CAGNEY at Westside Theatre-Two Heels Up

The musical, biopic play on the late great James Cagney has something nice for everyone; the majority  niche is for those with seniority. Still, this likable, intimate production casts a killer hoofer in the lead role.  Robert Creighton plays the legendary actor thug who stuffed a grapefruit in a woman's mug.  I compare Creighton to Astaire.  Astaire's 1st screen test for studio mogul Selznick reportedly said "Can't act. Can't sing.  Can dance a little."  I felt the same about Creighton.  His singing sucked, his acting was pat but his dancing was dandy.  The ensemble helped with the heavy tapping & Bruce Sabath as Jack Warner was perfect casting.  Cagney's life was surprisingly more interesting than the interchangeable tough guy roles he played on film.  It turns out Cagney was a real life hero to the working class and a man of strong principals.  His lifelong marriage & longtime friendship with Bob Hope were heartwarming and made for show stopping dancing duets.  Cagney should also be remembered for his support of our troops (along with Hope,) and his forthright appearance before the House UnAmer Activities Com.  The show drags its feet in with story telling & the musical numbers are mostly blank & vanilla.  Still, for an intimate show with a lot of bang for its buck, I give it my regards.