Encores is sometimes hit-or-miss. The whole conceit is they revive lesser known shows. But La Cage was revived on Broadway not that long ago. It's a show that deserves revival. It's hilarious, the melodies are lush and hummable and with Republicans attacking gay rights, it's unfortunately timely (and it's Pride!). Billy Porter plays a phenomenal Zaza. He of course won a Tony for Kinky Boots, and the Zaza character is not so dissimilar, including the heels. He sings a show-stopping I Am What I Am and The Best of Times. And with not much rehearsal, he was on-book for one book scene and also missed an entrance and hilariously ordered the orchestra to start again. Wayne Brady too is excellent. The two of them make a convincing pair. It's a huge all-black cast, paying homage to the black divas: Whitney, Beyonce, Rihanna, Grace Jones, etc. The hair and costumes are great. That opening number is so much fun with the choreography and all the showgirls on stage. I think this may have been the most enjoyable Encores production I've ever seen. Loved it.
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