BWW Interviews: The Canuck of LA CAGE - Jeigh Madjus

What’s next for you?

I’m definitely staying in Toronto for the rest of the year but I still don’t know what I’m going to be doing next year.  I’m open to anything, I just want to perform.  I would like to be able to audition in New York and in Toronto, and audition for films as well.  I did a movie called Servitude which was just released on DVD, so now that I have a reel I hope it will open some doors for me.

Since you play such a quirky character, do you think it helps project an image that it’s ok to be different? Have you had anyone approach you with their own stories of being different?

I have heard stories from other productions of this show and they’re all really heart-warming.  One example was a couple who had disowned their son because he was gay, and then when they saw the show it urged them to call him and rebuild the relationship.  We hear a lot of stories like that and it’s amazing when you think about the impact we can have.  For a lot of people the experience of seeing this show about drag queens and transgendered people have a full house of 2000 people cheering and applauding them – it makes you proud and happy to see them being accepted in that manner. 

The amazing thing about our show is we have George Hamilton who is so old-school Hollywood, and here he is kissing another man.  I’ve even had straight men admit to loving the show when the wives had dragged them there.  I think a lot of people are afraid of what they don’t know and then that fear goes away once they see us or meet us afterwards.  Hopefully it’s helping to eliminate the barrier that people usually put up against the LGBT community. 

And has it been nice being back in Toronto where we are more accepting of gay issues?

It has been! Though it’s interesting – often the really conservative people are the ones who let go and enjoy the show the most.  It’s great to see them having a good time because everyone should be able to laugh and enjoy this show.

What would be your biggest piece of advice for people trying to make it in this business?

My advice would be to not let any idea of what you should be cloud or change how you are.  Just be yourself.  There are so many people who are trying to change themselves to be exactly what they think people want – but it’s usually when you’re just yourself that you’re the most open and free.  I would also say that everything happens on its own timeline, and timing really is everything in this business.  And breathe – always remember to breathe.

When and Where?

La Cage Aux Folles

The RoyalAlexandraTheatre

Performance Schedule

On Now Until November 18th

Tickets range from $35 to $130 and can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-872-1212 or online at www.mirvish.com.

Kelly Cameron's love affair with the theatre began when she was just five years old, on an outing to see the Original Canadian Cast of Les Miserables at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. She instantly fell in love, and since then has been lucky enough to be involved in various theatre activities and productions, including a regional production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and a local production of Where the Sidewalk Ends. She has also received training from various teachers throughout Southwestern Ontario in both piano and voice, and competed in vocal competitions for which she received a few awards. Her writing career started almost by accident, when she had the opportunity to become a ghostwriter for up and coming businesses. She continues to do this, writing the content for all sorts of companies who are starting websites and looking to find their voice. Her passion and love for theatre led to her becoming involved with BroadwayWorld where she is thrilled to be writing for the Toronto contingent of the rapidly growing website. When she isn't at the theatre, you can generally find her firmly planted in front of her trusty Blackberry - tweeting, Facebooking or partaking in other such social media activities to ensure that those who want to know are kept apprised of everything that Toronto theatre has to offer. Other interests include movies, art, music, shopping, fashion and martial arts with the occasional foray into the world of finance. Follow Kelly on Twitter at @broadwaybabyto Creep her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kelly-Cameron/500187141

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