La Cage Aux Folles is such a terrific farce that it’s been made into multiple versions, one just as much of a hit as the next! Cage Folles’ original debut was as a play in 1973, written by Jean Poiret, which premiered at the Theatre du Plais-Royal and ran for almost 1800 performances and an audience of one million.

In 1978, a French-Italian film adapted from the play was released by the same name, directed by Edouard Molinaro. This adaptation was, for years, recognized as the most successful foreign film to be released in the United States with its hilarious scenes, unique plot, and heart-warming conclusion. The film played in theaters throughout the United States at theaters in both urban and rural areas, including the Paris Theatre, a popular New York City location. Two film sequels followed this French-Italian release, 1980’s La Cage aux Folles II and 1985’s La Cage aux Folles 3: ‘Elles’ se Marient.

La Cage aux Folles (the musical) was adapted from the original play as well and premiered on Broadway at the Palace Theatre in 1983. This version of Cage Folles, too, was a high flying success, as it received nine nominations at the 1984 Tony Awards, winning six of them for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Costume Design, Best Direction and Best Actor in a Musical. This original Broadway production was directed by Arthur Laurents, choreographed by Scott Salmon, set-designed by David Mitchel, costume designed by Theoni V. Aldredge, and lighting designed by Jules Fisher. Its cast included Gene Barry and George Hearn; both nominated for Tony Award’s Best Actor in a Musical, and won by Hearn.

The Birdcage, a 1996 remake of the 1978 film, was another smashing success directed by Mike Nichols. The movie, starring famous actors Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart, Hank Azaria, and Christine Baranski, holds the record for highest grossing LGBT film at the North American Box Office. This Cage Folles adaptation received a 1997 Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Direction, won the 1997 American Comedy Award for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Nathan Lane, leading role) and Funniest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (Dianne Wiest), was nominated for the 1997 Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical (Nathan Lane), and many more.

With so many versions of Cage Folles, its impact as a hit story is undeniable. It’s got it all – humor, sentiment, wonderful creativity, and great overall production. As you can see, La Cage Aux Folles tickets are hot sellers for good reason, so check out our La Cage Aux Folles schedule to find a show time that works for you and see the glory for yourself!