42nd Street

“42nd Street” is a timeless showbiz musical based on the 1933 Hollywood film and beloved of any musical theatre enthusiast whose dreams of “going (ing) out a youngster but you've got to come back a star” – and I think it is safe to say that the members of Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society all went out, for the performance that I was privileged to see, and came back stars!

When ‘Peggy Sawyer’ delightfully played by the talented Georgina Philpot lands a role in the chorus of a Broadway show and her opening duet “Young and Healthy” sang with ‘Billy Lawlor” engagingly played by Connor Welch, we knew that we were destined for a great night’s entertainment. The energy and showbiz that came across the footlights from these two charming performers was a joy to watch.

Writers ‘Maggie Jones’ and ‘Bert Barry’, played by Liann Ruddick and J. Paul Murdock, provided us with the comedy banter expertly injected expertly throughout the production.

Contrastingly, superb performances by Michelle Cassells as ‘Dorothy Brock’ and Richard Cope’s ‘Julian Marsh’ showed the more cut and thrust side of putting on a show in the 1930’s, although ultimately it was ‘Julian’ that gave ‘Peggy’ the push that she needed to be a star!

Steve Humpherson’s enchanting production presented us with a large and extremely talented cast and gave them plenty of opportunities to shine: Adam Partridge as choreographer ‘Andy’ showed great dexterity and never stopped working throughout, some great cameos from Stephen Homer as ‘Mac’ and Peter Goldsmith as ‘Abner Dillon’. Tremendous costumes from Triple ‘C’ Costumes and the CHAOS wardrobe with expert co-ordination by the society Wardrobe Team as well as an amazing set was the icing on the cake.

A beautiful sequence for the “Shadow Waltz” delighted the audience as did Salli Gage’s choreography which was a tour-de-force and must have taken hours of rehearsal but it was so worth it. The well-known songs came one after another and each one bought new heights of enjoyment from a very appreciative audience. "We’re In The Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway”, “Young and Healthy”, “I Only Have Eyes For You”, and of course the show-stopping title number, "42nd Street", all guided superbly by Musical Director, Richard Ganner, and his amazing musicians. 

There were a couple of sound issues but these in no way interfered with the audiences enjoyment and differentiating from the backstage to the onstage was handled masterfully by Stage Manager Peter Hazelwood and Assistant Stage Manager, Stewart Homer and a very efficient Stage Crew.  This transition was also enhanced by some great lighting giving “Pretty Lady”, the show within the show being presented, that spectacular feel.

This was a true ‘Team’ show and a great example of what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.  A tremendous night’s entertainment that was a joy to watch.

Thanks to everyone at CHAOS for their kind invitation and warm welcome, most gratefully appreciated.

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