It’s big… It’s bright… It’s a brand-spanking new production of ‘the original showbiz musical,’ 42nd Street!
42nd Street is a timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale that combines breathtaking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance and delightful comedy to dazzling effect. It’s simply irresistible!
Based on the 1932 novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 Hollywood film adaptation, this backstage musical follows the rehearsal process of a Broadway show staged during the height of the Great Depression.
The show is a jukebox musical of sorts, in that, in addition to songs from the film, it includes songs that Al Dubin (lyrics) and Harry Warren (music) wrote for many other films at around the same time.
The hit parade of toe-tapping songs include ’42nd Street’, ‘We’re In The Money’, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘Shuffle Off To Buffalo’, and ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’. The score also includes ‘There’s a Sunny Side to Every Situation’, written by Warren and Johnny Mercer for Hard to Get.
Jonathan Church (Singin’ In The Rain, The Drifters Girl) directs the iconic song-and-dance spectacular, with choreography and design by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob jones.
The star cast includes Samantha Womack (EastEnders, Kingsman, The Addams Family, The Girl on a Train), Michael Praed (Robin of Sherwood, Dynasty, The Sound of Music), Faye Tozer (from Steps, also known for Tell Me on a Sunday), Les Dennis (Family Fortunes, Coronation Street, The Addams Family), and Nicole-Lily Baisden (Anything Goes) as the leading lady, Peggy Sawyer. The cast also includes Sam Lips (The Cher Show), Oliver Farnworth (Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, The Girl on a Train), and Off West End Award nominee Anthony Ofoegbu (Moonfleet, Meet the Adebanjos, My Children My Africa, Barber Shop Chronicles).
We interviewed Farnworth, Womack and Tozer ahead of the musical’s Manchester run.
Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show… and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom.
42nd Street is a larger-than-life, massively entertaining celebration of musicals and the irrepressible spirit of Broadway that’s guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits. Don’t miss it!
42nd Street began its run at Opera House Manchester on October 16 and plays there until 21. It wraps up its UK tour at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, where it runs from October 24 to 28. It then runs at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, Canada from December 9 to January 21, with a slightly different lead cast, some of whom starred in the Leicester and London productions which preceded the UK tour.
JADAR 