evergreenplayers.org

La Cage aux folles

Book by Harvey Fierstein. Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman

Directed by Peter Hughes. Music directed by Kathleen Davis.

For many a community theater company programming "La Cage aux folles," the musical version by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein, seems like a big risk. This isn't the usual boy-meets-girl, Rogers-and-Hammerstein-love-story that typically finds its way to the community stage. But to Peter Hughes, who will direct the Evergreen Players' production of the show opening on March 23, "It is a 'risk' well taken."

And that's because "La Cage" is a love story, albeit an unconventional one. "It's a love story with some wonderful characters and a plot that is both fun and enchanting," said Hughes. "The situations and characters of La Cage are universal, they just appear to be different at first."

In the introduction to the script, Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the book, noted "What child has not at some point in its life been ashamed to introduce its parents to friends? What parent has not wondered, 'where did we go wrong?' What marriage has not been tested in these familial flames?" That's the heart of the story he and collaborator Jerry Herman, who wrote the music and lyrics, sought when they set out to turn a popular French farce into a Broadway musical. It's also the heart of the story director Mike Nichols and writer Elaine May drew on when they turned it into the hit 1996 movie "The Bird Cage," starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.

But the musical version stands on its own, thanks especially to music and lyrics by the man who gave the world "Hello Dolly" and "Mame." As in other Herman shows, the songs "celebrate life and living fully," Hughes said. Hughes has directed several shows for the Players, including an award-winning production of "Haiku." He was the production manager for a professional repertory production of "La Cage" in California in 1993.

"On Broadway 'La Cage' was a huge production with thousands and thousands of dollars invested in scenery, costumes and lighting," Hughes said. But underneath all the spectacle are a script and score that can be staged effectively in an intimate setting. For the Players' production, Hughes said he'll put the focus on story and character development. In that case, "The show becomes more like the French film version, with wonderful songs and dancing," Hughes said.

Cast

Whitney M. Ayers Nicole

Whitney, an Evergreen Native, is enjoying performing in her third show here with the Evergreen Players. Her last performance at Center/Stage was portraying Brook in "Noises Off", a role that kept her active which she very much enjoys. During the day she works as a production assistant for a Life insurance company. Whitney is thrilled to be working with yet another amazing cast and she would like to thank all of her family and friends for their love and support!!!

Ken Basque Georges

Originally from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Ken moved to the Denver area in 1996 and has been performing in and around the Metro area. Most recently Ken has been seen in THAC productions of "Cinderella" (Ensemble) and "The Secret Garden" (Fakkir). Ken dedicates his performance to two special family members, Ron and Phil, for their encouragement and example which has made a difference in his life. Thanks for the strength. This one is for you!!!!

Davis Bennett Francis

Davis has appeared in eight Evergreen Chorale productions at Center Stage, but is very pleased to be appearing in his first with the Evergreen Players. He would like to thank Peter and all of the La Cage cast and crew for making this production such a wonderful experience.

Larry T Davis Jacob

A native of Detroit, Larry graduated from Bowling Green State University with dual degrees in Business Management/Data Processing. However, he most enjoyed his minor - musical theatre. After some regional theatre while living in New Orleans, Larry now resides in Denver where he is a Human Resources Specialist for Government.

Shane Delavan Albin/Zaza

Shane joins us from downtown Denver. His most recent shows include Into the Woods, A Chorus Line, and Godspell. Shane is also in the cast of the award-winning Evergreen Players production of All in the Timing which will represent the rocky mountain region at this year's national theatre competition.

Becca Dellinger Anne

A graduate of New Mexico Highlands University with a BA in Music. She has been seen on stage throughout the region, and Europe. Previous roles include: The Bakers Wife Into the Woods, Ginger 1940’s Radio Hour, Countess Almaviva The Marriage of Figaro, and Nellie South Pacific. She works for Wells Fargo Bank and lives in Lakewood.

Brian Dowling Pepe

Making a very small cameo appearance is the very recognizable Brian Michael Dowling. He was last seen in Jimy Murphy's hit, 'Heaven's A Nude Beach", where many will remember him as the Pokemon shirt wearing four-year old. This time around, his main duties are backstage, where he will be co-stage managing. Brian would like to thank Peter for letting him be in this wonderful show.

Larrie Horne Edouard Dindon

A 25 year resident who has been with the Player's since 1978. Past credits include Pozzo in Waiting for Godot, Kolko the clown in Marat/Sade and Frank Burns in M.A.S.H. He has been practicing real estate for 23 years and is also representing several long term care insurance companies in "real life."

