By Ruth SOWBY

On Nov. 30, Old Pasadena celebrated Small Business Saturday, showcasing nearly 200 locally owned businesses. But the shops and restaurants had some big competition. The 2 p.m. performance of “La Cage Aux Folles” at the Pasadena Playhouse attracted dozens of theatre lovers despite the retail action on Colorado Boulevard.   

The fictional La Cage Aux Folles is the hottest drag club in St. Tropez. Its performers are beautiful, bawdy and bizarre. With a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, the musical opened on Broadway in 1983. At a time when the vast majority of the U.S. population disapproved of same sex relationships, La Cage brought audiences together and expanded the definition of what family could mean.    

In 2019, the Playhouse launched its American Musical Project doubling down on its commitment to classic American musicals. In January, the Playhouse will produce concert versions of “Anything Goes” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.    

“La Cage Aux Folles” is playing at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave. in Pasadena, until Dec. 15.