By Kathryn Olsen
On the University of Utah Campus in Salt Lake City, Pioneer Theatre Company is sweeping audiences into a world of high stakes and bleeding hearts at The Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre with Cagney. This musical with Book by Peter Colley and Music and Lyrics by Robert Creighton and Christopher McGovern has been making its way around the theater circuit since 2009, including productions in Canada and off-Broadway, but it is in Salt Lake City that the producers are working on bringing it to Broadway.
The play is a biography of James Cagney (Robert Creighton), a down-on-his luck Irish-American boxer turned dancer trying to pay rent. He starts in vaudeville before turning to acting.Enter Jack Warner (Darrin Baker), who offers him a movie contract to spite another actor. Cagney soon makes his mark as a tough guy in gangster films. The remainder of the play explores his meteoric rise to fame, his ambition to escape being typecasting, and his love story with Willie (Jessica Wockenfuss).
Creighton, star and composer of the show, is phenomenal. This play explores nearly six decades of lifeand Creighton plays them with a deft understanding of how the man’s character evolves. He never seems to be merely a man playing an imitation of someone else and the emotional beats of the role feel genuine and immersive. Creighton won the Fred Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Dancer for this role and it is well-earned with every complex tap-dance routine that crops up.
With every great hero, there must be an antagonist and Baker plays Jack Warner in a way that audiences love to hate him. His repeated line of “Jack Warner here; make me happy.” demands the impossible from his associates. His devoted secretary Jane (Darien Crago) memorably tries for several minutes to pour his coffee before being harangued for not getting the joe, while writers churn out twenty-eight film scripts. He has hilarious callous disregard for what makes other people feel safe, having his actors use live ammunition, but assuring the terrified Cagney that they have the best sharpshooters in Hollywood.
While Creighton is the hero, Wockenfuss is the heart of the show. She shines in comedic moments such as her taking a dancer who looks like a boxer under her wing or Cagney’s first attempt to tell her that he’s “falling in llllllllllllllllllllllllllll” with her, but is the voice of reason and compassion throughout the rest. Her stage persona and the uncensored backstage Willie are both rich in detail and coy humor.
The final member of the principal players is Bob Hope, played memorably and lovably by Matt Crowle. He spends a great deal of time parroting Hope’s classic comedy, butTake the dose once in a day or two and at least half an hour before sexual activity. http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/make-up-guide/ buy levitra shows its effect within 30 minutes, but with levitra you can be ready within 16 minutes! Food consumption: Alcohol and fatty food is not allowed with buy levitra. You will definitely find that we really deal s with good medicine and superb services. levitra pill price You can also contact via email and phone so they can answer your questions and concerns so you understand precisely what you are getting into. on line levitra Stress to satisfy their partner or anxiety is other two reasons which viagra 20mg cipla doctors say can cause erectile dysfunction in men. his influence as a friend and colleague of Cagney shows his character’s honorable and loyal nature. He is the character most likely to instigate a dance-off with Cagney’s “tough guy in tap shoes,” but shines brightest when stripped of his comedic timing or theatrical sparkle.
The rest of the Cagney family, Ma (Charis Leos) and Bill (Daniel Plimpton), play roles that have the most impact with the least time on stage. Creighton, Leos, and Plimpton play wonderfully off of each other as a good family does, but Ma’s encouragement and Bill’s support are unwritten factors between each scene in which they appear. Both actors play multiple roles, so Plimpton goes from being the brother who has faith in Cagney’s ability to provide for his family to the foppish actor who bruises his hand trying to be a tough guy in James’ first film. Ma Cagney doubles as the actress playing the iconic Ma Jarrett in White Heat.
The ensemble is most memorable in its versatility. They provide a Greek chorus-style commentary at times, while also appearing as everything from cross-dressing vaudeville performers to anti-communist politicians.
This cast is phenomenal, but the production team’s efforts are even more impactful. Director Bill Castellino wonderfully coordinates the talents of a cast that is double the size of previous productions and enables natural chemistry between the actors to flourish. The costumes designed by Gregory Gale and Hair and Makeup Design by Amanda French are cleverly done, as Hollywood types often appear in shades of grey, while the working man is usually in earth tones, but everything is period and class appropriate. Set Design by James Noone is in an art deco style, but also allows the story to be framed in back lots, in construction areas, and private homes. Meanwhile, Sound Design by Allan Branson and Lighting Design by Paul Miller transform scenes without ever moving a set piece. Since this is a play about the film industry, Projection Design by Brad Peterson allows the audience to enjoy a cinematic experience or travel with the Cagneys throughout the country. Choreographer Joshua Bergasse evokes memories of 42nd Street with the fantastic tap-dancing ensembles, but praise must be given to Dance Captain Kristen Smith Davis and Fight Captain Daniel Plimpton heightens the tension of both spontaneous brawls and staged showdowns. Conductor Doug Oberhamer leads an ensemble of eight that perfectly complements the musical energy onstage.
Cagney is a show that fuses chutzpah with heart and history while providing memorable songs and show-stopping choreography. The stories are decades old, yet speak to contemporary issues without being heavy-handed. Due to occasional violence, racial slurs, and mature language, it is not for young audiences, but is well worth watching for the rest.
Pioneer Theatre Company Presents Cagney. Book by Peter Colley, Music and Lyrics by Robert Creighton and Christopher McGovern.
Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Sep 20-Oct 5, 2019, see website for show times
Tickets: $45-68
www.pioneertheatre.com
Contact: (801) 581-6961
Pioneer Theatre Company Facebook Page
Cagney Facebook Event
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