42nd STREET

Cats Youth Theatre move to Bolton Little Theatre for their show 42nd Street which proves to be a more intimate space and more theatrical, challenging with a large cast and not one plush red curtain, but two. Louise Cohen directs and is also the musical director for this production with David Wilson as guest conductor. With a cast of 30 plus, Em Cohen takes on this mammoth task of choreographer - with a massive tap number, for which some cast members I am sure will not have tapped before, she made it look effortless - ball changes at break neck speed, wings repeated more times than I care to count and oh yes, let’s throw in spins while tapping – excellent!

Costumes were beautiful and in keeping with the period and hair looked good on the ladies.

Elliot Hogben plays Julian Marsh the director of “Pretty Lady” and has to take on the actress Dorothy Brock played by Natasha Weaver because her boyfriend is bank rolling the show. This comes with escalating problems. Elliot carries off the role with aplomb and in a great scene with Em Cohen, when he has only a set amount of time to help her learn her lines for the show, thus giving him the chance to kiss her more than once. Em Cohen playing Peggy Sawyer the hometown girl from Allentown not only choreographed the show but also tap danced at break neck speed.  A very confident and assured performance – amazing!

Nikki Aspinall took on the role of Maggie Jones the co-writer of “Pretty Lady” always trying to smooth things out and making people feel good. Nikki carried this off in style and some lovely comedy moments and touches throughout.

Kenyon Garrish playing Billy Lawlor, the lead in “Pretty Lady” - Kenyon had some pretty complicated dance routines and sadly doesn’t get the girl. He had a great connection with Em Cohen and his character was well rounded, also putting in some impressive tap routines.

Anytime Annie played by Lucy White was a delight, bright and bubbly - her shuffle off to Buffalo with Oliver Gaskell playing Bert Barry (The other co-writer) was great with the use of the carriage curtains too. Lucy and Oliver were always in character - wonderful work!

Abner Dillon played by Harry Cohen as the wealthy, smitten, foolish, financial backer of the show. Harry had some brilliant moments of comedy “What’s that man doing with my Dorothy” got a loud laugh - one of the supporting roles but made an impact, funny bones!

Other characters also worked well together and the chorus were very supportive particularly in their collective tapping. Some of the cast did talk quite fast when delivering lines - this may have been nerves and which will settle as the run continued.

Well done to cast a crew for a brilliantly successful upbeat show in your new home, proving “There’s A Sunny Side To Every Situation”  Thank you for making my guest and I feel welcome.

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