When Cole Porter's Can-Can opened on Broadway in 1953, accolades were bestowed by the New York theater critics on Gwen Verdon (who played the dancer Claudine) and choreographer Michael Kidd (both received Tony awards). Dance, observed The New York Times in its review of the show, was the compelling reason to see Can-Can.
Fifty-nine years later, another reason emerges. In the current Westchester Broadway Theatre production of Can-Can, a brilliant comedic contribution by Patrick Richwood as sculptor Boris Adzinidzinadze wows the theater goers.
He is so roll-in-the-aisle funny as he delivers Abe Burrows' dialogue, you know he could have been huge in the Catskills' Borscht Belt days.
No disrespect intended of course for the lovely Glory Crampton whose beautiful voice has been heard many time before in WBT musicals. She is charming here as cafe owner La Mome Pistache, Tony Lawson shines as self-rightious judge Aristide Forestier, and the rest of the cast abounds with high-level energy.
Lauralyn McClelland plays Claudine, Charles West appears as Hilaire and William McCauley as Paul. Hercule is played by Michael Linden, Etienne by Joshua Phan-Gruber and Todd MacIntyre by Theophile.
Actor/comedian Hans Conried, Jr. played Boris in the original Broadway production which opened in 1953 at the Shubert Theatre.
Richwood played the night-time elevator operator in director Gary Marshall's 1990 film Pretty Woman, staring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
The musical will be performed at the Elmsford theater through October 12, 2012.
Performances are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday and Thursday matinees. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. and show at 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and show at 8 p.m.
- Sunday matinees. Lunch at noon and show at 1:30 p.m.
- Sunday evenings. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7 p.m.
Dinner-show inclusive prices range from $52 to $80 plus tax and tip depending on the performance. Contact the theater at 914-592-8730 for luxury box service and cost information.
For reservations, call 914-592-2222. Reservations can also be made at www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza (175 Clearbrook Road), Elmsford. Box office: (914) 592-2222.
