Reviewed by Tom W. Kelly

Issues of self-respect in a repressive society will certainly be relevant for a very, very long time. And so will musicals like La Cage Aux Folles. This outrageously gay extravaganza, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Harvey Fierstein, receives a fine production by Diablo Light Opera Company at the spacious and comfortable Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

The zany antics are set in St. Tropez, France, at an infamous nightclub which features a troupe of talented transvestites. Drag performer and diva extraordinaire Albin (played with terrific comic timing by Peter Del Fiorentino) and his husband Georges (dazzlingly sung by Curt Denham) have raised a young son Jean-Michel (well rendered by Charlie Levy). His engagement to a woman (a delightful Rebecca Jayne Pingree) -- yes, heterosexuality can happen in the best of families -- is tough enough, but his attempt to "straighten out" his gay parents is met with shock, anger, and ultimately awkward compliance. But love, in all its incarnations, wins out for a sweetly happy ending.

Peter Del Fiorentino looks great in drag! His characterization of Albin is flamboyantly flawless, whisking the audience along a rollicking musical rollercoaster ride. From hysterical histrionics to pinkie-poised mannerisms, he excels at finely-tuned physical comedy. As his butch foil, Curt Denham provides a dapper appearance and beautiful singing voice. Their love duet "Song on the Sand" is sweetly romantic. Charlie Levy and Rebecca Jayne Pingree also sing a delicious duet titled "With Anne on My Arm." Moka Davis is terrific as the maid, no the butler, no the maid. One of several musical highlights is the rousing exuberance of "The Best of Times" sung by Del Fiorentino, Lisa Pan (who is too much fun!), and the ensemble. And, of course, there is Jerry Herman’s "I Am What I Am" which is a veritable anthem for gay pride and self respect.

Directed by Sue Ellen Nelsen, there is plenty of fun for all. The performers seem to be enjoying themselves as much as the audience. A challenging musical (epic and episodic), the pacing sometimes slows to a crawl, but generally keeps coming fast and strong. The costume design by Barbara Gherzi (based on original designs by Loren Watkins) is fabulous! Sets by Andrea Bechert and lighting by Jack Carpenter keep the action bright and colorful. And the choreography by Suzanne Brandt and Don Wilson is delightful, with excellent Music Direction by Cheryl Yee Glass.

La Cage Aux Folles is a clever cautionary tale warning viewers against hypocrisy, assimilationism, and self-loathing. OR it’s simply a crazy comedy with a scrumptious score. This production certainly succeeds in so many ways!

La Cage Aux Folles runs until November 6, 2004 at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets are available by calling (925) 943-7469 or go to www.dloc.org