42nd Street

This wonderfully vibrant show is not staged very often by amateur companies due to the sheer volume, and high standard, of tap dancing required by those performing. The music and storyline are both fabulous but success ultimately hinges on the quality of both principal and ensemble production numbers. I did wonder how Zodiac would cope with such a challenge but I’m delighted to say these concerns were unnecessary. This production greatly exceeded my expectations and the audience was treated to a fabulous extravaganza from start to finish. 

Katie Kerr is to be congratulated, as Director, for taking on this hugely challenging production and for delivering a truly wonderful show.  Undoubtedly there will be many fond memories for all those involved with this production.  ‘42nd Street’ is one of the most difficult shows to direct as it requires careful casting, plenty of patience and a lot of hard work throughout rehearsals.  This was a first-class production with so much colour, pace, energy and non-stop action.  The entire cast is to be applauded for all their efforts and in creating the overall spectacle Katie set out to achieve

The music was once again safe in the hands of Chris Winslet, Musical Director, who led his orchestra with precision and skill.  The Overture gave an excellent impression of what was to follow - a musical score packed full of well-known songs that were played wonderfully by the orchestra. It is always challenging to gauge the appropriate level of music but I thought it was ideal here with all vocals being clearly audible. It should also be mentioned that the standard of singing was excellent with such numbers as ‘We’re in the Money’, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘Shuffle off to Buffalo’, ‘Dames’ and ‘Sunny side to Ev’ry Situation’ were are polished and well-rehearsed.   

As previously mentioned, this show ultimately ‘lives and dies’ on the quality of dancing in so many huge production numbers.  Kathryn Watson and Lydia Kemish excelled as Choreographers and rightly deserve recognition for all their hard work.  With so much tap dancing, and whole-cast movement, drilling the routines into the cast must have involved countless hours of work and commitment. The end product was precise, polished and simply fabulous to watch.  The opening scene, with the curtains partially raised to reveal tap dancing legs, was a spectacular start to the show. To get a cast, undoubtedly with mixed abilities, to such a consistently high standard, and looking fabulous throughout, was very special.  

Congratulations to everyone at Zodiac for a hugely success show and good luck in 2020!

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