‘Julian Marsh is putting on a show’. With those magic words we enter the world of ‘42nd Street’ the classic musical given a spectacular revival by Willoughby Theatre Company . With its well-known songs such as’ The Lullaby of Broadway ‘,’ Shuffle off to Buffalo’ and’ 42nd Street’ itself , this is a dazzling , dynamic version in the style of ‘Singing In The Rain’ and other great old musicals of the 1930’s and 40’s . There are plenty of sweeping scene changes and masses of costume changes for the giant cast .
Most of us have dreamed of being lucky Peggy Sawyer, a young chorus line hoofer who strikes it lucky and becomes a Broadway star overnight. All- singing, all – dancing this is a ‘traditional’ musical that has several HUGE production numbers ( eg ‘ We’re In the Money’ , The Lullaby of Broadway, ‘42nd Street’ ) with the wonderful cast going full out. It is an inspiring love letter to Broadway and generations of anonymous chorines . Under the excellent direction of Janina Hamerlok the production is full of exuberant joy and energy with fine ensemble and leads . The orchestra under the vibrant, enthusiastic leadership of Mark Pigot played tremendously ( listen out for the in-jokes ).
It is sheer escapism really and perhaps now a trifle dated but still enchanting and marvellous fun. The hard grinding slog of being a Broadway gypsy is emphasised as is the fact that it is set during the Great Depression. Choreographically it is very obviously of its period ( 1933). Neary has tried to retain the flavour of the period with hints of the Ballets Russes , other musicals of the era and Busby Berkely spectaculars showcasing the beautiful chorus girls ( especially in ‘Dames’ and ‘Shuffle off to Buffalo’ ) . There is also lots of explosive fast and furious tap , fabulously performed in show stopping glitzy numbers that bring the house down ( eg ‘ We’re in the Money ‘).
Our heroine, Broadway baby Peggy Sawyer , who gets her big chance, was wonderfully played by blonde, toothy Skye Roberts. Fresh and innocent she sings and dances up a storm in a sensational performance and changes and grows (observe her final ‘Chicago’ like exit). Diva Dorothy Brock was terrifically played by Susan Gavran. Sharp and dominant she is every inch a leading lady . Their duet ‘About A Quarter to Nine’ was haunting and poignant.
Brock’s manager/agent Abner Dillon is played with southern Kentucky charm by Warren Blood . We also see a tremendous performance of her charming true love Patrick Denning by Scott Clare who is dashing, gallant and debonair and simultaneously a little dangerous. There is much dramatic tension,– could he get shot and killed ? Or does he manage to escape?!
Hulking Julian Marsh, demanding and intense, an archetypal slave driver impresario with a theatrical vision was wonderfully played by Jeremy Curtin who gives a very impressive performance. Does Marsh fall a little bit in love with his new star?!
A fine performance of charming Billy Lawler was given by Simon Thompson. Tall and terrific, what a terrific dancer! Mention must also be made of the fine performances of Laura Sheldon as Annie and Katherine Schmitt as Maggie among others of the excellent ensemble . Musical comedy! The two most glorious words in the English language ! , as Marsh declares .
A great revival of this classic musical that will have you singing and dancing when you leave the theatre and checking out tap dance classes …Come on along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway ….Running time 2 hours 40 (approx) including interval.
42ND STREET runs at the Concourse Chatswood until 27th October, 2013.