Review: 42nd Street at Village Theatre
The Village Theatre is ending their 30th Anniversary Season with the powerhouse tap dancing musical 42nd Street. This spectacular production is directed by award-winning director, Steve Tomkins with musical direction by Tim Symons and Bruce Monroe and choreography by Steve Tomkins and Kristin Culp.
The musical has a long Broadway history originally modeled after the 1933 Hollywood film. The show had a long run on Broadway and has had a few revivals since first opening in New York in the eighties. This show was originally produced by the great David Merrick with dance numbers by Gower Champion.
The story takes place during the depression and gives you a look at the world of theatre from behind the scenes. An often told story about a young naive dancer, Peggy Sawyer from Allentown, whose only desire is to be in a show on the “Great White Way.” The great Broadway directer, Julian Marsh is putting together a show called “Pretty Lady” but the leading lady cast for the role, Dorothy Brock, has seen better days in that she can no longer dance…but she glides well.
This sets the stage for this masterpiece to unfold with some incredibly synchronized and fast paced tapping ensembles that I haven’t seen in such a long time. The local cast of 26 are wonderful dancers and singers who are up to the task with some of the best known and loved songs such as “We’re in the Money”, “I Only Have Eyes For You” and, of course, “Lullaby of Broadway.”
There are many stand out roles in the cast, from Krystle Armstrong, who as Peggy arrives in New York like so many young women wanting to land an opportunity. She starts out as a dancer in the chorus line and goes on to being given the chance be the lead in the show. What the audience gets to witness is the journey of Peggy as they follow her beautiful transformational arc from the girl from Allentown to New York lady. John Bogar as Julian March, Shelly Burch as Dorothy Brock, and Carissa Campbell as Phyllis just add to the talent and a perfect blend in this timeless musical.
This production has the essential glitter with the sets and costumes that work so well for big numbers, and it’s quite evident that the creative team worked hard on this crowd pleaser. The opening number is so enticing when the curtain first rises…but I don’t want to spoil anyones delight. Just watch for it yourself.
If you want to see classic musical theatre at its very very best, then I recommend 42nd Street.
42nd Street plays at Village Theatre in Issaquah at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre from May 13 – July 3 and at the Everett Performing Arts Center from July 9 – August 1, 2010. Tickets range from just $17 up to $59.
From more info, visit www.villagetheatre.org.
– Ethel W.
