Witnessing Harvey Fierstein play Albin, the drag queen character that he created 27 years ago as librettist of La Cage aux Folles, is without a doubt one of the top events of the spring season. But since the show is ultimately a love story between two men, an Albin is nothing without a rock-solid Georges to lean on, just as Tony winner Douglas Hodge has been adorably leaning on Kelsey Grammer since the current revival started in April. Since Fierstein’s leading man has yet to be announced, our heads are spinning with possibilities. Here are our top five dream choices. Are we aiming high? Damn straight...Harvey deserves the best!
1. Antonio Banderas
Seven years ago, Fierstein and Banderas battled for the Best Actor in a Musical Tony Award, with Fierstein coming out on top (for Hairspray, of course). Fierstein also flirted with Banderas shamelessly and adorably at every press event possible. What a great opportunity to bring these two former competitors together!
2. Nathan Lane
This is a terrific follow-up to The Addams Family for Lane, in our humble opinion. Moviegoers fell in love with Lane as Albert, the Americanized version of Albin in The Birdcage, so this is a chance for Lane to leave the feathers and lashes to Fierstein and hop over to the other side of the love story.
3. Hugh Jackman
Oh, why the hell not? Jackman would be the perfect emcee for the Riviera nightclub that serves as the setting for the show, and a terrific foil for a fawning Fierstein (not to mention the dazzling Cagelles). Come on, Hugh. Put down the claws and have some fun!
4. Alec Baldwin
Baldwin’s been away from Broadway since Twentieth Century in 2004 and we miss him terribly, especially as he teases us by being just a few blocks away at 30 Rock. Considering his recent online flirting with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, we think Georges is the perfect way to return.
5. Dick Latessa
We still can’t get over the adorable Fierstein/Latessa pairing as the original Edna and Wilbur in Hairspray that won them both Tony trophies. But really? A senior Georges? Hey, together these two are timeless to us!
(Special thanks to Kelsey Grammer for the use of his body in the above photos!)