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Billy Porter brings Albin back to Broadway this June in an Encores! production of La Cage Aux Folles. The Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner takes on the iconic role that made history over 40 years ago. Prepare for a revolutionary revival celebrating love, family, and authentic self-expression.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Run Dates: June 17 through 28, 2026 at New York City Center
- Cast Star Power: Billy Porter as Albin, Wayne Brady as Georges, all-Black ensemble
- Creative Team: Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, directed by Robert O’Hara
- Historic Legacy: First mainstream musical centered on a gay couple, originally opened August 21, 1983
A Broadway Legend Returns to an Iconic Role
Billy Porter, fresh off his historic run in Cabaret, is ready to make Broadway history again. His Albin represents a full circle moment for the Emmy Award winner, who’s been pushing boundaries throughout his career. George Hearn originated the role in 1983, earning a Tony Award for one of Broadway’s most transformative performances.
Porter’s Encores production marks the first time the role receives a lead interpreter from the Black Broadway community. The Pose star brings his signature power and vulnerability to a character known for resilience, humor, and unwavering love. This is theater at its most essential.
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Billy Porter returns to Broadway in La Cage Aux Folles, stepping into iconic role
Why La Cage Aux Folles Matters Now More Than Ever
La Cage Aux Folles premiered on August 21, 1983, when mainstream America rarely saw gay relationships celebrated on stage. The musical became a barrier-breaking phenomenon, running for more than 4 years and winning multiple Tony Awards. It normalized the extraordinary.
The story follows two men who’ve built a life together running a drag nightclub on the French Riviera. When their son’s fiancée’s conservative parents visit, mayhem and heart ensue. Jerry Herman’s soaring score includes the anthem “I Am What I Am”, a moment of pure theatrical transcendence that never fails.
The Production You Need to Know
| Element | Details |
| Venue | New York City Center, Manhattan |
| Performance Dates | June 17 through June 28, 2026 |
| Show Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes, one intermission |
| Director | Robert O’Hara |
The Encores! series presents classic American musicals with limited runs. Wayne Brady, the Emmy-winning comedian, partners with Porter as Georges. Their chemistry will be essential to this intimate venue revival. Supporting cast includes Sharon Washington, Alaman Diadhiou, James Jackson Jr., and Michael McElroy.
“Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner Billy Porter is the fabulous Albin in this heartfelt show from Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Jerry Herman.”
— New York City Center, official production description
What Makes This Revival Revolutionary
This is an all-Black revolutionary presentation of a musical that already broke barriers 43 years ago. The original shattered taboos by centering LGBTQ+ love and family. This 2026 revival adds another crucial layer of representation and authenticity. Robert O’Hara‘s direction promises to bring contemporary urgency to Herman’s timeless score.
Porter has previously triumphed in Encores with Jelly’s Last Jam. He knows how to command this particular stage. His Albin won’t be a repeat of George Hearn’s iconic version. It will be entirely Billy Porter, and the theater world should buckle up.
How Can You Experience This Historic Moment?
Tickets start at $73 and are currently on sale through official channels. The run is brief, just 12 performances across two weeks. Demand will be intense. Priority goes to subscribers during June 17-21, with general audiences accessing performances June 23-28.
This is the theatrical event of summer 2026. History repeats, but smarter and bolder this time.
