Michael James Scott is perfect for the role of Albin in the Muny’s upcoming production of “La Cage aux Folles.” This became instantly and abundantly clear without hearing him deliver one line.
A trail of happiness followed him down the halls of the company’s administrative offices as he made his way to chat about the production – which is believed to be the first to have Black actors in all of the principal roles. When he greeted the people he passed, their already upbeat moods were elevated.
“What I love is that this is a universal story,” Scott said. “The fact that we happen to be Black and it happens to be a queer couple, it just happens to be that way. This can be any family. The story is relatable and promotes unity – and it is just us being us.”
Scott’s personality is naturally aligned with the intention of those tasked with portraying the iconic stage musical role that was made popular in mainstream entertainment through the film adaptation “The Birdcage” starring Nathan Lane, Robin Williams and Gene Hackman. The story is centered around a gay couple who owns a nightclub. Georges handles the production and business side, while Albin a.k.a. Zsa Zsa is the main attraction of the club’s drag show. The couple takes drastic measures in their effort to leave a positive impression on their son’s future in-laws.
“Get ready to be joy bombed,” Scott said. “It will be like nothing anyone has seen before. We are making history in St. Louis. And it feels like such an honor on so many levels.
Scott plays opposite Broadway veteran Norman Lewis’ Georges. Albin is the joy – and the soul – of the ensemble for the production that runs August 8 through August 14. The cast also includes Mason Reeves, Cameron Anika Hill, Terence Archie, Allison Blackwell, Troy Iwata, Michael Hartung and Meghan Murphy.
The moment is made more special for Scott because of his personal connection to St. Louis – and the Muny.
“The minute I stepped off the plane and felt that heat, that was the first reminder,” Scott said. “This is where my foundation happened. I began to find myself as a person here in St. Louis.”
The Floridian is a graduate of Webster University’s famed performing arts conservatory. He completed his undergraduate degree and earned his MFA from the highly competitive school that has produced the likes of Jenifer Lewis, Rocky Carroll and Nathan Lee Graham and so many others.
While in college he appeared in ensembles of Muny productions – including “Cinderella” and “South Pacific.”
The relentless pace of the Muny’s season prepared him for his future – which has included roles on Broadway, London’s West End and in Australia.
“It was a beautiful time of growth, a beautiful time of challenge and a beautiful time of inspiration looking up to the artists who were ahead of me,” said Scott.
One of his most treasured moments was sharing the stage with the late Muny icon Ken Page in one of their many stagings of “Aida.” That production was Scott’s first major role on the Muny’s stage.
“I had his guidance on so many things,” Scott said. “There were private conversations that I will always keep near and dear to my heart. I really got to see someone who walked the walk. That happened in St. Louis for me – and is something I will never forget – so this is a homecoming for me.”
More than two decades after his Muny debut, Scott returns for what he has proclaimed as “the crown jewel” of the 2025 season – a season made all the more special because of the global attention brought by their recent Regional Theatre Tony Award.
“We have a brilliant director, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, who is a Muny legend,” Scott said. “It’s a version of the show that literally no one has ever seen. And how inspiring is it that in this world – that is polarizing, that is so divided – that you can come to a place where 11,000 people can sit down together and watch a show that is universal. Come and get this history.”
For him to be a part of history at the place that played such a crucial role in the launch of his musical theater career is yet another cherished Muny – and St. Louis – memory.
“I stand on the shoulders of so many people before me who have dreamt of this moment,” Scott said. “And others who would have never even dared to dream of this moment.”
The Muny’s upcoming production of “La Cage aux Folles” will open August 8 and continue through August 14. For tickets and additional information, visit muny.org or call 314.361.1900.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
