42nd Street

Not having seen this show for several years I was quickly reminded just how good it is.  From the opening to the finale the familiar numbers just keep on coming and with tap dancing thrown in it provides wonderful entertainment.

I was told that many of the cast, who started to learn the tap routines six or more months prior to the production, had not even heard of the show, let alone performed in it.  Praise therefore to the society that they continue to provide their members, many of whom are youngsters, with the opportunity to perform in what can be called old fashioned musicals.  They certainly seemed to enjoy it!

I think it’s fair to say that this was a very good all-round production.  Tim Drage, in his first major role, led the way as Julian Marsh in a commanding performance which suited the character well as he organised the cast for his production of “Pretty Lady”.  His star, Dorothy Brock, was well portrayed by Andrea Fairweather although I thought that she could perhaps have been even more diva-ish.  When Dorothy gets injured during rehearsals, her role is taken over by Peggy Sawyer and here we had Megan Wilson giving us a good characterisation, with her duet of About a Quarter to Nine with Andrea being lovely.

I thought Laura Embleton was an excellent trouper as Maggie Jones, the link between Marsh and the cast of his show, and I was impressed by the performances of Joe Porte as Bert Barry, Alice Jordan (Anytime Annie), Amelia Fletcher as Phyllis Dale and Megan Tudor as Lorraine Flemming.  It was pleasing that the support cast in slightly more minor roles was also strong as shown by David Cameron as Billy Lawler, Macy Williamson who played Andy Lee, Ian Thompson (Pat Denning), Phil Wilson (Abner Dillon), Jak Waller (Oscar) and Oliver Powers as Mac.

The choreography was good to watch and, in the main, the cast were smiling most of the time.  Good use was made of a stage extension used as Dorothy Brock’s dressing room and the costumes were generally right for the time.

Accompaniment was two pianos and drums and this was totally adequate for the production which enjoyed good audience numbers.  If they enjoyed it as much as I did they will have been happy!

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