"You dirty rat"
James Cagney never said that famous line, and Cagney sets the audience straight on that. In fact, in this musical biography, the audience learns everything there is to know about the hopelessly-hoodlum typecast little Irishman with the expressively pug face.
He was originally a hoofer, trained in vaudeville tap dance, and a boxer a well. He had a tender side and was dedicated to his mother. In spite of that, in this musical biography that sometimes tries to squeeze in too much information, it is still the gangster that we enjoy; it can’t be helped. He was just too bad – and too good at it.
Robert Creighton is in a lead role made to order for him. It is a long time labour of love brought to fruition. Often informed of his resemblance to Cagney by many, including longtime Drayton Entertainment associates, he is a wonderful dancer to boot, and is also responsible for the music and lyrics.
He has the gangster part down pat, with the twisted sardonic expression that shocked and captivated audiences. Here, he has reincarnated the "one glance from Mr. Cagney that could say more than another actor’s five minute speech."
His energy and appeal bring insight to the ginger haired man who grew up fighting in the streets of New York City. Some of the best moments in the production come when he is portraying the scrapper squishing a grapefruit in the face of his leading lady, or shooting the gun from the hip as if he were killing flies.
Darrin Baker, as Jack Warner, plays the part of the cruelly blunt San Quentin studio head so effectively that the audience comes to resent his presence. He plays the bigshot well, tempered with the insight to encourage Cagney’s improvisational efforts, such as in White Heat where Cagney plays a psychopath who inadvertently regresses to a mama’s boy.
Amy Wallis plays Cagney’s wife, Willie, who was with him from the beginning when he resorted to dancing roles such as Lola Fandango. She is a fine dancer and genuine in her role. Another Drayton entertainment veteran is Risa Waldman, who multi-tasks with style as Cagney’s mother and as Warner’s classic secretary.
New to Drayton Entertainment and Canada are Joel Newsome, who plays a charismatic Bob Hope ("A James Cagney love scene is one where he lets the other guy live") and Brian Ogilvie, who good naturedley plays Cagney’s brother, Bill.
Set design by Mark Pirolo is appealing and informative. Interesting images projected on screens chronicle the films and moments in Cagney’s life that clarify the onstage action.
Charles Schoonmaker recalls much with his accurate costume designs.
Seasoned director Bill Castellino will add Cagney to a number of important credits including international tours of Fame and Les Misérables.
Choreography by Joshua Bergasse reminds the audience of how the enjoyable dance sequences were made to look off the cuff, despite their intricacy.
James Cagney won an Academy award for Yankee Doodle Dandy, and Cagney won a standing ovation on opening night.
So as not to take the gangster life too lightly James Cagney said, "One thing that troubles me is that they say that my portrayals of gangsters and hoodlums led to a tolerance of the criminal element by society. Well, I certainly hope they didn’t, because I’m firmly opposed to crime."
Cagney plays eight shows a week through July 24. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Drayton Entertainment Box Office at (519) 638-5555 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463.
To find out more about the 2010 season, visit www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
