[NEohioPAL]Berko Review of '42nd STREET' at Palace Theatre

[Roy Berko]

‘42ND STREET’ DANCES DELIGHTFULLY INTO THE PALACE

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

As one of the key songs of the show, ‘42ND STREET’
states, "Come along and listen to the lullaby of
Broadway."  Come along and thoroughly enjoy ‘42ND
STREET’ at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland.

‘42ND STREET’ is the third longest running American
musical in Broadway history.  In 1980, when it opened
it ushered in the new age of theatrical spectacle with
a cast of 54, 750 costumes and dozens of stage
effects.  Don’t expect to see such ambience on the
Palace stage, but you won’t be disappointed.  The
touring show is first class.  Due to a special
contract arrangement with Actor’s Equity, the
production company was able to mount a show with a
huge cast, gorgeous costumes, wonderful sets, and a
proficient orchestra.  The end result is a feel-good
evening of theatre which features fine voices, good
acting, and exciting dancing.

As much fun as the show is, and as great a reputation
as it has, its history is not happy.  When original
producer David Merrick tried to raise the money to
mount the show, potential investors told him the
project was doomed because of the costs of hiring the
huge cast and paying for the huge production
requirements.  When it finally went into previews at
the Kennedy Center in D.C. the show was met with a
poor response.  The director, Gower Champion, was too
ill to recreate the production.    When ‘42ND STREET’
came to Broadway it mysteriously went back into
rehearsal.  The opening date was set back, usually a
sign that a production is in deep trouble.  The night
the show opened, Champion died.   In spite of all its
troubled past, the opening night reviews stated,"’42ND
STREET’ Paved In Gold,""An Absolute Knockout!," "The
Unexpected Triumph of the Season!," and "Virtually
Nonstop Pleasures!."  The combination of the reviews
and Champion's tragic death pushed the show into
sellout status.

>From the toe-tapping inspired overture, to its
exciting conclusion it’s pretty hard to sit quietly in
your seat during the show.   With songs such as
"You’re Getting To Be a Habit With Me," "I Only Have
Eyes for You," "We’re in the Money," "Lullaby on
Broadway," "About a Quarter to Nine," and "Shuffle Off
to Buffalo," the show has one of musical theatre’s
greatest scores.    

Based on the classic 1933 movie musical of the same
name, ‘42ND STREET ‘  tells the story of a starry-eyed
young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to
audition for the new Julian Marsh musical that is
about to open on Broadway. Unfortunately, Peggy can't
seem to work up the nerve to walk through the stage
door until it's too late--the audition is over. But
Peggy soon catches the eye of the director, and when
the chorus turns up one girl short, Peggy gets her big
break. She can't seem to stay in the good graces of
the show's ageing leading lady.  The situation only
gets worse, or better, on opening night, when another
dancer accidentally pushes Peggy into the leading lady
who falls and breaks her ankle. The furious director
fires Peggy.  Discouraged and ready to give up all her
dreams of becoming a star, Peggy packs her bags and
heads for the train station, but fate has other plans
and Peggy turns out to be a star.   Yes, this is the
stuff of which Broadway dreams are made.

The touring production is blessed with some
outstanding individual performances to go along with
exceptional chorus dancing and singing.  As Peggy
Sawyer, Catherine Wreford displays a wonderful singing
voice and is a superb dancer.  She lights up the
stage.  Patrick Ryan Sullivan displays wonderful stage
presence and powerful vocal abilities as Julian Marsh.
 Blair Ross carries off the difficult role as Dorothy
Brock with ease.  Patti Mariano is delightful as the
supposed writer of the show.  Dexter Jones controls
the stage as the stage manager.  Though Robert Spring,
who portrays Billy Lawlor dances well, his singing and
acting aren’t up to the level of the rest of the
leads.

If you love old-time musicals; if you go to the
theatre to have a good time if you want to see a
quality level production, then, dance down to the
Palace Theatre and join the crowds cheering "42ND
STREET."

‘42ND STREET’ plays at the Palace Theatre through
March 2.  For tickets call 216-241 6000 or
800-766-6048 or go on line at www.playhousesquare.com.


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