La Cage 101: Behind the Sequins La Cage 101: Behind the Sequins

La Cage 101: Behind the Sequins  | 

November 9 — December 7

Join us for the best of times as we take a 4 week journey in La Cage 101: Behind the Sequins and discover the magic and mayhem of the American classic.

This special 4-part virtual class explores the groundbreaking musical, La Cage aux Folles, in the lead up to the extravagant Playhouse production. Taught by Professor Robert W. Schneider, one of America’s most recognized historians of musical theater and queer culture, and featuring very special guests Harvey Fierstein, director Sam Pinkleton (La Cage aux Folles, Oh, Mary!), and Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman, this class is perfect for any lifelong learner.

*Class schedule, curriculum, and guests are subject to change.

“Take a peek Behind the Sequins – you'll have The Best of Times with our special guests as you explore this American Classic.”

Taught by
Robert W. Schneider

Special Guests:
Harvey Fierstein
Sam Pinkleton
Danny Feldman

$59 FOR MEMBERS
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$75 FOR NON-MEMBERS

VENUE: ZOOM

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Join us for the best of times as we take a 4 week journey in La Cage 101: Behind the Sequins and discover the magic and mayhem of the American classic.

This special 4-part virtual class explores the groundbreaking musical, La Cage aux Folles, in the lead up to the extravagant Playhouse production. Taught by Professor Robert W. Schneider, one of America’s most recognized historians of musical theater and queer culture, and featuring very special guests Harvey Fierstein, director Sam Pinkleton (La Cage aux Folles, Oh, Mary!), and Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman, this class is perfect for any lifelong learner.

*Class schedule, curriculum, and guests are subject to change.

“Take a peek Behind the Sequins – you'll have The Best of Times with our special guests as you explore this American Classic.”

Sessions

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Session #1: Looking Back on La Cage

NOVEMBER 9, 2024
11:00 aM PT

Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein kicks off the class with an incredibly informative and entertaining look back on the making of La Cage as well as its successful 2004 and 2010 Broadway revivals. Never before told stories, anecdotes, and memories from those who were there will be shared to give students a front row seat to the creation and evolution of this Tony Award winning musical.

Session #2: The Life and Legacy of Jerry Herman

NOVEMBER 16, 2024
11:00 aM PT

Broadway would not be Broadway without the incredible shows that were created by the musical heir to Rodgers, Porter, and Berlin: Jerry Herman. This class explores Herman’s upbringing as a Broadway obsessed youngster, the impact of his “Great Lady Musicals” like Hello, Dolly! and Mame, as well exploring some of his lesser-known works which are just as powerful as those that are in the mainstream.

Session #3: The Making of La Cage Aux Folles

NOVEMBER 23, 2024
11:00 aM PT

This class looks at the history of how La Cage Aux Folles became the first musical to put a queer love story front and center on Broadway. With never-before-seen photographs, interviews, and videos, this class traces La Cage’s evolution from fabulous French farce to one of theater’s most magnificent musicals.

Session #4: La Cage Comes to Pasadena

decEMBER 7, 2024
11:00 aM PT

To celebrate Pasadena Playhouse’s marvelous revival of La Cage Aux Folles, a panel of its collaborators, including members of this production’s cast and creative team, will discuss how La Cage came together for this iconic production and why its story is still relevant in 2024 and especially for Pasadena Playhouse audiences.

About Robert

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Robert W. Schneider

Robert W. Schneider
Robert W. Schneider

Professor Robert W. Schneider is one of America’s most recognized historians of musical theater and queer culture. In addition to his scholarly work, which includes Oxford Press’ Queer Musicals: From Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill and Fifty Key State Musicals, he is a producer at New York’s Tony Award winning 54 Below, host of the award-winning podcast Behind The Curtain: Broadway’s Living Legends. As a director, Robert has had the great pleasure of working for Lincoln Center, Second Stage, Center Theater Group, North Shore Music Theater, York Theater, Walnut Street Theater, PBS, USC, UCLA, NYU, and Fordham. He holds academic appointments at Penn State University, The New York Film Academy, and routinely gives lectures at Yale University, AMDA, and Guildhall. Insta: @robwschneider