These Are The Best of Times!

It is very interesting to see just how far La Cage Aux Folles has come since its debut in 1983.

It is equally very sad to see just how little has changed since La Cage Aux Folles opened in 1983.

Director Charles Repole seems sensitive to this and provides a lavish, satisfying productions that pays homage to the original source material but remains relevant to today's climate. Anchored in the original, but taking some cues from the 2010 Revival, La Cage pleases on all levels.

Charles Shaughnessy has found and applied some depth to Georges. Instead of playing him as a one-note butch man, he has allows the character to explore all aspects of his character.

Jonathan Hammond is an emotional Albin who lights up the stage when he lets his husband have it during "I Am What I Am." This particular pundit enjoys Hammond's off-the-cuff portrayal of a spouse wounded because his emotions are both raw and realistic.

Nikko Kimzin tears the stage up as a wild but sensitive Jacob.

Larry Cahn knows how to play M. Dindon as an unlikeable but real character. All disdain for him are authentic instead of superficial. Maureen Brennan provides enough comic relief as his long-suggering wife. She is a true joy to watchj.

Zach Trimmer and Stephanie Martignetti have (finally) found ways to portray Jean-Michel and Anne as full-fleged people instead of caricatures that breeze in and out of the play.

Les Cagelles own the arena when they perform, and their costumes are second to none. Even after all these years, they play and dance their parts with refreshing renewal and credibility.

La Cage @ NSMT is everything you want it to be -- bright and colorful but grounded in reality and emotion.

If the Best of Times is not now, then when?