When I think about “The Birdcage,” a beloved comedy that brought the story of two gay dads to mainstream American audiences, I’m struck by its extraordinary journey to the big screen. This odyssey starts in a French royal palace in the 1970s, navigates through a revolutionary Broadway production in the 1980s, and finally culminates at a struggling Hollywood studio in the 1990s. The story of “The Birdcage” is not just a film; it’s a saga of cultural shifts, artistic resilience, and the enduring power of comedy to challenge and change societal norms.
In the 1970s, during a time when the LGBTQ+ community faced widespread discrimination, two French comedians, Jean Poiret and Michel Serrault, took a bold step by creating “La Cage Aux Folles,” a farcical play set in the glamorous yet complicated world of a drag nightclub. Against the opulent backdrop of a French royal palace, the play comically explores a gay couple’s efforts to navigate societal prejudices while trying to ensure their son’s happiness. Debuting in 1973, it was an instant hit, lauded for its humour and heart, bringing to light the normalcy and depth of same-sex relationships at a time when such portrayals were rare. Poiret’s witty script and Serrault’s heartfelt performance as Albin, the drag performer with a heart of gold, struck a chord with audiences. This success soon led to a film adaptation in 1978, directed by Édouard Molinaro. The film retained the play’s charm and became an international sensation, cementing its place in cinematic history.
The next chapter unfolds in the 1980s on the stages of New York City. Producer Allan Carr, known for his flamboyant and extravagant style, saw the potential for “La Cage Aux Folles” to be more than just a French farce. He envisioned it as a Broadway musical that could bring the story’s universal themes of love, acceptance, and family to an even broader audience. Carr enlisted the help of composer Jerry Herman and playwright Harvey Fierstein, both revolutionary figures in the American theatre scene. Herman, known for his work on “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mame,” crafted a score that was both exuberant and poignant, while Fierstein infused the script with his trademark blend of humour and humanity.
The journey to Broadway was fraught with challenges. Previews were rocky, critics were sceptical, and financial backing wavered. Yet, the team’s dedication paid off when “La Cage Aux Folles” opened in 1983 to rave reviews. The musical broke new ground by featuring a love story between two men and did so with grace, humour, and undeniable charm. It won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for over four years, proving that mainstream audiences were ready to embrace a story that celebrated LGBTQ+ lives.
The final leg of “The Birdcage’s” journey began in the 1990s. The AIDS epidemic had cast a long shadow over the LGBTQ+ community, and Hollywood was cautious about how it portrayed gay characters. However, the success of the Broadway musical caught the attention of producer Mike Nichols and writer Elaine May. The duo, known for their sharp wit and comedic genius, saw an opportunity to adapt the story for the silver screen.
Nichols and May faced a daunting task: translating the vibrant, larger-than-life world of the drag nightclub to an American audience still grappling with its own prejudices. Their adaptation, titled “The Birdcage,” starred Robin Williams as Armand Goldman, the owner of a Miami drag club, and Nathan Lane as his partner, Albert. The film navigated the couple’s efforts to appear as a traditional family to impress their son’s fiancée’s conservative parents, played by Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest. Released in 1996, “The Birdcage” was a commercial success, grossing over $185 million worldwide. It was praised for its humour, heart, and sensitive portrayal of a same-sex relationship. Critics and audiences alike applauded the film for its ability to make viewers laugh while challenging their preconceived notions about family and love.
Working on “The Birdcage” was filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes insights and memorable moments. The film’s box office success, grossing over $185 million worldwide against a budget of around $31 million, was a testament to its widespread appeal. Casting choices played a significant role: Robin Williams, initially offered the role of Albert, opted to play Armand to avoid being typecast following his role in “Mrs. Doubtfire.” Nathan Lane, a Broadway star, brought a balance of flamboyance and depth to Albert, while Gene Hackman added gravitas to the role of the conservative Senator Keeley. Much of the film was shot in South Beach, Miami, perfectly capturing the vibrant and colourful world of the drag club. Significant improvisation, leveraging the comedic talents of its cast, also enriched the film. One notable scene was when Robin Williams’s character coached Hank Azaria’s character on how to act straight.
The journey of “The Birdcage” from a French farce to an American cinematic landmark is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the artists who believed in its message. Over two decades and across two continents, the writers, actors, and producers of “La Cage Aux Folles” and “The Birdcage” carried a comic misadventure that defied societal norms and showcased the true meaning of family values. Today, “The Birdcage” stands as a cultural touchstone, reminding us of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. It is a story of love, acceptance, and the universal need for connection, brought to life by a remarkable cast of characters both on and off the screen. The film’s legacy continues to inspire new generations to laugh, love, and see the beauty in every family’s unique story.
The reunion of director Mike Nichols and writer Elaine May, who had a long-standing professional relationship dating back to their days as a comedy duo, translated into a seamless collaboration on the film. Elaine May’s sharp wit and comedic timing infused the script with humour while maintaining the story’s emotional core, making her dialogue feel natural and spontaneous. Mike Nichols brought his keen eye for detail and character development, creating a supportive environment on set that allowed actors to experiment and improvise.
I found the quotes from the cast and crew particularly enlightening. Robin Williams spoke about working with Mike Nichols, saying, “Mike is a genius at making you feel safe, at making you feel like you can do anything. He trusts you, and that makes you trust yourself.” Nathan Lane reflected on his role, noting, “Playing Albert was a dream role. He’s larger than life but incredibly human. The challenge was to make him both hilarious and heartfelt.” Elaine May emphasized the importance of truth in comedy, stating, “We wanted to make sure the comedy came from a place of truth. The humour had to be rooted in the characters’ realities, their fears, and their love for each other.” Mike Nichols appreciated Robin Williams’s range, saying, “Robin had such an incredible range. I knew he could bring the right balance of comedy and sincerity to Armand.” Hank Azaria admired Williams’s improvisational skills, noting, “Robin was the king of improv. You never knew what he was going to do next, but it was always brilliant.”
The memorable behind-the-scenes moments also added to the film’s charm. The improv scene where Armand instructs Agador on how to act straight, largely improvised by Williams, resulted in one of the film’s most memorable and hilarious moments. The costume design by Ann Roth played a pivotal role in bringing the characters to life, with Albert’s elaborate drag outfits and Armand’s more subdued but stylish wardrobe defining their personalities. The meticulously designed set of The Birdcage nightclub was both flamboyant and inviting, reflecting the heart and soul of the characters who ran it.
