The Thai version of the French classic "La Cage aux Folles" passes off as a satirical comedy with in-your-face dialogue that mocks the current political turmoil and the issue of messy sexual identities, instead of being a razzle-dazzle stage extravaganza.

It's understandable that "Viva Cabaret" ("Cabaret Wedding"), as the latest production from Dreambox is called, isn't a screaming musical but a dialogue-based performance. However, the word "cabaret" in the title tends to make the audience expect the usual song and dance associated with such productions. The actors do sing and many do it very well, but the production doesn't have the showy buzz of a customary cabaret.

However, if the Thai version is meant to portray the havoc wreaked by a group of "crazy" people, as a translation of the French title would suggest, "Viva Cabaret" achieves what it sets out to do.

The hilarious show, which lasts almost two hours, bristles with witty lines in almost every exchange, all delivered in superb style by an experienced troupe.

Yord and Amphol are a gay couple. Played by veteran actors Saranyu Wongkrachange and Metinee Buranasiri respectively, the lead characters run a drag club where Amphol is a long-time and temperamental star with the stage name of "Amaraporn".

Yord has a 20-year old son Rerngrit (Tawan Jaruchinda) from a one-night fling with a fancy-free woman (Sirinut Petch-urai). Rerngrit tells his gay parents that he intends to marry the daughter of an ultra-conservative politician from the Thais Love Thai Culture party, which is dead set against homosexuals.

Central to the play is an encounter between the two families. Yord and Amphol are compelled to shed their queerness and transform their residence to look "normal" so the bride-to-be's parents are pleased.

When it looks all their skeletons have been neatly put away, everything goes awry with the unexpected arrival of Rerngrit's mother and an aggressive break-in by a journalist who has been prying into the affairs of the club.

Saranyu and Metinee look more like live-in buddies than a loving couple, presumably because the shine has worn off their 20-year relationship. And Saranyu's portrayal of Yord as a very effeminate queen doesn't seem to bother his feisty partner all that much either.

It's truly challenging for a director to present two gay characters and convince the audience that there's a special bond linking them. This is regardless of the fact that there are many gay guys in real-life who actually do love and appreciate each other.

However, Metinee imparts a lively presence to the characters of Amphol and Amaraporn. At times you adore her, but at other times wish you'd never encounter a partner or mother like her.

As Metinee is physically small, his transformation into Amaraporn is pretty convincing. But given the fact that the setting is a drag club, Saranyu, who is tall and tougher, looks more real as a drag queen.

The best part of the show is the conversation among the characters. Saranyu, in particular, manages to insert clever, political digs into many of his observations.

However, Yanee Tramote, who portrays a sexually confused, senior accountant at the club, is the one who steals the show with his laugh-a-minute gags. Most notable is a scene in which he sings his heart out about the discovery of his real self. Kong-Piya, another veteran comedian, who acts as an ambitious showgirl, also contributes to the fun.

In "The Birdcage" (1996), the American film version of "La Cage aux Folles", a gay male maid in the club wins the hearts of viewers. In the Thai stage version, Morris K in the role excels but doesn't take attention away from Saranyu and Metinee.

Fans of Varapan Ngui-trakool, who plays the politician's wife, won't be disappointed. She knows exactly how to modulate her performance without going over the top. Thamakorn Chakrawoot, another well-known star on stage, plays her husband - a red-neck politician who at times looks more like a caricature.

Tawan is great in the supporting role as the son, but unfortunately, Pijika Jittaputta, who plays his sweetheart, is underused.

The play, directed by Pansak Sukee, should be thought-provoking for all who are open to the idea that plurality is what makes humanity interesting and to those who believe that love exists in all kinds of families because "We are Family", as the song at the end says.

"Viva Cabaret" runs until April 2 at Bangkok Theatre @ Metropolis (Big C Rajadamri - BTS Chidlom). The show starts at 8pm on all days except on Sundays when there's just a matinee at 2pm. Tickets are Bt3,000, Bt1,200, Bt1,000, Bt800, Bt600 and Bt300. Visit www.thaiticketmaster .com or call (02) 262 3456 for more details.

Vitaya Saeng-Aroon

Special to The Nation