Can-Can to Be Staged in CA with Revised Book, Summer '07

Can-Can, the Cole Porter musical that features such standards as "I Love Paris" and "It's Alright with Me," will receive a new production with a revised book next summer, according to Variety.

Presented from June 29th through August 5th at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, Can-Can will feature a new book by Joel Fields and former "Frasier" writer-producer David Lee, who will also direct the production.  Abe Burrows wrote the original book of Can-Can, which features music and lyrics by Porter.  The show concerns nightclub owner La Mome Pistache, who defends the racy dance of the title against a puritanical judge--with whom she falls in love.

The creative team will include Roy Christopher (sets) and Randy Gardell (costumes). Steve Orich (Jersey Boys) will provide musical direction and orchestrations.  A choreographer has not yet been announced.

Can-Can ran at the Shubert Theatre for 892 performance after opening on May 7th, 1953.  The show is noted for catapulting Gwen Verdon to fame (although Lilo was the musical's above-the-title star).  The show received a short-lived Broadway revival in 1981, and Patti LuPone played Pistache at Encores! two years ago.

The Pasadena Playhouse is currently presenting the new musical Sister Act.  Visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org for more information.