Can Can- Page 3
Can Can
RippedMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
#53Can Can
Posted: 10/7/14 at 12:34pmWell, it's gotten good reviews so far! I was a bit worried after reading some comments here as I know people involved in this -really nice, good people so I've been hoping for the best. Sounds like it's going to be a hit! Congrats Papermill team!
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
``oscar wilde``
ddenoff2
Stand-by Joined: 5/5/12
#55Can Can
Posted: 10/7/14 at 1:37pm
It's frothy fun!
"Can Can is…pure champagne"
AND:
"Thumbs Up - Can Can has all the makings of a Broadway winner"
http://www.broadway.com/buzz/177786/thumbs-up-can-can-has-all-the-makings-of-a-broadway-winner/
For those who feel the storyline lacks depth, where's the moral and depth in "Gentleman's Guide"?
"It's Only A Play" isn't the deepest play Mr. McNally ever wrote either…but it's sold out for its entire run. IMHO audiences really enjoy fun & escapism and some works are crafted to deliver just that.
"You want to send a message, call Western Union" said a wise man once (Moss Hart but erroneously attributed to Sam Goldwyn)
Updated On: 10/7/14 at 01:37 PM
AKarp2013
Broadway Star Joined: 7/25/11
ddenoff2
Stand-by Joined: 5/5/12
#57Can Can
Posted: 10/9/14 at 1:51pm
And there's Broadway World -
https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/BWW-Reviews-CAN-CAN-at-Paper-Mill-is-Beyond-Spectacular-20141009
CAN-CAN at Paper Mill is Beyond Spectacular
C'est vrai!! It's true. You can now see the fantastic Broadway bound production of Can-Can at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn through October 26th. This presentation is the total package. While maintaining the tenor of the original show, this all-new revival of Can-Can has been carefully polished; a fresh, fun musical full of romance, scandal and humor in perfect measure.
Pistache, a Parisian cafe owner, decides to feature a risque dance, the Can-Can, in her club. But her defiance of the law could end both her business and her love life. Set in the Monmartre district of Paris in 1893, Can-Can was first performed on Broadway in 1953 and also had a 1960 film version.
Paper Mill's production of Can-Can features a book by Abe Burrows and a revised script by Joel Fields and David Lee. David Lee's direction is energetic and exciting; the show has a whole new life. Steve Orich provides the arrangements, orchestrations and musical direction that perfectly complement Lee's artistic vision.
The score shines with some of Cole Porter's beloved classic songs like "I Love Paris," and "C'est Magnifique." And, the stellar cast dazzles with Kate Baldwin as La Morne Pistache and Jason Danieley as her conflicted love interest, Aristilde Forestier. Baldwin and Danieley perform musical solos beautifully and the onstage chemistry between the two stars brings the show's charming plot full circle.
Greg Hildreth as Boris and Michael Kostroff as Jean-Louis add unforgettable humorous moments to the show. Michael Berresse perfectly portrays Hilaire Jussac, the slick, intellectual snob, who attempts to woo Claudine, played by Megan Sikora.
Outstanding choreography by Patti Colombo is highlighted by the exceptional talent and athleticism of the ensemble. Whether they are performing the spirited Can-Can or another dance number at the club, their execution is spectacular.
The scenes in Can-Can are made memorable with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward. From elegant dresses worn by Pistache to the fun frolicking outfits of the dance girls, Hould-Ward's designs are captivating. The flexible and colorful Scenic Design by Rob Bissinger allows for the smooth transitions in staging.
It's easy to give Can-Can a rave review. This first show of the Paper Mill season is not to be missed. As a matter of fact, you might return to the Paper Mill Playhouse more than once to enjoy it.
Can-Can will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse through October 26th eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343, at the Paper Mill Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn or online at www.papermill.org.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse
Updated On: 10/9/14 at 01:51 PM
#60Can Can
Posted: 10/12/14 at 9:39pm
Interpolations....
