5 reasons to go see ‘42nd Street’ this week

The latest national tour of 42nd Street performs Jan. 10-15 at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series. CONTRIBUTED

The latest national tour of 42nd Street performs Jan. 10-15 at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series. CONTRIBUTED

The lullaby of Broadway beckons once more as the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series presents the latest national tour of the classic, dance-friendly musical comedy “42nd Street” now playing through Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Schuster Center.

Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s Academy Award-nominated 1933 movie, “42nd Street” is a tap dance extravaganza centered on the humble and talented Peggy Sawyer who leaves the comforts of Allentown, PA for the bright lights of New York City. She joins the chorus of producer/director Julian Marsh’s highly anticipated new Broadway musical “Pretty Lady” as an understudy, but situations change drastically when leading lady Dorothy Brock breaks her ankle. Peggy takes over, and despite fear and uncertainty, becomes a star.

In advance of the tour’s appearance, Steven Bidwell, who portrays “Pretty Lady” songwriter Bert Barry, recently shared his thoughts on the material.

1. THE PEDIGREE

Featuring a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, “42nd Street” opened on Broadway in 1980, received seven Tony nominations and two wins including Best Musical, and played 3,486 performances. It was particularly the final musical directed and choreographed by the legendary Gower Champion, best known for his direction and choreography of 1964’s “Hello, Dolly!” and appearing in the 1951 remake of “Show Boat” opposite his wife/dance partner Marge Champion. Under Bramble’s direction, “42nd Street” was successfully revived in 2001 receiving the Tony for Best Revival and playing 1,524 performances.

“42nd Street” is the story of a a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical. CONTRIBUTED

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2. ENDEARING NOSTALGIA

Peggy’s inspirational story is wrapped in good old-fashioned charm and an endearing sense of nostalgia. “When ‘42nd Street’ premiered out of town in Washington, D.C. in the early 1980s, Mark Bramble said (the creative team) wasn’t entirely sure the show would work,” Bidwell explained. “The overture began and the audience started laughing. Mark was appalled. However, he realized the audience was laughing along with the show because they recognized the songs. They were embracing this throwback to an era that was so fondly thought of.”

“42nd Street” is the 14th longest running show in Broadway history. CONTRIBUTED

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3. TIMELESS SONGS

Composer Harry Warren and lyricist Al Dubin created an array of marvelously tuneful standards including “You’re Getting to be a Habit With Me,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re in the Money,” and “I Only Have Eyes for You.” Bidwell is particularly featured in the comedic “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.” “It’s such a cute, fun number,” he said. “It’s a nice character moment in which Bert actually gets to appear in ‘Pretty Lady.’”

“42nd Street” comes to the Schuster Center on Jan. 10-15. CONTRIBUTED

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4. DAZZLING DANCES

Directed by Bramble, this production features fantastic choreography by Columbus native Randy Skinner who also choreographed the Broadway productions of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” and “State Fair.” From thrilling opener “Audition” to the razzmatazz of the title number finale, audiences are in for a treat. “I have had many friends who have seen the show with their kids and their kids were inspired to take tap classes afterwards,” Bidwell said. “The tap dances are impressive and phenomenal. This cast is hoofing it like nobody’s business. I sit in the wings and watch them at almost every show. They’re amazing.”

“42nd Street” has been dubbed the quintessential backstage musical comedy classic. It comes to the Schuster Center Jan. 10-15. CONTRIBUTED

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5. FEEL-GOOD VIBES

Billed on tour as essentially Broadway’s “reality show” complete with backstage drama, “42nd Street” remains a feel-good, optimistic tonic ready to cheer up anyone feeling down this winter. “We’re bringing energy and escapism to people who probably would love a few hours of that no matter your background or political philosophy,” Bidwell said. “Times can be tough, but you can still come away humming a song. There’s a wonderful sense of hope in this show.”


WANT TO GO?

What: "42nd Street"

Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton

When: Jan. 10-15; 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $30-$97

Tickets/more info: Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com

FYI: The Victoria provides a "Background on Broadway" informative session on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 1 p.m. during the run of "42nd Street" for patrons to learn about the development, history, and artistry of the show. This free event is held in the Schuster Center's Fourth Floor Lobby. You must have a ticket to that day's performance.

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