Yankee Doodle Dandy Brings to life The Unforgettable Cagney!
I don’t know one person that wasn’t humming to oneself the Yankee Doodle Dandy music of Cagney’s films after seeing them again and again. This is the experience that one takes away after watching Cagney on Broadway.
The show’s star and co-creator, Robert Creighton, brings Cagney alive. The minute he taps his shoes on that small stage the place looks much bigger and you feel like dancing with him. But apparently life wasn’t easy for this five plus foot Irish kid on the streets of New York City. He had to fight hard for every dollar he earned. What many didn’t know is that he fought hard for his fellow workers too. He dedicated himself to fairness and justice so much that he was accused for encouraging the formation of an actors union. Later on Senator McCarthy accused James Cagney of being a communist. In spite of the fact that he was known as a huge American patriot .
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James Cagney, as the play reveals, wasn’t just a larger-than-life actor, he was an amazing human being that didn’t compromise his integrity. Him moving from New York City to Hollywood to work with Jack Warner wasn’t easy. He left behind his mom and brother living under poor conditions. But his Mother insisted that he’ll take this amazing opportunity to work in Hollywood. Only to return some years later to form his own company since he felt being used and not compensated enough by the Hollywood biggest producer Jack Warner.
So many memorable films being brought up that it makes you feel like seeing them all over again. The Public Enemy, The G Men and White Heat. Songs like ” Give my regards to Broadway”,”Grand Old Flag”…. But above all his song and dance in Yankee Doodle Dandy that earned him the Academy Award. Throughout the show there is this anticipation to hear and see that amazing performance that all of us remember with a warm heart. At the end one can’t sit anymore and all jump to their feet in a standing ovation !
