La Cage aux Folles: the cult musical at the Théâtre du Châtelet with Laurent Lafitte—our review

A new cult musical is coming to Paris! From December 5, 2025, to January 10, 2026, La Cage aux Folles, the iconic Broadwayshow, is coming to the Théâtre du Châtelet, with a new French production and Laurent Lafitte! Directed by Olivier Py, the musical creation puts the work back in its context: cabaret. 

The new French production of La Cage aux Folles tells the story of Georges, owner of a drag queen cabaret in Saint-Tropez, and his companion Albin, star of the show under the name "Zaza". The plot centers on their son, Jean-Michel, who announces his marriage to Anne, the daughter of an ultra-conservative politician. To avoid a scandal, Jean-Michel asks his parents to pretend to be a "traditional" family when meeting the future in-laws. A musical exploring themes of acceptance, family and identity.

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Based on Jean Poiret 's play of the same name , first performed in 1973. La Cage aux Folles was first adapted as a Broadway musical in 1983 by Harvey Fierstein (libretto) and Jerry Herman (music and lyrics). Revived on Broadway in 2004-2005, the critically acclaimed La Cage aux Folles was a huge success, winning several Drama Desk Awards and Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The cult musical has been adapted in many countries and revisited several times on Broadway, becoming a classic of musical theater. Now it returns in a new French version at the Théâtre du Châtelet, starring the talented Laurent Lafitte .

Our opinion:

Watch out... the legendary Broadway musicalLa Cage aux Folles has landed at the Théâtre du Châtelet, and it really doesn't do things by halves! Extravagant, daring, and reserved for a mature audience, this revisited classic is overflowing with humor, glitter, feathers, and twirling boas. You don't need to have seen the films (yes, three French films, including the 1978 version, and even an American adaptation starring Robin Williams!) to be swept away by this cabaret, where gentle madness and derision reign supreme.

At the heart of this grand celebration, Laurent Lafitte is almost unrecognizable as Zaza, alias Albin, an exuberant diva and irresistibly endearing main character. Actor, dancer, and now singer—yes, he sings, and it suits him perfectly!—he displays a tenderness and energy that make him the true queen of the stage. But Zaza and her iconic outfits do not overshadow the troupe: grotesque, uptight or touching, each of the characters shines in their own way, while thedozen dancers, true queens, transform each number into an ode to beauty and eccentricity.

Georges' cabaretcomes to life before our eyes: from the wings to the dressing rooms, from the alleyway to the beach at Saint-Tropez, from the bar at Chez Jacqueline to Zaza's apartments, each rotating set takes the audience from one scene to the next without ever losing momentum. And above all, the audience becomes the cabaret audience: interactions, glances, improvised lines... We find ourselves caught up in the game, accomplices and witnesses to these colorful lives—andthere isno shortage of surprisestoreinforcethe immersion ...

Beyond the glamour and glitter, La Cage aux Folles is a tender but biting satire of narrow-mindedness, fueled by misunderstandings, unlikely encounters, and a great deal of tenderness. This French version remains a standard-bearer for diversity, same-sex parenting, the freedom to be oneself, and above all,unconditional love—the kind that protects, supports, asserts itself... and sometimes disturbs. The songs, refrains, and leitmotifs uphold these values while exposing social hypocrisy and its contradictions—with a smile.

With a running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes and an intermission, the show takes its time to set the story, but once the glitter comes on stage... it's hard to look away! Funny, flamboyant, generous, and proudly queer, this cabaret is a must-see where you'll laugh, be moved, andcelebrate the dazzling beauty of difference.