Agreed the score is so full of hits it does not need any outside songs but teh eseason after CAN-CAN Porter was writing more Parisienne love songs in SILK STOCKINGS (Paris Loves Lovers, All of You, As on through the seasons we sail) that could be used. It's not as if a revival of SILK STOCKINGS is likely anytime soon.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
Dessie
Stand-by Joined: 7/4/12
#62Can Can
Posted: 10/13/14 at 6:36pm
Isherwood is negative
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/14/theater/can-can-revisits-montmartre-at-paper-mill-playhouse.html?smid=tw-nytimesTheater&seid=auto&_r=1
ddenoff2
Stand-by Joined: 5/5/12
#63Can Can
Posted: 10/14/14 at 12:40am
so were these. of a show in 2003 of which the Times said "does not, alas, speak hopefully for the future of the Broadway musical."
http://www.didhelikeit.com/shows/wicked-reviews.html
Come see it…make your own decision. Maybe you'll agree with Broadway.com, which said
Broadway.com
"Can Can HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A BROADWAY WINNER"
or Broadwayworld, which said it's "BEYOND SPECTACULAR"
Are these two people right? wrong?? who's right-er or wrong-er? It's art. enjoy.
Updated On: 10/14/14 at 12:40 AM
#64Can Can
Posted: 10/14/14 at 9:43amWell, when a reviewer (Isherwood) calls the material itself "mediocre" and picks about the lyrics which made Cole Porter famous, it's kind of hard to listen to him. If he thinks such shows are mediocre and he has no appreciation for "nostalgia", he probably would be wise to let someone else review a show that he already doesn't appreciate. As he says, "even great singers cannot elevate mediocre material". So although he proceeds to only give good reports for the actors/singers and their attempts, it's clear that NO ONE could have ever made him like a show he doesn't like.
#65Can Can
Posted: 10/14/14 at 10:44am
The good reviews quoted are from negligible sources. And although I don't care to support Ish in any way, I do agree more with him here. Yes, we all love "I Love Paris," "It's Alright With Me," "C'est Magnifique." But "If You Loved Me," "Live and Let Live," and "Maidens Typical of France" are far from Porter at his (pre-unbearable pain) best. And "Every Man Is A Stupid Man" might as well just end after that title lyric.
The choreography/dancing is really excellent - truly top notch. However, the new script for this Can-Can is painfully unfunny and amateur.
Kate Baldwin, lovely as she's been in many roles, is as glamorous, gallic, and exotic as an Iowa truck stop waitress. She seems to really hate interacting with the audience, and has the lightness of an anvil. Her voice is, as always, utterly beautiful. Jason Danieley, a true tenor in every way, seems to do little more than play cute and try not to bump into things.
This production is very diverting in Act I, when the dancing comes fast and frequent; but there's very little dance in Act II, as well as very little wit.
One of the strangest things about this show: most anyone who knows anything about Can-Can knows that it made Gwen Verdon into a star; so why is it it's hard to even keep your eyes on Megan Sikora in that role, let alone fall in love with her?
It's possible that this could succeed in a transfer, but I would think a new book-adapter and new leads would be necessary.
Updated On: 10/14/14 at 10:44 AM
#66Can Can
Posted: 10/17/14 at 4:15pm
Saw the matinee yesterday. I really liked it. I agree that I'd like to see Kate Baldwin a little more sultry/sexy, but when she sings those songs all is well again. The choreography is top notch. Loved the costumes and the sets. (The sunset or evening drop of Paris is simply wonderful.)
And I do agree about the role of Claudine not amounting to much. I suppose the new book is trying hard to be more politically correct and Claudine isn't played up as being a total air head -- the way it would work better. In my book, she really should think the only reason she's going out with the critic is because he wants to know more about Boris. I spent the whole show thinking I'd LOVE to see Annaleigh Ashford do that role.
Updated On: 10/17/14 at 04:15 PM
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