42nd Street

42nd St, the story of a play within a play and Margate Operatic Society’s production this week gave us a truly glitzy, glamorous 42nd Street. It certainly provided us with plenty of both.

The dance numbers (Donna Clements) were excellent especially in 'We're in the Money'. Stuart Clements as Julian Marsh a real commanding figure on stage, he controlled the cast for his musical 'Pretty Lady'. His older leading lady in “Pretty Lady” Dorothy Brock (Laura Watson) a temperamental actress, and it showed. As in all musicals about chorus girls, disaster happens and newcomer Peggy Sawyer (Fay Holdford) takes over the leading role, she danced superbly and came over well as the 'new girl'. Helping her along the way was Billy (Guy Underwood) with a nice relaxed performance. There was a good comedy team of Maggie (Stacey Sproates) and Bert (Neil Paterson). The supporting cast, all of them were strong and well suited to all their parts.

The singing throughout, both from principals and company was good and a well controlled and a superb orchestra, this all due to (Janice Regan) as Musical Director.

42nd Street of course needs plenty of tap and this production had Lots!! It was perfect just perfect and praise must go out to (Stacey Spoates) for choreographing a huge cast of about 50 to get all their shuffles and ball changes, wings etc. in the right place and every shuffle was clearly heard.

The costumes were in period,(Donna Clements) and were colorful and plenty of sparkle and great attention had been given to wigs (some didn’t need I felt) and accessories.This 42nd St was made even better by stage management in the hands of Ian Mackenzie hardly any blackouts to change sets, made this production swift and slick.

Stuart Clements (Director) and your team gave us a very polished production that gave the audience, my guest and me a night to remember. We felt as if we wanted to tap out of the theater instead of singing our way out.

Thank you Pat and MODS for inviting me to review your 42nd St you made me welcome and I truly enjoyed my evening with you.

Gordon Harris

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