Peter Hughes Director

A Denver resident, this is Peter's sixth directing journey with the Evergreen Player's. His current production off All In The Timing with be representing Colorado at the AACT National Festival this June. Other credits include productions with Universal Studios, Summer Repertory Theatre (SRT) and the LA Music Center Opera.

Peter Hughes Mercedes

Originally from Southern California Peter now lives in Denver. After nine years in professional stage management he left the West Coast, headed for Colorado and found a quiet and balance that comes with having a real life outside of theatre. Performing in La Cage is a dream come true.

Brandon Kruhm Phaedra

Brandon, a 17 year old from Littleton, is very excited to be in his first production with the Evergreen Players. He has been acting, dancing, and singing for 9 years. In September he will be going to the School of Film and Television in New York City.

Susan LaBone Jaqueline

Most recently appeared at the Town Hall with the Cinderella ensemble and earlier last year as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma with the Castle Rock Players. When not involved with the theater, she is the owner/operator of a restaurant/bar in Lakewood where she resides.

Shannon McCarthy Jean-Michel

Originally from Wichita, KS. I moved to Denver just over a year ago where I am a store manager for American Greetings. Last Spring I played Mr. Erlanson in the Evergreen Choral Production of "A Little Night Music". I have also played Richard Henry Lee in "1776", Frank Schultz in "Showboat" and Rusty Charlie in "Guys and Dolls". Thanks for giving me this chance in La Cage.

Laura Rahimi Mm Renaud

Originally from Utah, this is Laura's second show at Evergreen, having last been seen as Lady Manley-Prowe in Something's Afoot. She graduated from UNC with a degree in Musical Theater, Acting Emphasis. Her favorite role to date is Sister Amnesia in Nunsense. Laura also enjoys writing music and playing trivia games.

Arlene Rapal Chantal

Arlene is thrilled to make her debut on an Evergreen stage. She most recently appeared as Ella Hammer in "Cradle Will Rock" at the Mizel Arts Center. In "real life" Arlene is Executive Director of Young Voices of Colorado, a community children's choir in south Denver.

Lynne Elton Smith Marie Dindon

Lynne has been a resident of Evergreen for the past 2.5 years. She received her BS degree in Theatre from Eastern Michigan University and has taught Drama in Texas and Delaware. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Players. She was last seen as M'Lynn in "Steel Magnolias."

Cindy Spencer Babette

Cyn is a resident of Littleton. She graduated with a master’s degree in psychology from West Georgia College. She has done industrial films and theater in Georgia, appearing as Elvira in “Blithe Spirit” and Penelope in "See How They Run" for the Cobb Community Players. She was in “Putting it Together” two years ago, where she played a singing nun, and subsequently converted to Catholicism. She writes poetry and offers unsolicited opinions on a variety of topics. She is delighted to be reunited with old friends in this production.

Jane Stanfield Odette

An Executive Assistant at Colorado PERA, Jane’s Evergreen Players accolades include CCTC winning performances for "All In The Timing" and "Haiku", which also earned her state acting awards 1999 & 2000. Other Players productions include "Noises Off", "The Lion in Winter", "Working". Other local appearances "My Fair Lady", "Snoopy!", "Godspell".

Kimberlee Jo Stiles Hanna

This is Kim’s second production with the Evergreen Players. Kim has two degrees in Theatre and spent 6 years in New York performing in numerous plays as well as appearing on One Life to Live and Guiding Light. Some of Kim’s credits include the award winning All In The Timing, Execution of Justice, Emma’s Child, Cloud Nine, Crimes of the Heart, Norman Conquest, and Extremities. Kim wishes to thank her family and her friends and coaches at The Actor’s Workshop in Denver.

Donna Worley Colette

Donna has done more shows with the Players, The Evergreen Chorale, and Topeka Civic Theatre than she can remember. Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” and Eva Peron in “Evita” are among her favorites. She is please to be working with such outstanding directors as Peter and Kathie… and thrilled to be back at Center/Stage after a year’s absence.

Karl Andersen The Band

Kathleen Davis The Band

Mark Gavin The Band

P.K. Worley The Band

Production Crew

Images from La Cage aux folles

Photography by Ellen Nelson and other volunteers.

Zaza's entrance (Shane Delavan)

Jacob (Larry Davis) and Jean-Michel (Shannon McCarthy)

Jean-Michel (Shannon McCarthy) and Georges (Ken Basque)

Jean-Michel (Shannon McCarthy), Albin (Shane Delavan), Jacob (Larry Davis), Marie (Lynne Smith) and Anne (Becca Dellinger)

Albin (Shane Delavan), Edouard (Larrie Horne), Marie (Lynne Smith), Jaqueline (Susan LaBone), Anne (Becca Dellinger) and Jean-Michel (Shannon McCarthy)