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Few things are as universally—and historically—beloved as the theater. For thousands of years we’ve enjoyed the unique magic that is comedy, tragedy, musical or farce performed live on stage. South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) will have you laughing, dancing and even peeking behind the curtain May 10-19, thanks to dedicated director and community favorite Brenda Amburgy. Lyrics promise “It’s hot and hectic, effervescent and eclectic at La Cage Aux Folles,” you definitely don’t want to miss out.

SPSCC La Cage Aux Folles May 10
La Cage Aux Folles comes to South Puget Sound Community College from May 10-19. Photo credit: Brenda Amburgy

Amburgy retired in 2017 after teaching drama at Timberline High School for 32 years. But no stranger to the boards, she’s has been involved with theater for nearly 40. “I needed a project,” she admits. So she approached SPSCC’s president about directing their spring show.

Enter Georges and Albin, the main characters of La Cage Aux Folles. The musical is a family show with a twist but was always a little edgy for high school, says Amburgy. She hopes it will draw new fans and existing devotees to SPSCC’s state of the art facility.

If La Cage Aux Folles sounds familiar, you’re not mistaken. It took Broadway by storm in 1983 and promptly won six Tony awards. Since then, it’s been repeatedly revived in New York and London, winning more awards along the way. Perhaps the most popular retelling was Hollywood’s 1996 movie version, “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, and Hank Azaria.

“This is providing an opportunity that really is beyond anything I dreamed of, I’d love to see this collaboration continue with the community,” says Lauren Love, Drama Professor. “Brenda came to us with tremendous enthusiasm for staging a musical this spring and we saw it as a great opportunity to forge partnerships with artists in the community. This production will feature a lavish set, extravagant costumes, superb music and performances that are both outrageously comic and emotionally moving. La Cage will entertain at the same time as it inspires all of us to push past fears about superficial differences in order to recognize that fundamentally, we are all human beings worthy of dignity and love. La Cage reminds us that ‘the best of times is now’—it will truly lift everyone’s spirits!”

SPSCC La Cage Aux Folles Henry Talbot plays Albin
Henry Talbot plays Albin and Bradly Huson is Georges in what director Brenda Amburgy calls a ‘family show with a twist!’ Photo credit: Brenda Amburgy

“It helps us grow and helps the community grow.” Gwen Haw, choreographer, co-director, and actress on the show is excited for the opening. “I have wanted to do La Cage since memorizing the entire Jerry Herman score back in 1986! Its hilarity combined with poignancy and joy has always captured my heart.”

SPSCC student actor Xavier Woods agrees. “The production is so intricate and to be able to see it come together is a feeling like nothing else, from the musical numbers to the set pieces the audience is going to love it!” he shares. “My favorite part of the production process would have to be practicing the dances, it’s challenging but you’ve been around these people for weeks which only makes it fun and comfortable enough to fall down and get back up again.”

Tickets to the event are available online and “there isn’t a bad seat in the house,” says Amburgy. Typically, SPSCC productions offer limited runs, but this time additional dates were included as was a decadent Mother’s Day Brunch show.

SPSCC La Cage Aux Folles Mother's Day
Friday night shows, May 11 and 18, will benefit local breast cancer charities, and May 13 is the Mother’s Day Brunch show with mimosas and door prizes. Photo credit: Brenda Amburgy

For brunch, the Culinary Arts program will be on hand to provide meals and mimosas on Sunday, May 13 at 12:00 p.m. It’s a big deal says Amburgy, and sure to sell out. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. so come ready to mingle with show staff, learn about SPSCC’s next season and even win door prizes.

Friday night shows, May 11 and May 18, will benefit the Mayday Foundation and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Thurston County. Amburgy, who retired early after battling breast cancer, will make a curtain speech for charity and the on-site foundations.

Want a taste of what’s to come? On Friday, April 27, cast members will be on-hand at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts during Arts Walk. They’ll be in the Center’s lobby in costume performing, mingling, and passing out flyers for the show.

SPSCC La Cage Aux Folles 4
Get ready to laugh with the cast of La Cage Aux Folles. Photo credit: Brenda Amburgy

Share details of the event on Facebook or read more on the SPSCC’s dedicated show page. Unlike previous shows where tickets were offered on a general admission basis, this year you’ll be able to select your seats in advance. Book early to guarantee your favorite spot in the lovely Minnaert Center stage.

Get inspired with photos and videos from the show via the SPSCC Theater Program Facebook page, including rehearsals, behind the scenes, and more.

A line from the play confesses, “Somehow, you’ve put a permanent star in my eye, even the dead of winter can feel like July.” That’s exactly the feeling you get after immersing yourself in live theater. It’s a rush that can’t be beat…until the curtain goes up on the next show.

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