Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...In director Kyle A. Dougan's tawdry, glamorous staging for Music Theater Works, Minj gets the showcase she deserves. "La Cage" sounds great and looks fabulous, from lilting love duets to frenzied, high-kicking, Folies Bergere-inspired drag chorus lines."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...She's the best reason to see Kyle A. Dougan's staging. (Let's face it: Albin is always gonna be the diva in charge even when sharing the stage with Chicago legend Honey West, who plays sympathetic restaurateur Jacqueline.) But she's not the only one. The story of Georges and Albin trying to play it "straight" for their son, Jean-Michel, who wants to marry Anne, the daughter of a far-right politician (think Jean Le Pen), has moments that feel dated. But then we remember the existential attacks on trans people happening in state legislatures across the country, and it's relevant all over again."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The direction by Dougan with musical direction by Kyra Leigh and choreography by Christopher Chase Carter are all top notch and the intimacy of the smaller stage in the venue makes sense. There are tables and chairs along the stage making the idea of being in a club work. Strangle, but for today’s show, all of the tables were taken by men. two people per table, all male. Chance? or purposely?"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This is one hot production that's not only stunning in its showmanship, but equally warm and touching in its depiction of a family who radiate love and respect for each other. To escape the bitter Chicago cold, head to Skokie for an afternoon or evening of romance and glitz along the St. Tropez beach. There's memorable music sung by a gifted cast, exciting choreography executed by an ensemble of unbelievably talented performers, and a loving story that's bound to warm up the theater. Ladies and gentlemen: Bring on the girls!"
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...I really enjoyed LA CAGE!! "The Best of Times" number was my favorite as everyone joins into the singing, dancing and merriment. The happiness vibe is intoxicating. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it's to enjoy NOW..."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...With plenty of audience interaction, the musical is filled with not one, but two show-stopping hits you’ll be humming as you leave the show."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...At its core, La Cage Aux Folles is a screwball comedy, but it is also a heartfelt love story with a deep helping of social commentary. The current production from Music Theatre Works, playing at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, makes the most of all of these core elements."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...The universally uplifting musical "La Cage Aux Folles" with its message of overcoming prejudice and embracing acceptance is currently playing in a superb Music Theater Works revival at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts. The show, under the direction of Kyle A. Dougan, is every bit as fresh, buoyant and necessary today as it was nearly 40 years ago when it made a definitive statement about gay rights and won over Broadway. With soaring melodies, high-stepping heels and bursting with heart, this production features a blistering performance by Ginger Minj as Albin, the famed headliner of a drag nightclub who together with her 20-year manager/partner/lover Georges, played magnificently by Jason Richards, redefine the meaning of love."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...But it's those final moments at the end of each act where we feel her full star power. She digs deep to deliver the power anthem, I Am What I Am proclaiming her acceptance and confidence in herself and her life. Then in the grand finale, she makes her final appearance in a sky-high red wig with diamond accents and a huge, poofy white dress to belt the final notes."
Loop North News - Highly Recommended
"...From the moment you enter the theatre, you're immediately transported to La Cage's elegant Saint-Tropez nightclub, complete with "women" in cages welcoming you, an onstage bar, and tables surrounding the stage."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...In Minj's refreshing portrayal, Albin is authentic throughout. Zaza in this portrayal is largely done for laughs, but here we laugh with Zaza, not at Zaza. Minj interacts with the audience and goes off script hysterically. You actually experience Albin's maternal nature which makes the premise that Albin is the real mother in the show so much more powerful and meaningful. Minj is also a superb singer who actually has the real vocal range this character usually fakes. And in that powerful Act I finale, Minj brought the house down. It was powerful and poignant, including real tears. Bravo."
