Can-Can is living proof that a nonsensical plot when surrounded with gorgeous music and clever lyrics, strong dancing and wonderful singing will succeed in spite of itself. It’s hard to believe that anything by Cole Porter would be less than a resounding success, but the original production of Can-Can almost fell into that category. It’s a big show, with 17 scenes, most of which require at least a bit of moving furniture and other bits around. In addition, other than a handful of principals, nearly everyone in the cast is double or triple cast, meaning lots more costume changes as well.
Ohio Light Opera in Wooster specializes in this sort dash and dazzle. It’s in the dedication that everyone involved brings to the table. Artistic Director Steven Daigle established a high level of energy which carried everyone through in spectacular fashion. The multi-purpose set shifts easily from courtroom to café (pretending to be a laundry) and various other locations. Charlene Gross designed the colorful costumes, with set design and clever scrim by Cassie King, and lighting by Erich Keil.
If you are prone to hum or whistle the tune of “I Love Paris” whether it’s sizzling or not, blame it on Can-Can. Other memorable songs include: “C’est Magnifique,” “Allez-Vous En,” and “It’s All Right with Me.” This latter is sung by the newly-appointed Judge Aristide Forester (Ted Christopher) to his unexpected love, Pistache (Sarah Best), the glorious proprietor of the café/laundry Bal du Paradis. She then returns the favor with the hilarious “Every Man Is a Stupid Man.”
Stephen Byess was in charge of the marvelous orchestra, sounding much bigger than it really is, and providing a great foundation for the full complement of can-can dancers as they burst into song and dance at the slightest provocation. Choreographer Carol Hageman is at her over-achiever best here, with kick-lines galore as well as other dancing. You might not expect to see a kick-line in 1983 Paris, but you’ll definitely enjoy it while it happens! There’s also a ‘Garden of Eden’ Ballet! Complete with snake!
Briefly, the story line is the newly-appointed judge (Christopher) is determined to enforce the laws of France, until he discovers they’re really not very enforceable. Pistache owns the café/laundry, where she employs her ladies, in an attempt to keep them out of jail. The policemen like the girls a lot, so they find excuses not to testify against them, thus nullifying the efforts of the courts. Even as ‘good’ fights ‘bad’, loves wins!
In the meantime, the press photographers keep busy, and a goodly number of the girls end up in jail. In the middle of all this, Claudine, one of the dancers (Jessamyn Anderson) catches the eye of the local art critic Hilaire Jussac, (Boyd Mackus), who has panned a sculpture exhibit by the struggling Bulgarian Boris Adzinidzinadze (Stephen Faulk). He challenges the critic to a duel. Finally, Jussac offers to host an elaborate ball, and plans to move it to the Bal du Paradis, except that Pistache has lost her license.
Somehow, Aristide sets all to rights, but in the middle of the ball, hosted by Pistache – Oops! another raid by the police – this time armed with photos of all the miscreants. They all appear in the courtroom, but the jurors find them all innocent, and they’re all freed. A superb dancing kick-line brings the wonderful dancing, music and comedy to a rousing conclusion! Vive la France! Vive l’amour! C’est Magnifique, indeed.
There are still three performances of Can-Can: Sat 7/25, Fri 7/31 & Sat 8/8. For ticket information, visit ohiolightopera.org or call the box office at 330.263.2345.
For an additional treat, to read more about and hear clips of some of the music for each of the scheduled shows, go here.
[Written by Kelly Ferjutz]Wooster, OH 44691