 2 years ago
I agree.
He is supposed to be angry, but asserting his identity proudly and LOUDLY. Douglas Hodge seems more like he's being flamboyant and diva-ish. I don't like it at all :/
dannyboythegreat 2 years ago
@dannyboythegreat Agree 1000%.
scottreiburn 1 year ago
Hodge is by far my FAVORITE!!!!! he has got such a feeling.. not to mention he got that awesome voice for it. i love the welcome!!!
Tondaactress 2 years ago 6
I am very proud of my cousin! He makes a very convincing woman.
HelenAllsop 2 years ago 2
he is georgous!!! yo should be proud, i hate barrowman... i dunno
Tondaactress 2 years ago
they were introducing graham norton to the show thats why they have both people playing it. the current one, and then graham who took over in 2009
nathan24911 2 years ago
how comes 2 people played zaza while graham norton was in it.
tomhouston93 2 years ago
I saw douglous hodge and denis lawdon on its final day, which i thort it was very good
ComedyJonny 2 years ago
I saw john barrowman and simon burke in la cage aux folles and it was brilliant
SeverusSnapejnr 2 years ago 22
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I am what I am... SO WHAT??
Carmencuchita 2 years ago
Visit Carte Blanche in Dresden. Wonderful Show and City.
dieterreiner 2 years ago
im going to see this on wednesday evening on my drama trip to london-so excited!!!!
HannaLou8 2 years ago
John Barrowman and Simon Burke were AMAZING when I saw it at the Playhouse. Very glad my mum didn't take me to see it with Graham Norton or I would have thought much less of it. He's too camp and has too much vibrato to play the role properly
laurentitmus 2 years ago
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I just saw yet another inferior to the original : A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC - Catherine Zeta Jones played it like Nancy in Oliver- a wench.. ugly set.. Angela Lansbury the only saving grace, And more are on their way.. Is there no end? Won't anyone produce an original musical ? Bravo to FELA!
getgarrett 2 years ago
Comment removed
iamupforallfun 2 years ago
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go suck a dick
iamupforallfun 2 years ago
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Why do they keep reviving these shows - That are always inferior to the originals? And speaking of originals - let's have some original shows - Jeesh!
getgarrett 2 years ago
The theatre world is still reeling from the loss of entire generation of artists in the 1980's and 1990's. It's coming back but it's taking time.
milleribsen 2 years ago
Roger Allam and Philip Quast are the best Albin and Georges. I love Hanna/Nick Cunningham/Bluewig guy <3 he was a babe at the stage door!!! x
westendellie 2 years ago
Douglas Hodge rocks in this role...
beguilingeyes 2 years ago
Saw the show last night. The intimate atmosphere works so much better than the original production. As John Barrowman would say. ' Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic!
bedazzled621 2 years ago 4
Love it!
iceland111 2 years ago
the guy in the blue wig is nicholas cunningham,saw it in london with john barrowman,never seen the show before ,but i had seen the movie,i was blown away,so amazing,when he was singing it was the best song i have ever heard
molliecoyle 2 years ago 2
hehe the guy in the blue wig, each time i see the show or anything to do with it actually, he's always there, i love him XD
LucieeeX80sX 2 years ago
Hodge's version of I Am What I Am is the first one to truly move me, he gives one hell of a performance
ashcass 2 years ago 6
barrowman's version had me in tears! truly moving.
TazOfTheCaribbean 2 years ago 4
So Who Did Graham Norton Play Then?
wew1llr0ckyou 2 years ago
This is simply the BEST version of I Am What I am that I have seen. Simply amazing because you truly feel what the character is feeling
sykesl 2 years ago 7
this show is just fantastic, wish i cud go see it again 5stars, top show!!
MarkN233 2 years ago
wow...no where NEAR as good as the last broadway revival a few years ago!
Shroder98 2 years ago
I saw Quast, Allam and Burke and Barrowman within the space of a week. And this is my review.
Barrowman's voice you could not fault in the slightest and he was clearly most comfortable as Za Za in the cabret parts of the show. However he's Albin isn't brilliant, he messed up quite a few lines (so did Simon Burke) and his comic timing isn't brilliant either. But I still LOVED watching him.
phantomsluva 2 years ago
Went to John and Simon in La Cage 20th October and they are both managing to get their lines out ok now and the singing is fantastic all round - loved it so much have booked to go again next month before they both finish!
tiggerschick 2 years ago
Roger Allam was so much better than Douglas! But I love Nick (blue wig) and Dane (multicoloured wig) <3
westendellie 2 years ago
You have voiced my thoughts exactly! They are easily my favourite cagelles!
NotaFro 2 years ago
Muito bom mas a versão de Filipe La Féria é melhor!
Come to Porto | Portugal and see the best version of this musical!
pacealves 2 years ago
It's a good thing the orchestra is awesome, cause the rest is terrible!
redsguy 2 years ago
I absolutely despise the costumes
ktm760 2 years ago
porto did it better
neshannockfez 2 years ago
Hodge is great, but he can't compare to Hearn.
puckhiggins 2 years ago
I'm so glad Doulgas hodge's performance has been immortalised here its truely brilliant!
GeorgeOO7 2 years ago 5
It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I prefer Roger Allam.
