42nd Street - Musical Review
- Sep 9, 2018
- 4 min read
After seeing a preview of the musical revival of 42nd Street last year which I found totally captivating, I was delighted to have the opportunity to return once again to The Theatre Royal Dury Lane on Friday 7th September. With Music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer, the production features well known musical classics such as, “We’re in the Money”, “Dames” and “Lullaby of Broadway”, amongst others. Seeing the production for the second time I knew what to expect and it didn’t fail to impress me yet again.
The company recently welcomed British stage and television personality Bonnie Langford to the cast of forty six dancers and musical theatre personalities. The role previously played by Eurovision icon Lulu.
This rags to riches tale is based on a typical backstage story set in 1930s New York and Philadelphia. A renowned Broadway director Julian Marsh is set to put on, ‘The biggest show Broadway’s seen in years’- ‘Pretty Lady’, with the aid of producers Maggie Jones, Bert Barry, and Andy Lee choreographer. The show's plot involves Peggy Sawyer and her journey from shy chorus girl, to successful leading lady. When her big break arrives she finds the confidence to take on the leading role from predecessor Dorothy Brock.
Entering the doors of the oldest theatre in London to collect my ticket at the box office, I could sense the excitement from the conversations in the surrounding foyer and saloon bar as theatregoers eagerly waited for the house to open to take their seats. The house lights slowly dimmed around the auditorium and the audience began to lower their voices and the room fell silent in anticipation and excitement.
The conductor is presented to the audience as he rises up above the orchestra to begin the overture. The curtain rises gradually as the last few bars of “Overture” music fades out. The tap dancing chorus line is teasingly glimpsed before the large stage is finally revealed creating an impact which was so stunning that it actually sent a shiver down my spine.
Emmerdale personality Tom Lister had command of the stage with his dexterity and authority in the role of director Julian Marsh. When faced with Bonnie Langford’s ‘Diva’ characterisation of Dorothy Brock, his sarcastic comments and comic timing were a joy. The rich texture of his vocal talent was displayed in the final number “42nd Street (Reprise).”
Ashley Day took on the role of tenor Billy Lawlor with originality, providing a gentle tone to his opening duet number “Young and Healthy”. As well as showcasing his admirable singing talent, the role also allowed him to demonstrate his versatile dance ability, having previously playing the role of Jerry Mulligan in An American in Paris. His voice carried well and was heard clearly throughout the auditorium.
Clare Halse played the timid chorus ingénue with a sense of coyness and curiosity at the beginning as her character learnt the ways 'to get a job in a Broadway chorus' from her fellow chorus girls played by Emma Caffrey, Clare Rickard, and Ella Martine. Her dance ability took my breathe away as well as her voice. Throughout act two I could see her characterisation of Peggy Sawyer develop to that of a star.
Television personality Bonnie Langford took over the role of Dorothy Brock from Eurovision icon Lulu. Playing her first performance Monday 3rd September. I found difficultes hearing her dialogue at times which resulted in mising certain moments and connecting to her character. Though her rendition of "I Only Have Eyes for You" was made for beautiful by the orchestra and the style in which she perfomed with a distinct sweet crying quality.
The orchestration accompanied Randy Skinner's choreography effectively from each tap of the toe to every spin. This was clearly highlighted in a number of songs, particularly “We’re in the Money”, “Go Into Your Dance” and the title number, in which the timing worked in simultaneous perfection with the music’s tempo. The ensemble carried the production with their gleaming smiles, intricate attention to detail giving each routine energy and a burning passion to perform the iconic steps.
I especially enjoyed seeing the array of coloured gowns in “Dames” worn by the female ensemble as they appeared from the back of the stage. The mirror sequence in the number "Keep Young and Beautiful" was also striking. During the number “We’re in the Money” the dancers entered wearing sequined suits and dresses that created a sparkle effect in front of the audience, similar to a disco ball. The final number viewed as the most iconic sequence of “42ndStreet” brought the entire audience on their feet.
Following the performance, I stopped by the stage door to congratulate the company, although they were unrecognizable in comparison to their on stage characters, I was lucky enough to pick out a few familiar faces such as Clare Halse and Tom Lister who both stopped to sign autographs for young avid fans.
Overall my thoughts remain unchanged. The choreography is sheer perfection. Seamless costume changes, eye-catching routines take audiences back to a time of Vaudeville entertainment. I once again find myself whistling and tapping my feet in a poor attempt to match the ability and convince myself I can tap dance as well as the ensemble.
The production is set to close January 5th, 2019 due to arranged theatre refurbishments. However, I cross my fingers and my toes that it continues to make waves around the country in a national tour.
Book your tickets for this tap dancing sensation that is 42nd Street by clicking the link bellow:
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