La Cage: Christopher Sieber to play Georges

Tony nominee Christopher Sieber (Spamalot, Shrek) is to be the new 'Georges' in the Tony Award winning revival of La Cage aux Folles, replacing Jeffrey Tambor who withdrew from the production on 24 Feb 2011.

Christopher Sieber's Broadway credits include 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Triumph of Love,' 'Thoroughly Modern Millie,' 'Into the Woods,' 'Spamalot' and 'Shrek the Musica.' Sieber, who has previously played 'Billy Flynn' in the Broadway revival of 'Chicago,' was to have returned to the musical for a brief engagement from the 8 - 25 Mar 2011. A replacement for Sieber's engagement in Chicago is expected to be announced shortly.

Chris Hoch, who regularly plays the role of 'Francis' stepped into the role of 'Georges' when Tambor withdrew from the show, and will continue performing in the lead role until Sieber makes his first performance at a date still to be announced. Ensemble member Dale Hensley is currently covering the role of 'Francis.'

According to the producers Tambor withdrew from the production because the star "was experiencing complications from recent hip surgery and the pain and the challenge of performing in a musical eight times a week proved to be too physically demanding. We respect his talent enormously and regretfully accept his withdrawal from the production."

However, according to a report by Michael Riedel of the New York Post, Tambor 'withdrew' because he was stuggling vocally, and complaining that the producers do not have faith in him.

Four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Albin) and six-time Emmy Award nominee Jeffrey Tambor (Georges) assumed the lead roles of the Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles on 15 Feb 2011 replacing original stars Douglas Hodg and Kelsey Grammer, respectively.

La Cage aux Folles features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the play by Jean Poiret. This production is choreographed by Lynne Page and directed by Terry Johnson, who won a 2010 Tony Award for his direction.

La Cage aux Folles opened at the Longacre Theatre on 18 Apr 2010, following previews from 6 Mar, and is currently selling tickets through to 3 Jul 2011.

The musical opened to excellent reviews: A Wild success (newyorktheatreguide); Warm, winning production (NY Times); Emotionally affecting (AP) Funny, heartwarming and terrific (Variety).

The musical currently stars Harvey Fierstein as 'Albin,' Mike McShane as 'M. Dindon/M. Renaud,' Alyce Beasley as 'Mme. Dindon/Mme. Renaud,' *Chris Hoch as 'Francis,' Elena Shaddow as 'Anne,' A.J. Shively as 'Jean-Michel,' Christine Andreas as 'Jacqueline,' Wilson Jermaine Heredia as 'Jacob,' Heather Lindell as 'Colette,' Michael Lowney as 'Etienne' and Bruce Winant as 'Tabarro.'
*Chris Hoch is temporarily playing 'Georges'.

Also starring as the Cagelles are Matt Anctil as 'Angelique,' Nicholas Cunningham as 'Hanna,' Sean Patrick Doyle as 'Chantal,' Yurel Echezarreta as 'Phaedra,' Logan Keslar as 'Bitelle' and Terry Lavell as 'Mercedes.' The production also features Christopher Caballero, Todd Lattimore, Dale Hensley, Caitlin Mundth and Cheryl Stern.

La Cage aux Folles: Georges is the suave owner of a glitzy drag club on the French Riviera. Partnered romantically with his high-strung star performer, Albin, the pair live a charmed life—until Georges' son announces his engagement to the daughter of a conservative right-wing politician who's coming to dinner.

The musical won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, as well as Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical (Douglas Hodge) and Best Director of a Musical (Terry Johnson).

The creative team features set design by Tim Shortall, costume design by Matthew Wright, lighting design by Nick Richings and sound design by Jonathan Deans.

The show is produced on Broadway by Sonia Friedman, The Menier Chocolate Factory, Fran Weissler, Barry Weissler and Robert Bartner/Norman Tulchin.

La Cage aux Folles played from 23 Nov 2007 to 8 Mar 2008 at the Menier Chocolate Factory, before transferring to the West End's Playhouse Theatre on 30 Oct 2008, where it was nominated for seven 2009 Olivier Awards, winning for Best Musical Revival and Best Actor in a Musical for Douglas Hodge and won the 2009 Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Musical.