David Engel - I AM WHAT I AM - La Cage aux Folles

Albin's Act I closing number from "La Cage aux Folles". David played Hanna from Hamburg in the original Broadway production of "La Cage".

[@tonyspinnelli730]

I got to talk to Mr. Engel on messenger telling him how great this rendition was!!!!! He was so gracious and very sweet!!!! Him and Douglas Hodge know how to sing this song!!!!

[@carolkoronec7814]

I had the opportunity to see David in the original La cage on Broadway. This is a awesome to get the chance to see him again.

[@2litl2l8]

I feel like I've just watched a master class in musical theatre. Mr. Engel is sheer genius with his art! Bravo?! Brava?!

[@maddieylena6]

By far the best performance of this song I have ever seen.

[@eeli1]

Honestly, this song helped me come out and accept myself when I heard it four years ago. Means a lot to me.

[@darcyemorawski3385]

This speaks to anyone, gay or straight, who has ever been the "freak" or outsider struggling for acceptance.

[@TheKoss44100]

+Darcye Morawski yea i am bipolar and all the local children shout their is the crazy lady

[@msnisha2009]

I listen to this song every day. It reminds me that I am perfect just the way I am and to hell with anyone who doesn't like it.

[@noirstar]

Whoooa! KZbin is amazing. I did LaCage with David Engel on the Road in the 80's. He'd just left the Broadway company where he played "Hannah from Hamberg" and on the road he'd taken on the role of Jean-Michel (The Son). Talk about coming full-circle. SO proud of this guy. Bravo!

[@mahumike7531]

Incredible that, with so many World Class performances of this Ive witnessed, that it isnt till now, at age 68 I heard the BEST.

[@AtLastOnTheGround]

Wow -- You can just feel the emotion pouring out of him. SUCH a fantastic performance. Neither underdone nor overdone. And I LOVE the tone of his voice, especially on "ovation." He's phenomenal.

[@mickstery6]

I can't remember or imagine it done better.

[@nicolamatthews9660]

my favourite rendition! When David sings “your life is a sham..” it gives me goosebumps!

[@Calvero416]

"One life. And there's no returns and no deposits. One life so it's time to open up your "closet". " Needed it

[@mikaelb7735]

Outstanding! What a performance in song, drama and pure truth. BRAVA!!!

[@LadyP101]

Though I've never seen the play or the original movie, I find myself going back to this clip time and time again. It's sung with such feeling and it speaks on so many different levels, I'm always just in awe.

[@f8ball]

I just saw the opening performance of La Cage Aux Folles, featuring David Engel, in Waltham, MA. FANTASTIC. Last time I cried during a musical, I was 8 and watching Gavroche die in Les Mis. Engel's performance of this song was the most powerful proclamation I have seen in such a long time. Bravo, bravo, bravo.

[@SigMendelsson]

Awesome performance. The best I’ve yet heard of this song.

[@rtmscott10]

I really love John Barrowman, but I have listened to both versions sung by both men in La Cage and I'm sorry John, but David sings this with much more emotion and intensity. Thank you David!!!!

[@stonefish150]

I think this is the best rendition I've ever seen, even including the time I saw it performed live.

[@pomeranianzdad]

I agree with those who applaud this video. I've watched so many renditions of this FANTASTIC song and philosophy, and this is the most powerful, best portrayed, best performed. BRAVA! It renews my pride in being who I am!

[@TheVampireLePage]

My Love and I sae David in La Cage Aux Folles this past weekend and what a brilliant performance it was! After having seen both the French and American film versions We werent sure what to expect but the acting of both David and the other cast members was outstanding and it took all the control I had not to cry as the lovers left the stage together at the end.

[@hairyeahyeah]

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO....heard this song many times and this would have to be the most heartfelt and amazing rendition. I LOVE THIS!!! Thanks so much for sharing this gem.

[@bingovegas4867]

David Engle. Saw original Broadway cast in New York and a few since and this guy is extraordinary. Well done David!

[@YeckaMeryl]

I also just saw it in Waltham tonight (who knew it was so popular!) and both the leads were phenomenal. Mr. Engel in particular. Bravo to both of them!

[@EpsilonA789]

This is one of my favorite versions

[@rose13red]

This is a song for everyone and this singer is so powerful I choked up a little.

