42nd Street

During the early '30's, after the Great Depression forced many Broadway theatres to close their doors, musical entertainment shifted to Hollywood and its cheap alternative to live stage shows. To counter the bleakness of the times, almost all this cinematic fare was escapist in nature, either highlighting the carefree lifestyles of the rich and famous, or Horatio Alger tales where poor but talented folks catch a break and gain the carefree lifestyle of the rich and famous.

Scene from the Audition, featuring Dexter Jones (Andy Lee) center and the Ensemble Photo: Joan Marcus

One of the great hits of this genre was 42nd Street, starring Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell, and choreographed by a former Broadway choreographer, Busby Berkeley. The film institutionalized a number of theatre clichés, including the once-successful director in need of a hit, the fading, egocentric star unable or unwilling to go on, the unknown ingénue who gets her big break, and that old credo, "the show must go on."

We're In The Money," featuring Robert Spring (Billy Lawlor) (center) and the Ensemble Photo: Joan Marcus

Eventually (in 1980), 42nd Street, made it back to Broadway, produced by the legendary David Merrick. The stage adaptation kept the great over-the-top production numbers that made Busby Berkeley a household name, while adding the genius of Gower Champion's choreography. It ran for eight and a half years. Twelve years later, the show was revived, believe it or not, at a 42nd Street theatre.

Due to a bargain struck between the producers and the actors union, the New York road production now running at the Buell Theatre has a full cast of more than 30, though the scenery has been scaled back some. But the vibrancy of the music and fabulous tap dancing is as fresh as ever.

Scene from Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, featuring (left to right) Patrick Ryan Sullivan (Julian Marsh) and Catherine Wreford (Peggy Sawyer) Photo: Joan Marcus

The memorable score includes "You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me," "I Only Have Eyes for You," "We're in the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," and the title number. Catherine Wreford's charm and talent as Peggy Sawyer, the phenom from Allentown, PA, is palpable from the back of the house.

Patrick Ryan Sullivan is the perfect handsome, worldly, and driven Julian Marsh, a savvy but disheartened director whose idealism is rekindled by his enthusiastic cast and the attractive, but naïve Peggy.

Scene from Dorothy Brock's dressing room, featuring Blair Ross (Dorothy Brock) Photo: Joan Marcus

Blair Ross, as the fading prima donna, Dorothy Brock, handles the delicate transformation from impossible, demanding bitch to centered and understanding mentor with aplomb.

42nd Street's message is about the joy of performing in Broadway musicals, and it delivers this message with pizzazz. It runs through July 6th. 303-893-4100.

Bob Bows