Story perspectives

Billy Porter Leads “La Cage” Revival, Critics Note Rushed Staging

6/19/2026

Summary

Porter Leads Revival

The Encores! revival of “La Cage aux Folles” opened on June 19, 2026 at New York City Center, directed by Robert O’Hara.
Billy Porter stars as Albin and Wayne Brady as Georges, while Alaman Diadhiou’s Jean-Michel schemes to hide their family from his fiancée’s homophobic politician parents.
Critics said the ten-day rehearsal and concert-style staging left some dance numbers and the expanded Cagelles unfinished, despite choreography by Edgar Godineaux and Beyoncé-inspired costumes.

Summary

Porter Returns

Billy Porter returned to stage on June 17 after surviving sepsis that required ECMO and a three-day coma.
He explained a kidney stone triggered the infection, causing compartment syndrome and emergency leg surgery.
In a CBS Mornings interview Porter called the production “Black, Queer joy,” said illness gave him a lease on life, and noted tickets are on sale for Encores! run through June 28 at New York City Center’s Mainstage.

History

Historical Context

In 1983 Arthur Laurents-directed La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway, starring Gene Barry and George Hearn, ran 1,761 performances and won six Tony Awards, establishing the first mainstream musical about a gay couple. The 2026 Encores! concert, directed by Robert O’Hara and starring Billy Porter, revisits the show by foregrounding Black queer joy, testing the lasting impact of that breakthrough.

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Porter Leads Revival

The Encores! revival of “La Cage aux Folles” opened on June 19, 2026 at New York City Center, directed by Robert O’Hara.
Billy Porter stars as Albin and Wayne Brady as Georges, while Alaman Diadhiou’s Jean-Michel schemes to hide their family from his fiancée’s homophobic politician parents.
Critics said the ten-day rehearsal and concert-style staging left some dance numbers and the expanded Cagelles unfinished, despite choreography by Edgar Godineaux and Beyoncé-inspired costumes.

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