Madness a la 'Cage'

What a comic adventure!

In the midst of a joint interview with David Engel and Robert J. Townsend, they politely disagreed over when they first met; referenced themselves as an "old, married couple"; and sang each other's praises. They also shared embarrassing moments, from drippy noses to dropping pants.

Fortunately, for these old friends (and us), they are finally sharing the spotlight, co-starring as Albin and Georges in San Diego Musical Theatre's (SDMT ) production of "La Cage Aux Folles."

Get ready for a fun, touching night of musical theatre that celebrates family and love. "La Cage" is written by Harvey Fierstein ("Kinky Boots," "Newsies") with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman ("Hello Dolly!," "Mame"). If you haven't seen the play, you likely saw the film adaptation "The Birdcage," starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams.

The story centers around Georges (Townsend), the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely St. Tropez, and his partner, Albin (Engel), who is better known as the glamorous drag queen Zaza. Things inevitably get a little hairy when Georges' son brings home his fianc�e and her ultra-conservative parents.

Both Engel and Townsend have noteworthy theatre resumes. Engel's Broadway credits include "Putting it Together" (opposite Carol Burnett), "Seussical: The Musical," and the original Broadway production of "La Cage aux Folles." Engel also created the role of Smudge in the original New York production of "Forever Plaid." Locally, he just completed a run as Harold Hill in "The Music Man" at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. At San Diego Musical Theatre, he played the "Bing Crosby" role in "White Christmas," and will be returning to play it again this year.

Townsend just finished a Broadway run of "Mamma Mia!" He was also on the National Tours for "Jersey Boys," "Camelot," "Grease," and "Radio City." At San Diego Musical Theatre he played Dan Goodman in "Next To Normal" and Billy Flynn in "Chicago," as well as Sky Masterson in "Guys and Dolls." He is also a favorite at The Old Globe and Moonlight Amphitheatre, playing Papa Who in "The Grinch," Sweeney in "Sweeney Todd" and the title role in "Jekyll and Hyde."

Regarding La Cage, Engel has a long history with the show. In addition to having a role in the original 1983 Broadway production, he was cast as Albin in the 1987 revival. Jerry Herman then requested him for additional productions.

"I am excited about this production because we are presenting a slightly re- vised script. Harvey made some edits and it is sleeker and better. Funny, clever, brighter, faster and it has all the same meat and heart."

Townsend can't decide what's more mind blowing, "I just became a new father, my wife and I had our that impacts my interpretation of the show and my character, who is a father that wants to make things right for both his son and his partner."

Now, regarding the embarrassing moments alluded to... It was Townsend who accidently dropped his drawers a little too far in a production of "Grease." He was a T-Bird Mooner during the song "Blue Moon." "Even more mortifying... a letter came from a lady complaining that her granddaughter had been sitting in the front row with her," bemoaned Townsend.

Engel laughed, "You can reenact that for me."

Engel's moment came during "Forever Plaid" here in San Diego. He had spent all his free time bodysurfing, and that night his sinuses decided to release about a half of a cup of water (literally!), right at the end of the song "Heart and Soul." He was asking an audience participant to sign the guest book he was holding (now soaked in snot). Engel paints the scene: "With a microphone in one hand and the book in the other, there was nothing I could really do but continue to let my nose drain. No one wanted to hold or sign the book."

Quipped Townsend, "No need to reenact that for me."

Catch these two mischievous auteurs, under the direction of Larry Raben with choreography by Karl Warden and musical direction by Don LeMaster. Engel sold it well, "It is an incredibly important story Fierstein tells about family, about love. It's also a great Jerry Herman musical." Like Townsend and Engel, it's a two for one!

"La Cage Aux Folles" runs Friday, September 25 through Sunday, October 11 at the Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego. For tickets or more information, call 858.560.5740 or go to sdmt.org.

Special Note: 10 percent of ticket sales for "La Cage" will be donated to The
Trevor Project through SDMT's "You Give, We Give" program.