[@lucasmalnar3561]

I am what I am I am my own special creation So come take a look Give me the hook or the ovation It's my world that I want to have a little pride in My world and it's not a place I have to hide in Life's not worth a damn till you can say Hey world I am what I am I am what I am I don't want praise I don't want pity I bang my own drum Some think it's noise I think it's pretty And so what if I love each feather and each spangle Why not try and see things from a different angle Your life is a sham till you can say Hey world I am what I am I am what I am And what I am needs no excuses I deal my own deck Sometimes the ace Sometimes the deuces It's my life and there's no return and no deposit One life, so it's time to open up your closet Life's not worth a damn till you can say Hey world I am what I am

[@broadwayboundguy]

Oh, my Gods! He was absolutely phenomenal! I saw him in Dallas on the 14th and the 15th. I had to see him twice.

[@bwaycraz3d84]

I remember a couple years ago when youtube (or perhaps it was the poster) took this off. I'm so glad it's back! I love this performance!

[@BlueIndigoViolet]

Bravo! What an emotive performance of a powerful song.

[@lilalfyalien]

Brilliant! Wonderful song and profound performance.

[@gnaediges]

Absolutly brilliant. Hut ab. You definatly have my ovation. You give power and courage with your performance. Thank you for that. Thank you.

[@alexanderzamora5930]

Goosebumps! So far, the best version I have seen.. the singer and the song have made a magical connection!

[@That70sloseR]

I get chills every time I hear this it's incredibly beautiful and moving.

[@Christinasvenska]

Fabulous performance!!! This is my anthem song....it helped me realize that it's ok to do what makes you happy in life....for me, that's performing musical theatre....no matter who tries to hold you back. Thanks for posting!

[@TiNa2927]

the most amazing performance of this song, i turn to it and it brings me hope, it reminds me its ok to be who and what i am! in love!

[@ladyjane63]

David is Amazing. He was one of our Cagelle's when our local company did La Cage about a decade ago.

[@carwyncymru]

BRAVO! STUNNING PERFORMANCE!!!!!

[@ChristopherLeidenfrost]

Absolutely breathtaking... one of the most hearfelt renditions I've ever seen!

[@illusionist1956]

Excellent version played and sang with real passion.

[@taurist]

the best and most heartfelt

[@pabspale]

"Fucking brilliant performance", indeed, GraceUnderPressure1. It gives me chills... probably the best I've ever seen.

[@RedJoker88]

Wow, he is brilliant! Fantastic how he fits into this song! Bravo!

[@lenniedavis1294]

What a great performance. I loved this!

[@animesis]

i do love this rendition, u can feel the emotion ripping through him

[@allanfisch]

Fantucking fabulous!

[@ThatOneFreakyChic]

This is second best to hearing it live in Chicago. It pretty much makes my life.

[@shutterbug93]

David's absolutely amazing! SO wish I'd seen this production!

[@babyschafxy]

goosebumps. absolutely stunning.

[@lincsposter]

A very powerful and heart-felt performance! I agree with other posters - this is a song for EVERYONE regardless of sexuality. If we were all the same , life would be very boring!

[@tonibgood2000]

Truly awesome. Each performer brings to the stage their own "Sazon". I agree that some may not be as committed as others and not put what "we" as an audience feel is enough into the scene. Again, this performer is fantastic

[@chrismcgrath636]

I saw it twice on stage, two nights in a row I loved it so much, this was in Sydney Australia many years ago. The movie is brilliant, no music, but great acting

[@zoen23]

I get chills every time I watch this! His performance never ceases to amaze me!

[@hairyeahyeah]

FAULTLESS!! Loved this version.

[@eliana84]

One of the best versions!

[@edgarivanrivera]

great performance... great song love it

[@Sarostar16]

This is sooo Good!!

[@mickstery6]

this is my favourite performance of the song

[@chillaob]

I find this song so moving. I especially like Gary Beach's rendition.

[@brucieboy08]

wow great video and great action aswell well done:-)

[@stuartpoyser6678]

i've often looked for the perfect version of this on youtube. So far (and I'd prefer it to have all the verses and be a bit longer) this is the best

[@fobesq]

simply fabulous

[@thegaythespian]

Brilliant performance.

[@MaryKathleenM]

A fitting tribute to a dear friend who passed away yesterday.

[@WicHavenGrove]

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@partyinthetardis]

Gives me the chills every time.

[@77cobby]

Oh my...this is the best interpretation of this song I've ever seen!! Bravo!

