The musical "42nd
Street" by Harry Warren (music) and Michael Stewart and
Mark Bramble (book) has had a long successful history since
its inception as a movie in 1933. It was not put on stage till
1980 under the auspices of producer David Merrick, who hired
the talented choreographer Gower Champion. The show’s
success was largely due to the dances created by this man.
Unfortunately, Champion died of cancer just hours before the
show opened, and he never got to witness the 11 curtain calls.
Probably one of the most attractive and memorable features of
this musical is its series of splashy tap-dance numbers. It
also features several beautiful standards that have outlived
the show - "Lullaby of Broadway" being the most
prominent, but "We’re in the Money" is also
familiar to many.
It’s a story that has been told and lived many times.
Young hopefuls venture into New York looking for a break into
show biz. Throw economic hard times (1933) and a once-famous
director hoping to achieve one more hit show into the mix, and
you have the formula for possible heartbreak or good fortune.
Add a rich producer, a prima donna leading a double life and a
talented ingenue from a small town, and you have a cast of
colorful characters to weave a story around. But this show
requires a lot of hard work, especially in the footwork
department.
Shorewood Players has achieved its goal in its 79th season.
Strong lead singers, coordinated precise choreography,
credible acting and a lively orchestra all combine under the
skillful direction of Steve Parr, Melissa Bloch-Meier and
Jacob Sudbrink to create a wonderful production. This
re-creation of "42nd Street" is a splendid example
of what community theater is capable of when the right
combination of talents merges.
Outstanding members of the cast include Sarah Larson as
Peggy Sawyer, a very gifted singer and dancer; Philip Andrew
Martin as the director Julian Marsh, with a touch of humanity
beneath his driving ambition; Sharon Rise as the crusty
Dorothy Brock; Patrick Kendall as the sure-footed dance
director; and Ceri Hartnett as Maggie, the feisty stage mother
and composer. The characters are somewhat stereotypical, but
there is growth in Julian, Dorothy and Peggy as the story
develops.
Strong solo numbers include Rise’s rendition of "I
Know Now," Martin’s "Lullaby of Broadway" and
"About a Quarter to Nine" by Rise and Larson. The
ensemble of dancers that included Jessica Allen, Emily
Margaret Heitzer, Katherine Duffy and Courtney Kopish was also
outstanding.
The show runs through this weekend, Friday and Saturday
shows starting at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday at
Shorewood High School. Call (414) 737-3421 to reserve tickets.
