“I was such a devotee of the 1978 French film, La Cage Aux Folles, that I assiduously avoided all of its various American stage and film adaptations. Until now. I’m glad I waited to break this particular fast with the glorious production of La Cage starring the could-there-possibly-be-anyone-better duo of Steve Ross and Sean Arbuckle now packing them in at the Avon Theatre…

The cast is as close to ideal as one could hope. Steve Ross gets the lead role he has long deserved and he knocks it out of the gay ballpark. He is now hilarious, now heart breaking and he doesn’t miss a beat along the way.”

“Long time Stratford favourites, Steve Ross and Sean Arbuckle, with 21 and 22 seasons respectively, play Albin/Zaza and Georges. As Zaza, Albin is a diva. Ross is dazzling in the role, donning the body suit to create curves, then singing beautifully…

Most impressive are the members of the Cagelles, the dancing drag queens. Their dance skills are excellent, with credit going to choreographer Cameron Carver…

With a talented cast and heart-warming script, La Cage au Folles is just the show we need in tough times. You will come out of the theatre with a lighter step, a smile on your face, and a soft spot in your heart.”

“Helmed by the masterful Thom Allison, this production somehow manages to be greater than the sum of its parts, bringing together incredible song-and-dance numbers, top-notch production values and wonderful acting while celebrating love in the face of intolerance…

While Arbuckle is fantastic as Georges, hitting all of the right notes in every sense of the phrase, Ross is the beating heart of this production. After years on the Stratford Festival stage in key supporting roles, including recent turns in The Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop of Horrors, Ross is front and centre in La Cage, and he’s simply brilliant as the fabulous Albin.”

“…a fun-filled romp through glitter and boas, studded with great performances from Ross and Arbuckle in particular. Chris Vergara is a stand-out in his bit part as Albin’s personal assistant, milking his over-the-top French accent (and tremendous dance chops) for all they’re worth…

If you loved Sean Arbuckle’s performance in Casey and Diana last year, and/or you have a penchant for raunchy dance numbers and bedazzled gowns, get thee to La Cage Aux Folles. Allison’s production is imbued with love, care, and an understanding of the importance of queer elders being able to share their stories…”

“As Georges, Arbuckle is the standout in Stratford’s new production, delivering one of the most swooningly romantic performances I’ve ever seen at the theatre company. His ode to Albin and aging alongside a lover, Song on the Sand, was delivered with tremendous emotion. His love for Jean-Michel, too, is palpable – as is the wrenching shame he feels over his betrayal of his partner (and himself) for that love.

Long-time Stratford clown Ross, meanwhile, is given an opportunity to stretch himself in the other dual, lead role.

His Zaza is a pageant queen – decked out in regal outfits designed by David Boechler that nod at Marlene Dietrich and Mae West – whose crowd-drawing talent is an impressive baritone singing voice. His Albin, meanwhile, is an impetuous but loving family person.”

“What makes this production so special is its focus on heart. I’ve seen the musical twice before, including the original Broadway production in 1983. In the present production the singing is better and the acting more finely nuanced. Stratford regulars Steve Ross and Sean Arbuckle as the central male couple give outstanding performances that handily eclipse those I’ve seen…

The show is a designer’s dream and David Boechler does not disappoint. He seems to have carefully calculated just how far over the top to take each of Zaza’s gowns and those of Les Cagelles…

Thom Allison’s production of La Cage aux Folles is a warm, funny, insightful celebration of love and family in their various forms. See it for its uplifting tribute to harmony, both in music and in everyday life.”

“Steve Ross and Sean Arbuckle are endearing as longtime lovebirds Georges and Albin with Ross’ rendition of I am What I Am causing instant goosebumps. This show boasts an incredibly talented ensemble of performers and some divinely hilarious moments of comedy…

Arbuckle’s portrayal of Georges’ inner conflict over the arrangement and Ross’ portrayal of deep hurt are incredibly touching…

James Daly and Heather Kosik are splendid as the young loves Jean-Michel and Anne. It’s a beautiful moment when we witness Jean-Michel truly transform into a man as he eventually realizes what he values and what his fathers have done for him. Daly’s portrayal of this realization is very heartfelt and touching.”