42nd Street

Congratulations to everyone concerned at Huddersfield Light Opera Company for a great opening night of 42nd Street.
Several fine performances from the principals,  high-energy tap routines from the dancers (full marks to choreographer Pam Strickland for those) and some terrific staging, as one has come to expect from the hugely-talented Chris Brearley.
There were the odd first-night sound glitches -but then who hasn't these days?
Gemma Armitage perfectly captured the naivety of the aspiring Broadway wannabe from the sticks, Peggy Sawyer, while at the same time showing her prowess as an all-round performer when the chance arose.
Neil Broadbent, as the authoritarian producer Julian Marsh, was, as always, the consummate professional, commanding the stage and displaying just the right amount of insecurity when required.
Another very safe pair of hands was Sharon Whitehead, who threw all invaluable experience and ability into the role of ageing diva Dorothy Brock.
There were two stand-out performances from Louisa Lefevre as Maggie Jones and Robin Walsh as romantic lead Billy Lawlor.
Louisa provided the link between Marsh and his company rehearsing for the show within a show 'Pretty Lady' showing both sympathy and understanding and her all-round ability as actress, singer and dancer, while Robin demonstrated not only his tapping potential, but also a fabulous (for those old-timers like me) Best proper singing voice, which I am sure is going to put him in big demand.
There was plenty to admire in the smaller parts and chorus work, which was tightly directed by the company's new producer Paul Bennett and MD Ian Abbott.
David Lockwood
 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.