THE BIRDCAGE is the hysterically entertaining Americanized version of the French classic LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. In "The Birdcage," it's played for comedy all the way. The musical is quite poignant and emphasizes its statement in the song, "I Am Who I Am." The joy of the French film is that the actors playing the lovers, Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault, play their roles very seriously, and the humor and poignancy come out of the situation and the outrageousness of the Armand character (Albin/Zaza in the French). It's been a long time since I've seen the French "La Cage aux Folles," and I saw the musical on Broadway as well. Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest are very funny as Barbara's befuddled parents. But Dan Futterman and Calista Flockhart as Barbara make a lovely young couple. The role of Val is problematic, because how does one keep him from looking like a complete bastard as he shuts out Armand, who raised him. Nathan Lane's shtick is familiar to me, as I've seen him in "The Producers" and "The Odd Couple" - he's a riot as the insecure, jealous, easily hurt Albert. Williams is hilarious - my two favorite scenes are his rehearsal with Albert and a young man appearing with him on stage, and the scene where he coaches Armand on being macho - priceless.
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In order for that to occur, Armand has to become butch, all gay art work, etc., needs to exit the apartment - and Albert must disappear for a few days. Armand once had a liaison with a woman, which produced a son, Val, who now wants to be married to the daughter of a conservative politician. Lane is the dramatic Albert, an over the top drag queen who has lived for years with Robin Williams, Armand, the owner of The Birdcage, where Albert performs. Though nothing can beat "La Cage aux Folles," the film on which this American version is based, I still found "The Birdcage" delightful fun and hilarious at times, thanks to the comic geniuses of Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.