It’s a toe-tapping, tap-happy, terrific tornado of a show that’ll lift you up and leave you completely star-struck and in awe of a cast of terrifically talented dancers. Just watch those happy feet tap out a complete treat on stage!
This backstage musical dance show – about a musical dance show – takes us back to 1930s New York City where small-town chorus girl Peggy Sawyer (beautifully played by understudy Rhianna Dorris on the night we attended) dreams of making it big on Broadway.
Arriving in the big city, she just misses the chance to audition for hit-producer Julian Marsh’s new show ‘Pretty Lady’. But thanks to some luck, help from her romantic lead Billy Lawlor (played by Sam Lips – whose tenor voice is just terrific) and the other chorus girls who recognise her talent, she gets her break and a part in the show.
Then – thanks to another type of break (this time the leading lady’s ankle), Peggy gets her shot to step in – at centre stage. Yes, of course it’s a little far-fetched. But is it really? Let’s not forget that Catherine Zeta-Jones – a member of the chorus when 42nd Street played in the West End in 1984 – got a similar break. When both the lead and her understudy fell ill, Zeta-Jones was asked to go onstage as Peggy. And onwards to Hollywood stardom from there.
42nd street is all about the dance of course. It’s choreographed and designed by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones. And the show-stopping tap routines are just breathtaking.
But though the dancing steals the show, there’s plenty more to applaud about this crowd-pleaser directed by Jonathan Church.
There are the songs – including We’re In The Money, Lullaby of Broadway, I Only Have Eyes For You and, of course 42nd Street. Then there’s the romance and comedy. The heartwarming theme of pulling together for the good of the team. The dazzling, colourful costumes. And the sequined, starry art-deco backdrops.
The cast list boasts some big names, too. Samantha Womack plays a cool and cutting over the hill diva, with a sultry singing voice. Michael Praed (a heartthrob Robin of Sherwood on telly in the 1980s) is a straight-talking Julian Marsh; Faye Tozer (from Steps) is fantastic as scriptwriter Maggie Jones and her sidekick Les Dennis has some nice comedy moments as Bert Barry. And the chorus dancers? Just terrific. Every one. They all give the dance numbers punch and pizazz to perfection.
My advice? Get your tickets and head to 42nd street as fast as your tap-happy feet can carry you.
42nd Street is playing at Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff until 19th August – get tickets here
For further touring dates, visit 42ndstreettour.com
Pics by Johan Persson