Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter will take on the role of Albin in a new production of La Cage aux Folles, running from June 17 to 28, 2026, at New York City Center. This version, part of the Encores! series, marks the first time the musical will be staged in New York with an all-Black cast.
Directed by Robert O’Hara, with Joseph Joubert as guest music director, the show will be presented as a concert staging—light on sets and costumes, but rich in musical and acting talent. Porter will lead the cast as Albin, a drag performer and co-owner of a nightclub, who faces a comedic and heartfelt identity crisis when his partner’s son’s conservative future in-laws come to visit.
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Based on the play by Jean Poiret, La Cage aux Folles features a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. The show is known for its hit songs like “I Am What I Am” and “With You on My Arm.” First debuting on Broadway in 1983, it broke ground as one of the earliest mainstream musicals to center a gay couple.
This all-Black production brings fresh perspective to themes of family, pride, and self-expression. It’s one of four major musical offerings in City Center’s 2025–26 season, and the final installment of its Encores! series.
Other Encores! productions include High Spirits, based on Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, and The Wild Party by Michael John LaChiusa and George C. Wolfe. The season also features a gala presentation of Bat Boy: The Musical, directed by Alex Timbers.
La Cage aux Folles has seen many legendary actors take on the role of Albin, including George Hearn, Gary Beach, Douglas Hodge, Audie Gemora (Manila 2015) and most recently, Paul Capsis (Sydney 2023). Now, Billy Porter will bring his own flair and heart to the beloved role, in a groundbreaking production that celebrates Black excellence and queer joy.
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