Review: 42nd Street
The Savoyards team has another success on their hands; congratulations to the 42nd Street cast and creatives, who are ably led by Lyn Pelgrave (Artistic Director), Benjamin Tubb-Hearne (Musical Director), and Rob Emblen (Choreographer). If you were thinking of buying a ticket I suggest you get in quick, as this limited run finishes in early July and the opening weekend shows appeared to be sold out.
42nd Street is a well-loved musical that first premiered in 1980. Based on a 1932 novel and 1933 Hollywood film, this is a show that ‘has legs’ in more ways than one: longevity, and plenty of toe-tapping numbers. The plot follows a simple ‘chorus girl gets the chance to take the leading role’ storyline, with plenty of opportunities for loves lost and found and a number of amusing one-liners along the way. The musical within a musical (this is a show about bringing ‘Pretty Lady’ to Broadway) has much-loved numbers that include the ‘Lullaby of Broadway,’ ‘The Gold Diggers' Song (We're in the Money),’ and the fabulous ‘42nd Street.’
The leads were well-cast, where I particularly enjoyed the work of the two leading ladies and of their ‘Director.’ Kirsten Brown’s Peggy Sawyer was a wonderfully entertaining ‘new girl,’ and the transition from chorus to the spotlight was believably portrayed. My favourite Peggy Sawyer moments included the ‘audition’ scene (very well-deserved applause for the tap-dancing), the train station job offer, the pre-opening weariness, and the opening night finale. Carolyn Latter’s portrayal of Dorothy Brock was on point: great vocal work, lovely portrayal of a musical theatre diva, and a charming second act dressing room scene that convinced us all that this was one diva who was happy in the choices she had just made.
Christopher Thomas’ Julian Marsh was at times strong-willed and visionary, but also humble and tender. Thomas had a number of really great scenes with both Brown and Latter, and I enjoyed Thomas’ performances of the challenging ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ and poignant ‘42nd Street (Reprise).’ An honourable mention also to Miranda Selwood (Maggie Jones) and Warryn James (Bert Barry) for their comic and musical portrayals of the pragmatic co-writers of and Producers of ‘Pretty Lady’ (particularly in the entertaining ‘Shuffle off to Buffalo’).
Without wishing to run through everyone in the very long list of hard-working people behind the scenes, my particular congratulations to the costume and set design teams. The ‘Pretty Lady’ curtain was a triumph, and Kim Heslewood and the costume construction team have together worked wonders. We were treated to a fabulous display of appropriate attire—including the memorable blue number (which suited both Dorothy Brock and Peggy Sawyer) and an excellent array of outfits for the whole cast.
However, my show highlights were the big song and dance numbers. Solid work by the Musical Director and Orchestra, with a particular shout out for the second half reeds work for ‘42nd Street’ (Reeds: Abbey Shumacher, Jess Hall, Tim Harding, Mel Baldwin, and Lisa Squires). The leads were excellent in all of the showcase numbers, and we enjoyed wonderful tap work by the principals (Tatijana Wills, James Rogers, Bella Cox, Kylah Davis, and Stephanie Lee-Steere), featured dancers (Kaitlin Hague, Alanah Cites, Natalie Lennox, Kristan Ford & Matthew Butler), and ensemble (Jaydene Alesana, Kayleigh Bancroft, Emma Boersen, Maree Butterworth, Naomi Capon, Daniela Clever, Patrick Davis, Jacob Ewan, Emily George, Alex Holmes, Miranda James, Brooke Lane, Reagan Lovett, Wallis Neresian, Amelia Robertson, Darcy Rose, Melanie Southall). It’s possibly unfair to single one dancer out, but (in addition to loving Kirsten Brown’s dancing) I absolutely loved watching James Rogers dance and move across the stage.
Yes, there were the occasional moments when the sound cues were a little slow, when not absolutely every note was hit, or when I’d like to have heard some stronger supporting tenor and bass voices in the ensemble. But this was an excellent demonstration of what fantastic value a Savoyards production can be. The Savoyards’ 42nd Street is a funny, uplifting, and entertaining musical theatre show.
Verdict: 42nd Street is an excellent demonstration of what fantastic value a Savoyards production can be.
Audience information: 42nd Street (24 June-8 July), IONA Performing Arts Centre. 85 North Rd, Lindum QLD 4178. 140 minutes (including 20 minute interval). All ages. Tickets $30-52.
Credits: Harry Warren (music), Al Dubin (lyrics), Michael Stewart & Mark Bramble (book, based on the novel by Bradford Ropes), Gower Champion (original direction & dances). Originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick. The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Bros., the owner of music publishers' rights.42nd Street is presented by permission of ORIGIN Theatrical on behalf of Tams-Whitmark LLC, A Concord Theatricals Company.
The reviewer attended the opening weekend matinee performance (1:30pm, Sunday 25 June, 2023).