La Cage Aux Folles Heading to the Middle East

After playing throughout North America, Australia, and Europe, iconic gay musical La Cage Aux Folles will debut in Israel in July, Broadway World reports.

All proceeds of the production will benefit "Yesh Im Mi Ledaber" ("Someone to talk to"), an LGBT Teen Suicide Prevention organization that operates a hotline for youth.

While Israel is more liberal then its Middle Eastern neighbors, there is still much progress needed -- same-sex marriage is not yet legal and Pride events in Jerusalem have been marred by violence. Also considering the nation's influential, and antigay, Orthodox Hasidic community, the opening of La Cage is significant.

The Tony-winning musical from Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman, centering on a gay couple trying to "butch it up" for their son's girlfriend and her family, opened on Broadway in 1983 and was revived twice.