NotaFro 2 years ago 2
I love Roger Allam, he was amazing!
westendellie 2 years ago
He really was! I have such mixed emotions about the change in cast - upset that he and Philip Quast are leaving, but really excited about John Barrowman and Simon Burke.
NotaFro 2 years ago
Doug won the Olivier for it...he brought more to it any anyone ever has...
Leoorchange 2 years ago 6
I like the simplistic look of this new revival...and his rendition of "I Am What I Am"...heartbreakingly beautiful!
Capricaquarius89 2 years ago 6
Have you heard Roger Allam sing it? It's probably one of the most gorgeous things I have ever heard.
livingdeaddolls 2 years ago
Completely agree! Seen it 5 times with him and can't decide whether to squeeze another one in before John Barrowman.
NotaFro 2 years ago
You definitely should! Go, if you can, I certainly would.
livingdeaddolls 2 years ago
You have successfully persuaded me!
NotaFro 2 years ago
Agreed!
westendellie 2 years ago
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What is up with the 1 inch heels? Come on girls, you can do better than this! It was a little messy.....they could use a few tips from the rockettes!
NYCmusictheatreboy 2 years ago
... girls?
fidget1992008 2 years ago
I really want to go and see this before it goes. If anyone gets the chance to go and see sister act, go because its sooooo gooood!
georgecherrill 2 years ago
I have met graham norton for my birthday and the rest of the cast. i love this show. my friend is in this show playing the lead part, Alban!!
scarleyraisestheroof 2 years ago
I saw this play in London and i thought it was emotional and funny i would see it again if i could
TrilobiteTV 2 years ago
I loved this version, the voice was incredible on Douglas Hodge, and it truly felt like a complete breakdown moment. I particuarly liked the traumatic pause before the last "I am What I am", very effective :-)
peteyiom2 2 years ago 4
Norton's breasts are quite the pair, eh? lol
nightflier021 2 years ago
Douglas Hodge is a wonderful performer!! The emotion he displays in I am what I am is incredible!! Truely believable performance!!
wonnabeastar 2 years ago 3
It is a brilliant night out I thought. And I'm a perfectly straight male. I almost cried when Albin sang "I am what I am" after being so destroyed by his "son"'s behaviour. Really great show, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.
eddygggg 2 years ago
I saw this production and the Marquis production in New York. Two totally different shows, but equally as good! Vive La Cage!
Musicalsjoerd 2 years ago
cheap looking costumes?....what the hell
saw this back in the day....meant alot to this gay man.....listen to the words...tells you alot....costumes...you got to be kidding.
saw the original loved it...defined alot about me.....i am what i am.....can't wait for the return to broadway.....forget about the little house productions....we need full scope.....thank you alan carr
jeff5761 2 years ago
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The Costumes are really cheap looking
jtco3 2 years ago
I personally think that the cheap costumes are part of the current London production's charm. The set at the Playhouse looks just as cheap, and to me it really sums up songs such as "I am What I am" and "I put some more mascara on." It makes no concessions about Albin's world being a little shabby, and Le Cage au Folles a little gaudy. But in his eyes it's glamourous and fun.
I think its nice that a musical that has gained such cult status has returned with a more down to earth charm than...
thewaybad 2 years ago
...the over the top "Razzle Dazzle" that larger productions have given it.
Definitely worth seeing! I'm actually thinking of going again before Allam leaves the role of Albin. He's totally amazing!
thewaybad 2 years ago
I love this!! Saw it the other night with Allam as Albin and it was amazing... I want to go again!!!!
samanthaingle 2 years ago 3
I saw this on Saturday with Allam in the lead.
O...M...G!!!
Totally AMAZING production. Allam was a little flat at times in his singing, but he portrayed Albin prefectly and him and Quast were superb, along with the rest of the cast, especially the chorus.
I saw "Wicked!" two weeks before, and as much as I REALLY enjoyed it, I prefer La Cage by a margin.
The current London production has EVERYTHING you could want from the Weest End; good tunes, great cast, and drag queens! :D
thewaybad 2 years ago 3
I saw on Feb 14th with Norton- he is awsome, would love to go again to London!!!!
blondyn19t 2 years ago
i loved every second of this when i went to see it in london
urrockinwiththebest 2 years ago
I saw it with Norton a month ago and he was brilliant. I caught it on Saturday with Allam and he was great too.
Not sure if I'd have liked to have seen Hodge. He does that weird thing with his voice when he sings "La Cage aux Folles".
drinnik 2 years ago
Roger Allum was awesome, the production was very moving, hilariously funny, camp as christmas and very very sexy, big muscle boys in basques, what s not to like?
Pablo040865 2 years ago
i saw graham norton and he was amazing! his campness really suited the role! i shall go back and see it soon
nathan24911 2 years ago
When I discovered Graham Norton wasn't doing it anymore, I was disappointed, but
Roger Allam was arguably better than both Norton and Hodge!
oxfordboy07 2 years ago 2
Omg I would Kill To Star as Albin On the west End :P
My Dream Role :P
FujiokaDotCom 2 years ago
Douglas Hodge is brilliant : his performance has touches of fantastic divas like Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland, while still being unique.
BadBadAngel3 2 years ago 12
I totally agree ! This is the best performance of this song I've ever heard! An absolute gem !
kamnowgva 2 years ago 6
looks brilliant, i would love to see it.
Miikkeeee 2 years ago