Creighton breathes life into ‘Cagney,’ iconic tough guy in tap shoes
It isn’t too often a full NYC production moves intact to Los Angeles, offering those of us on the West Coast the chance to enjoy its premiere on this side of the continent. And with our city being the Heart of Screenland, what could be better than honoring Hollywood’s “tough guy in tap shoes” in CAGNEY, a dramatic new musical enjoying its West Coast premiere at Noho’s El Portal Theatre.
The story follows the life of the legendary James Cagney from the streets of New York to his rise from a vaudeville song-and-dance man to one of the brightest stars of Hollywood. Broadway’s Robert Creighton plays the title role, expertly bringing the much-beloved icon to life with his triple-threat performance.
“Cagney” just came off a spectacular 14-month run at New York’s Westside Theater, and is produced by Riki Kane Larimer, herself a lifelong Cagney fan, much the same as the rest of us who grew up admiring his stage and screen talent, and unique style. The critically-acclaimed production features a book by Peter Colley with music and lyrics by Robert Creighton and Christopher McGovern. Bill Castellino directs, like a true Cagney devotee and admirer, with choreography by Tony Award-nominee Joshua Bergasse. Together, they bring back such Cagney classics as “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” and many new songs that showcase Cagney’s overall life, such as “Mean,” “Crazy ‘Bout You,” “How Will I be Remembered,” and “Tough Guy.”
“The two most important places I always wanted this story of James Cagney to be told were New York City, where he grew up and where his character was forged, and Hollywood, where his talent and on-screen magnetism made him one of the greatest film legends of all time,” said its star and co-creator Robert Creighton. “It’s an honor to get to tell Mr. Cagney’s story and I am thrilled that this dream-come-true project is having its day in the California sun!
As such, we are taken through Cagney’s life story as it unfolds, beginning at the SAG Awards when Cagney was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by his former studio boss, Jack Warner, portrayed by Bruce Sabath who creatively channels the real Hollywood tough guy complete with cigar and pencil moustache. Always the first to take credit for Cagney’s Hollywood stardom after hiring the N.Y. street kid with swagger to play his first gangster role in “White Heat” (during which the infamous grapefruit-in-your-face encounter takes place with Mae Clarke), Cagney offers evidence through videos, photos, and wonderful dance numbers to recall why both men deserve credit for Cagney’s success.
As the two share memories of Cagney’s history making movies at Warner Bros., we meet his famous stage cohort Bob Hope, played by tall and lanky Jeremy Benton whose personification of the good-hearted comedian celebrates his love of the USA during his USO Tours with Cagney. Their dual dream of giving back to the country so beloved by George M. Cohan, the original “Yankee Doodle Dandy” composer, honors the American spirit which carried us through World War II. This scene, as well as the entire time-traveling production, features costumes designed by Martha Bromelmeier which perfectly enhance the different eras of Cagney’s career.
But it is his lifelong partner Willie (Ellen Z. Wright) who steals his heart, marries him, and continues to tour as one of his ensemble members during his career as a Vaudevillian song-and-dance man. Creighton and Wright are magical together, and the “small but mighty” talented ensemble (featuring Wright, Benton, Danette Holden, and Josh Walden), all of whom play many characters with multiple fast costumes changes, are a wonder to watch with their enthusiasm highlighting every number.
A few of the standout characters we meet along Cagney’s journey are his beloved Irish mother Ma Cagney and Jack Warner’s long-suffering secretary Jane, both brilliantly portrayed by Danette Holden. And although it was really his sister that went on the road with Cagney, here we meet his “brother” Bill (Josh Walden) who dances the boards along with him. Other noteworthy tech credits include James Morgan (scenic design based on the original NY design), Michael Gilliam (lights), Janie Bullard (sound), Mark Pirolo (projections), music coordination by Larry Lelli, and fight direction by Christian Kelly-Sordelet and Rick Sordelet.
The New York Times raves, “Robert Creighton is born for the role” – and I totally agree! So be sure to catch him as “Cagney” through Oct. 29, at the El Portal Theatre’s Debbie Reynolds Mainstage, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Tickets range from $25 to $89. For the “Cagney” performance-by-date schedule and to order tickets, visit CagneyTheMusical.com or call at 866-811-4111.
