Cagney the Musical

James Cagney was more than Hollywood’s greatest tough guy—he was a song-and-dance man, a devoted husband, an outspoken champion of workers’ rights, and one of the most fiercely independent performers of his generation. Cagney: The Musical traces his remarkable journey from the tenements of New York’s Lower East Side to the bright lights of Broadway and the golden age of Hollywood, where his battles with powerful studio executives proved every bit as dramatic as the films that made him a legend.

Bursting with exhilarating tap numbers, heartfelt ballads, and the irresistible energy of classic American entertainment, Cagney celebrates the man behind the iconic gangster roles. Alongside an original score, the musical features beloved songs by George M. Cohan, whose patriotic spirit and showmanship helped define the era that shaped Cagney’s career. As audiences meet the family, friends, and collaborators who influenced his extraordinary life, they also revisit the unforgettable movies, music, and larger-than-life personalities that made Hollywood’s Golden Age unforgettable. Funny, moving, and filled with old-fashioned showbiz magic, Cagney is a joyous tribute to an artist who never stopped fighting to do things his own way.

Duration: 130 Min
Roles: 3F, 5M (Can be done with anywhere from 6-12 actorsCan be done with anywhere from 6-12 actors)
Performance Group: Community Theatre, Professional, College
Setting: Hollywood Film Sets, Offices, Vaudeville Stage, Various flash locations

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