Why has there never been a film version of the musical LA CAGE?

[Gaveston2]

I saw a community theater production about 7 years ago; otherwise I haven't seen the show since the original in 1983. My memory is of George Hearn beginning the song to his mirror DSR, finishing it to the audience and then marching up the center aisle and out to thunderous applause as the curtain fell on Act i.

While I cringed. My memory of the staging could be totally faulty, but I don't recall it being an "onstage" number.

I totally trust you that it was done the way you describe in revival. I'll even believe you if you tell me I am misremembering the original.

(FWIW I like a lot of Jerry Herman, including other songs in LA CAGE.)

[rorschach37]

The only version I've ever seen live is the most recent revival. I have seen videos of the song performed in the two previous revivals and you very well may be right about Hearn as the video I saw was of very poor quality. The 2005 revival staging of the show just has Albin singing to the audience. I do like the idea of him singing the song to Jean-Michel; like if he's performing the number on stage and he continuously looks over to his son who is watching from the "wings".

[Kad]

..the most recent revival was most definitely set in the 70s, like the play and film it was adapted from. The costumes were undeniably era appropriate (without being "LOOK IT'S THE 70s!!!")