.

Photos by Ed Krieger

Musical Theatre West, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Long Beach, CA  

"It's Always A Good Time at 'La Cage'. This joyous revival of Jerry Herman's 1983 Tony-winning transvestite toe-tapper is a triumph of sentimental showmanship. Overall, though, the AquaNet effect of Gary Wissmann's sets, Todd Proto's costumes, Michael Gilliam's lighting and Anthony Gagliardi's wigs is hallucinatory. this heartfelt confection creates the best of times for audiences."                                   - Los Angeles Times, David Nichols...Critic's Choice

"A Stage Filled With The Spectacular...huge laughs, plenty of emotional warmth and more than a little understanding, all to popular and powerful tunes. Director Nick DeGruccio makes the big production numbers bigger than life, but allows the small moments of real emotion their own equality."      - Long Beach Press Telegram

"Glitz and heart gild this 'Cage'. Director Nick DeGruccio's big, oversized staging plays up Fierstein and Herman's expansive theme of tolerance and acceptance - and of taking a moment before judging a person on appearance alone. What really makes "La Cage" fly are Herman's soaring, heartfelt and thoroughly French-sounding songs; captivating characterizations by DeGruccio's cast; and the show's sheer visual flamboyance."  - Orange County Register, Critic's Choice

 I was so fortunate and grateful to work with the legendary Jerry Herman on this production.