Can-Can is a
Broadway musical that takes place in
Paris during the turn of the century, specifically in a dark little corner of town known as
Montmart. Based on the
book by
Abe Burrows and with lyrics and music by
Cole Porter, it premiered on
May 7,
1953 at the
Shubert Theatre in
New York City.
The basic plot is that newly-ordained judge Aristide Forestier is on a quest to close down the Bal du Paris, owned by La Mome Pistache, and its infamous Cancan dancers. The two fall in love despite the legal sparring, and there are various subplots involving the artists as well as Hilaire Jussac, who wants to make Montmart famous.
Original Cast (1953)
The Music
Act 1
- Introduction & Maidens Typical of France
- Never Give Anything Away
- Quadrille
- C'est Magnifique
- Come Along With Me
- Live And Let Live
- I Am In Love
- If You Loved Me Truly
- Montmart'
- Allez-Vous En, Go Away
Act 2
- Never, Never Be An Artist
- It's All Right With Me
- Every Man Is A Stupid Man
- I Love Paris
- Can-Can
I have fond memories of this musical, as I played several parts (policeman, waiter, etc) in my school's production of Can-Can. Though the musical itself is fun, it also brings up many issues about the government and censorship. When you're watching semi-nude pop princesses on MTV, think of how far we've come since the days of banning suggestive dancing.
Sources used: http://www.geocities.com/porterguide/cancan.html, and my copy of the Original Broadway Cast Recording.