3.5 out of 5 stars

If “Cats” can be reconceived as a celebration of the BIPOC queer and trans ballroom scene, why not revive “La Cage Aux Folles” with an all-Black cast? In this City Center “Encores” production, the show’s transformation makes perfect sense – it has a newfound sassiness and verve that make it feel unquestionably contemporary. Naturally, some of the credit for that goes to Billy Porter and Wayne Brady as the leads. But alas, Porter doesn’t quite have the vocal chops to pull off some songs. Plus, as is often the case with “Encores” presentations, the flat staging doesn’t help matters. — Charles Passy

At New York City Center, through June 28, 2026; nycitycenter.org. (Review date: June 22, 2026)