Add to the mix an assortment of love stories, and you have the formula for the absorbing production of "La Cage aux Folles," which is now playing at the incomparable Off the Wall Theatre at 127 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee.

"La Cage has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years. You might recall the movie "Birdcage" starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams (1996).

The storyline involves Georges, the owner of a transgender nightclub and his partner, Albin, who stars as the arresting Zaza in his shows.

Georges' son Jean-Michael, from a brief heterosexual encounter, wants to marry Anne, the daughter of a very conservative, anti-gay politician and is afraid that his father's lifestyle might hinder Anne's father's consent. The dilemma - what to do with Albin and how to entice Jean-Michael's biological mother to join them for a meeting with his future in-laws.

Amidst the festive "the-show-must-go-on" atmosphere, another plot is brewing and this tension fuels the story. Coverups always provide good drama and suspense.

Karl Miller as Zaza is a pairing made in heaven. He is an utterly believable "babe" with a sexy appeal but also a winsome quality and a loving devotion to his stepson, whom he has helped raise.

In the course of the show, we watch him perform as the star, we watch him interact with his longtime partner Georges and we watch him suffer as he is rejected by his stepson for the sake of appearances. In all three roles, we are rooting for him. We love him, even when he's petulant.

Dale Gutzman is a consummate showman. He can sing, act, make us laugh and make us cry. He moves us in his rendition of "Song on the Sand."

Two other numbers that are worth noting are "We Are What We Are," done by the group of Cagelles, and "I Am What I Am," wrenchingly delivered by Albin. The rousing "The Best of Times" is an upper for sure.

Mark Hagen, the butler who yearned to be a maid, and Patrick McGuire as the young beau Jean-Michael with the beautiful voice, should also be mentioned for their unique contributions. And who can ignore the zesty Jack Forbes Wilson doing his magic on that grand piano.

On the surface, it's a show to make one laugh and to make one marvel at the ability of some men to become such convincing ladies. But beneath that layer of enjoyment, there is a deeper message of tolerance and acceptance and the celebration of our differences.