[@stellafremi6996]

Awesome, on all levels!

[@multimakeupdoll]

Best song I've heard in a long time

[@consurprise]

Bravo David!!! What a joy to stumble upon this vid. Wish I'd have seen it in person as I know it would've been THAT much more thrilling. Proud to know you, call you friend and to have shared the stage with your brilliant talent. Now, how do we petition the producers of the new revival to put you in this starring role on the upcoming National Tour? The time is now! ;-)

[@MaryKathleenM]

Absolutely wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@specsishere]

saw it yesterday with sieber as albin in pittsburgh! amazing!

[@luvMACxo]

i cryed when i saw this performed live

[@Kasey113]

I have always preferred the emotional (=insecure/nervous, but determined not to back down) versions of this song, compared to the ones who proudly belt it out. Being who you honestly are, for all the world to see, is scary. And so very liberating :)

[@dickie1066]

amazing!

[@MorbidVixen]

SO beautiful.

[@ugahush]

great song.

[@IMarcAlexander]

Engel Baby, WE LOVE YOU! Marc & Milly

[@LordAroyeum]

I'm doing this for an audition this week. Thank you for this amazing rendition

[@YouLikeKrabbyPattiesDontYou]

I love the sleeves of that outfit.

[@whistlingtiger]

A powerful interpretation of this song. I agree with Allan Fisch too.

[@PsychoTherapy61]

me too. This is the song I played when I told my Mother.

[@bodhilogan3822]

Love it!

[@f8ball]

@gvt2u Yep! He was Hanna from Hamburg in the original.

[@lincsposter]

Sadly my family did not agree with this and sent me to Coventry! (English for we don't want to know him!) Great song no matter who sings it! Life's not worth a damn!

[@damechastain]

Whoa. Wow.

[@bway1497]

What a great a song! I can't stop watching this but i don't know the show. What's it about?

[@YeckaMeryl]

The original story was a French and Italian film, but this musical came out in the mid 1980s. It's also the story that "The Birdcage" was based on, and the film sticks pretty close to the musical's plotline. In short, it's about a gay couple who is being asked by the son to not come out to his fiance.

[@pabzthename]

Although this is one of my favorite performances of this song, I felt like he screamed his lines one too many times.

[@emiltiwaz1022]

He "screamed" at the right moments. The character is, after all, supposed to be mad (as in angry). His/her body language though was very good compared to other versions I've seen.

[@pabzthename]

Well thank you for your opinion on my opinion on the interpretation of this character of an original screen play from a few decades ago. :)

[@13thcentury]

Albin is basically livid having been told by George (the guy in the tux) that he has to vacate the premises, as to present a sham to George's straight son and his homophobic fiance and co. Rather than argue, he goes back on stage and sings this song in utter defiance. The song is a mic drop.

[@donnadesisles]

I've seen David and Harvey ( Broadway) and a few others do this live. I also think David's version is the most amazing. I always get chills hearing this one! Bravo, David. I thought your entire proformance in Waltham was fabulous! ( I also liked Gary Marachek and Chris Swan better than Harvey!) 8D

[@seasmacfarlane6418]

George Hearn gave the best rendition I've ever heard ..... but this comes close.

[@ronnehh]

I wish I was even slightly as great as this guy at singing this song.

[@13thcentury]

This and Shirley Bassey are the best versions. I still don't know what one I prefer.

[@Emrys91]

i did this for my final performs (john barrowman cover) but acopller (no backing track) i real regert not doing to the backing track and in drag (my toror told me not to do in drag as they thought it would take away from the perfomace) still i had a grate time singing :)

[@faszkivanveletek]

this is very good.

[@mattfunke11]

I wish this was on itunes. :(

[@JBaumann2012]

I fucking love this song

[@JimmyLeeMusic01]

This was great. Its a hard song to sing

[@FredericaBimble]

I heard a snippet of this song from the film, 'Paris is Burning' where the lady who'd just had surgery completed to become a full woman was singing it on the beach. I did a search for the lyrics and found the song. Does anyone know a song called, 'It's Natural' which may also be from a theatre show? It was referenced from a drag act but all I heard was the title of the song. Now, I can't even remember where I even heard the title. I do believe the song is called, 'It's Natural' though.

[@davidmanhart1]

WOW

[@averynb1218]

I just saw him in the production at Reagle Players in Waltham. The production had its flaws but he was wonderful.