26 The Courier sun • AUGUST 18, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com ‘LA CAGE…’ IS SRO AT RTC It’s a hot summer’s night. The air is thick with excitement. It’s time to find your seats! It’s another SRO (standing room only) performance s buzz for The Rockaway Theatre Company (RTC). Their revival of the bawdy musical comedy “La Cage Aux Folles” fills the room with energy. The show was once a lightning rod for controversy. Now, this irreverent celebration of gender bending is appreciated for its message of pride and love. It’s equally respected for its overall theatrical excellence. The singers and dancers welcome us to their “cabaret” as they weave in and out of the audience. By the second act, the crowd is on their feet, clapping to the music and cheering. In the lead role as Albin, veteran actor Chazmond J. Peacock is unsurpassed. Peacock struts across the extended runway. His flamboyance and honesty are unmistakable. The stunning “Cagelles” challenge Peacock’s swagger with their own glitz and glamour. The emcee (John Heffernan) does his best to appear subdued. But this is not a mere musical revue. Ashamed of his “parents,” Jean Michel (Frank Caiati) asks them to set aside their gaudy lifestyle for just one day. He’s marrying naive Anne (Leigh Dillon). Her father, played by David Risley, is a staunch conservative. Their apartment will need a full makeover. Their housekeeper Jacob (Matthew Smilardi), refuses to kowtow to a dictated lifestyle that he has rejected. Will the masquerade become undone? Will Peacock’s character shatter the deception for the sake of family and truth? A dazzling performance by Jodee Timpone as Jacqueline helps win the day. Stirring lyrics and music touch all our emotions. With “I Am What I Am” and “The Best of Times,” the importance of self-expression and family loyalties resonate throughout the audience. Breathtaking costumes, wigs, makeup and sets deserve superlatives as well. Director John Gilleece, producer Susan Jasper, music director Richard Louis-Pierre and choreographer Nicola DePierro-Nellen have transcended the confines of Fort Tilden and the Gateway National Recreation Center. This is a bona fide regional production rivaling many projects with betterknown credentials. A long and loud “bravo” to the dozens of onstage and behind-thescenes staff and performers, too numerous to acknowledge individually. This production is clearly a must-see. For information regarding this and future productions, call 718-374-6400 or surf to www. rockawaytheatrecompany.org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Compassionate Care for Four Generations Every funeral detail is handled according to each family’s personal and religious preferences. Specialists in FDIC Insured Pre-Plans Many Jewish families are turning to Sinai Chapels experienced counselors to establish a Pre-Plan. With a Sinai Pre-Plan, families are relieved of dealing with making arrangements at a difficult time. Sinai’s Pre-Plan counselors will meet with you at the Chapel, or in the comfort of your home. Sinai Chapels | 162-05 Horace Harding Expressway | Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 718.445.0300 | 800.446.0406 www.JewishFunerals.com We are here 24 hours to serve your family.
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