La Cage aux Folles: Kelsey Grammer may star

According to Michael Riedel of the New York Post Kelsey Grammer (Frasier) will star as 'Georges' in London's critically acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory's production of the musical comedy La Cage aux Folles, opening at Broadway's Longacre Theatre on 18 Apr 2010, following previews from 6 Apr 2010.

If true, Grammer will star alongside British actor Douglas Hodge - who originated the role of 'Albin' when the production opened in London.

Riedel also reports that Grammer will switch roles when British actor Douglas Hodge leaves the production - Equity rules mean his time on Broadway could be limited.

Grammer is Best known for his TV character 'Dr Frasier Crane,' which he portrayed in NBC sitcom 'Cheers' for 9 years, and then in his own show 'Frazier,' which ran for 11 years - for which he earned four Emmy Awards. His Broadway credits include: Macbeth (1981: Lennox); Othello (1982:Cassio) and Macbeth (2000: Macbeth).

The idyllic existence of Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, star of the La Cage aux Folles club, is threatened when Georges' son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife! With a visit from the prospective in-laws imminent, they all decide to take drastic action to hide their lifestyle...but can they keep it up?

This freshly reconceived production won the 2009 Olivier Awards for Best Musical Revival and Best Actor in a Musical for star Douglas Hodge, who will make his Broadway debut as 'Albin.'

The Menier Chocolate Factory production of La Cage aux Folles played to critical acclaim from 23 Nov 2007 to 8 Mar 2008, before moving to the West End's Playhouse Theatre on 30 Oct 2008, where it is still playing.

"This joyous show deserves every hurrah and standing ovation it receives." (Daily Telegraph); "Suddenly, the West End sparkles...a production that delights." (The Times); "Fantastic revival" (Independent); La Cage is a belter of a night out." (Daily Mail).

La Cage aux Folles features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the play, La Cage aux Folles, by Jean Poiret. The production is directed by Terry Johnson and choreographed by Lynne Page.

The creative team features set design by Tim Shortall, costume design by Matthew Wright and lighting design by Nick Richings. Orchestrations are by Jason Carr. Wig and makeup design is by Richard Mawbey.

La Cage aux Folles is being produced on Broadway by Sonia Friedman, David Babani for the Menier Chocolate Factory, Fran and Barry Weissler and Robert Bartner / Norman Tulchin.

The original production of La Cage aux Folles was one of Broadway's biggest hits of the 1980's. It opened 21 Aug 1983 at the Palace Theatre, where it played for over four years and 1,761 performances. The show won six Tony Awards in 1984, including Best Musical, Best Score (Jerry Herman) and Best Book (Harvey Fierstein).