La Cage Aux Folles Kicks Off Hennepin Theatre Trust’s 2011/12 Broadway Season, Oct. 18-23 at the State Theatre

MINNEAPOLIS—La Cage Aux Folles, starring film and TV actor George Hamilton and two-time Tony Award nominee and St. Paul native Christopher Sieber, runs at the State Theatre Oct. 18-23, 2011, kicking off Hennepin Theatre Trust’s 2011/12 Broadway Across America-Minneapolis Season. Winner of three 2010 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, this flashy comedy made Tony Awards history as the first show ever to win the Tony Award three times for best production. Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 1.800.982.2787.

La Cage, remade as the 1996 American film “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges' son brings his fiancée's conservative parents home to meet the dramatic pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! The Associated Press called it “riotously funny” and said “La Cage could not be more timely or enjoyable.”

George Hamilton, who stars as Georges, is famed for his debonair style, dashing good looks and perpetual tan. He is known for his Golden Globe-nominated work in films including “Love at First Bite” as well as others such as “The Godfather Part III.” Broadway veteran, two-time Tony Award nominee and St. Paul native Christopher Sieber will make his road debut in the role of Albin. Sieber, who graduated from Forest Lake High School, has extensive film and TV credits and recently appeared on Broadway as Georges opposite Harvey Fierstein in the Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage Aux Folles.

Rounding out the cast is Billy Harringtan Tighe, Bernard Burak Sheredy, Cathy Newman, Jeigh Madjus, Gay Marshall, Allison Blair McDowell, Dale Hensley, Ashley Kate Adams, Danny Vaccaro, Rylyn Juliano, Matt Anctil, Mark Roland, Donald Shorter, Jr., Trevor Downey, Logan Keslar, Terry Lavell, Todd Thurston, Todd Lattimore, Christophe Caballerro and SuEllen Estey.

The classic musical comedy by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein originally won six Tony Awards in 1984, including Best Musical. A Broadway revival won two 2005 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. The new, freshly reconceived La Cage was nominated for eleven 2010 Tony Awards, winning three–Best Revival of a Musical, Best Director of a Musical (Terry Johnson) and Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Douglas Hodge).

The new production was also the winner of three Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical, four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Director of a Musical (Terry Johnson) and the Drama League Award for Distinguished Revival of a Musical.

The tuneful musical played from November 23, 2007 to March 8, 2008 at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. It earned across the board raves and moved to the West End’s Playhouse Theatre on October 30, 2008. It was nominated for seven 2009 Olivier Awards, winning for Best Musical Revival and Best Actor in a Musical (Douglas Hodge). It also won the 2009 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Musical.

La Cage Aux Folles features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, a book by Harvey Fierstein and is based on the 1973 play by Jean Poiret. The national tour is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, David Babani and Fran and Barry Weissler in association with NETworks Presentations.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for La Cage Aux Folles are on sale now and range from $35 to $80 (subject to change) depending on performance time and seating preference. All prices include applicable facility fees. Additional charges may apply. Tickets may be purchased in person at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55402), online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org, by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.982.2787 or at a Ticketmaster Ticket Center. Groups of 10 or more should call 612.373.5665 for information and reservations.

Performance dates for La Cage Aux Folles are Tuesday through Sunday, Oct. 18-23, 2011 at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 55402).

Show times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST, non-profit owner of the historic Orpheum, State, Pantages and the newly developed New Century Theatres, is devoted to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities. The Trust’s activities include Broadway touring productions and the related Broadway Confidential series, concerts, comedy, speakers and other variety entertainment plus educational initiatives including the SpotLight Musical Theatre Program for high schools, Critical View student reviewer program, Teen Ushers, the Access Program and Kids’ Night. For more information, visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (Producer), part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com, is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. Under the supervision of Beth Williams (CEO-Theatrical), Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current Broadway productions include How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette, Million Dollar Quartet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jerusalem, Memphis and the West End production of Million Dollar Quartet. For more information, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.