An Inside Look: La Cage aux Folles (Barcelona)
Last weekend, I attended a production of the musical La Jaula de Las Locas (or La Cage aux Folles in English) at Teatro Tívoli in the heart of Barcelona! This was an entirely Spanish version of the Tony winning Broadway hit, directed by Àngel Llàcer and Manu Guix.
At a Glance
🗺️ Location: Barcelona, Spain
📍 Venue: Teatre Tívoli➝
📅 Dates: 9/2018 – 2/2019
🎭 Type of Show: Musical
🌐 Language: Spanish
⏰ Runtime: 2.5 hours
About La Jaula de Las Locas
Everything about the experience was glitz and glam from start to finish! Upon entering the theatre, a gorgeous drag queen dressed in hot pink sequins was waiting to take photos with the excited guests, offering pretty feather boas and sparkly hats as props for the photo.
The smell of popcorn wafted through the air and people bought themselves wine and snacks as the anticipation grew. The theatre itself is lavish, filled with hues of velvety red and golden accents. The atmosphere was buzzing and we were getting excited!
La Cage aux Folles is a musical dramedy that follows the story of Albin and Georges, a sweet couple who own a drag club, “La Cage aux Folles”. But things take a turn when Georges’s son, Jean-Michel announces his engagement to his new fiancee, the daughter of an ultra-conservative couple who leads the “Tradition, Family and Morality Party”.
In this version, Albin and Georges are played by two ridiculously strong leads. The orchestra was flawless, the set design dazzling, and the entire cast fit together perfectly. The entire show was exciting, especially when Zaza (Albin) shattered the fourth wall by stepping off the stage and having fun with the audience. At that point, we experienced what an actual drag show at “La Cage aux Folles” might be like. And it was dynamite!
Not only does the show provide a night of pure entertainment, but it also highlights the natural goodness of humanity. It’s a reflection of people’s need for a sense of belonging and identity. We can all take something away from the story of Albin and Georges. Even if it’s just leaving the theatre saying, “Hey world! I am what I am!”
What to Know Before You Go
If you are familiar with the story, you can follow and enjoy the show even when Spanish isn’t your first language. Just give the English-language La Cage aux Folles cast album➝ a listen beforehand and read a little synopsis of the musical, and you’ll be set!
* A special thanks to La Jaula de las Locas for the invitation to see the show!
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
