42nd Street

With a forty one strong onstage company, all under nineteen and some still in junior school, a dancing show such as 42nd Street was always going to be a wise choice. And so it proved! From the first moment right through to the dramatic finale, I watched in admiration and marvelled at the sheer standard of performance which this dynamic company achieved.

KHW was founded by Sally Dallosso who produces and costumes, together with Andrea Atkinson who choreographs. Michael Burbidge is regular Musical director and the show director - and protege of the late and sorely missed Martin Patrick - Sarah Morrison.

A certain well known public figure recently used the phrase "the awesome foursome" (though used about non theatre related matters). I cannot better that phrase and think it far better used about this show's splendid production team. However, a host of talented assistants to the above also played key roles.  Jackie Huke assisted Sally as producer.  William Huke and Ellie Sayles assisted Sarah in directing. Christy Welsh and Tash Rose assisted Andrea plus dance captains were Aylish Moore and Eloise Hogben. This continuity of still young, but now adult mostly ex-members of the cast staying deeply involved in shows is a special and important ingredient in this company's very special, almost unique, dedication level and sheer joy in performing. It is very evident and quite thrilling to behold!

The show's theme is a relatively simple yet well worn one, of a talented yet unknown and put upon young performer ultimately becoming a star, partly through unexpected chance, but essentially because of sheer talent, grit and exhaustive dedication. The story of showbiz itself in fact, with distinct parallels to KHW's history itself. In the process she not only rescues the show from closure, but saves the jobs of all her friends in the company.

Magnetic performances were given by all of the lead players. None more so than Jenny Tucker in the lead role of  Peggy Sawyer, a true all rounder with nifty feet, looks, acting ability and a fine singing voice. Playing opposite Jenny and matching her all the way, was the charismatic Grzygorz Todryk as Billy Lawler, the virile and confident juvenile lead. Matching the talent of this excellent leading couple in the equally important roles of "older" adults, Broadway star  Dorothy Brock and show director Julian Marsh, were Connie Price and Joe Eve respectively.   Another "awesome foursome" in fact!

Sterling support was given by the entire on stage company, too numerous to list in entirety, but honourable mentions to all the principal cast as follows:-  Zoe Kirk as Maggie Jones, Simon Perry as Bert Barry,            Robert Medhurst as Pat Denning, Eloise Hogben as Annie Reilly, Reuben Andriez as Mac, Oscar Ovendon as  Abner Dillon,  Thomas Muscio as Andy Lee, Susie Thurlow as Lorraine, Aylish Moore as Phyllis, Suzy Lovell  as Gladys,  Elise Gibson as Ethel,  Jamie Coskun as Oscar,  Finn James and Olivia Routledge as the Stagehands, Owen Davis as Doctor and Elena Vinall as Waitress.    

A most effective set showing a spacious dance studio on what is in reality a fairly small Barn Theatre stage opened the show. The staging of this show was magnificent throughout and all sets changed speedily, courtesy of a well drilled and numerous crew under the guidance of SM's Ryan Parsons and Grace Easthope. Ryan also designed the many fine sets. John Beer designed lighting and Emmanuel Abebrese operated. Sound was by Ben Morrison.  All did sterling work!

Mike Burbidge's eight strong band gave a professional standard feel to the music with the famous company production numbers showing the enormous dedication and talent the choreographers had achieved with this willing and co-operative company of young titans.

Costumes were of a standard I have rarely, if ever, seen before outside of fully professional musicals. I have seen many excellent youth shows in this very theatre, among many other theatres and bigger stages too.    In my opinion this KHW 42nd Street was the high among very finest youth shows I have ever been privileged to review.

At KHW the bar keeps rising year upon year. A magical evening to behold and I salute you all, each and everyone of you!

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