It’s so lovely for once to see a musical that is all about the spectacle: the razzle-dazzle, the sequins and, above all, the dancing.

Other big traditional Broadway shows – like Chicago, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls – have complete plot lines and character development and singing harmonies. But 42nd Street doesn’t waste time on optional extras like that.

From the time the curtain rises it’s a moving visual feast. Some of the moves are simple, but multiply them by 30-plus weaving "hoofers" who fill the stage and the effect is spectacular. [More] 
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There’s nothing like the sound of 40 pairs of tap-shoes to put you in an upbeat mood. The dazzling opening ensemble number in Auckland Music Theatre Inc. / Amici Production Ltd’s third musical to be staged in Auckland Civic Theatre shows why 42^nd Street is so popular.

With plenty of pizzazz, and based on a fairy-tale story with a happy ending, 42^nd Street captures the customary extravaganza of Broadway’s golden age.

42^nd Street was first released as a musical film in 1933, and captured the backstage grit, desperation and hard work required behind the limelight to launch a musical (Pretty Lady) during the depression. In 1980 the stage version, which has the same ‘show within a show’ format, debuted on Broadway and in 2001, Randy Skinner choreographed a Broadway revival.

This production features Skinner’s choreography (recreated and adapted for NZ by Kelli Barclay), as well as the revival production’s costume and set design (hired from UK Productions Ltd, original Scenic design Douglas W Schmidt and Original Costume design Roger Kirk).

Visually, this production is at its zenith during the lavishly costumed, high-energy numbers, which accentuate Skinner’s sense of spectacle. (My personal highlight is watching the ensemble ‘flap’ in the opening scene – wow!) 

Director Grant has assembled a fine cast. Derek Metzger owns Lullaby Of Broadway and it is a pleasure to see him play the role of hard-nosed director Julian Marsh with such effortless ease.

Multi talented Lyndon Keenan is the perfect lead tenor and milks every opportunity to capture the limelight and sing from centre stage as the dashing young Billy Lawlor.

Grant Bridger and Lynn Webster have a natural on stage rapport and bring vitality and pace to the night whenever they appear as the driven writers of Pretty Lady, Bert Barry and Maggie Jones. Their duet, Keep Young & Beautiful, is particularly entertaining.

Suzanne Lee is a wonderful comic actress, delivering a fine performance as prima donna Dorothy Brock. She also brings a lovely touch of humanity and heart to her duet with young Peggy, About A Quarter to Nine. 

As the fresh-faced chorus girl from out of town, who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to step into the lead role in Pretty Lady, Laura O’Sullivan is suitably bright-eyed and overly enthusiastic. She has a fine singing voice, holding her own in all numbers such as Young and Healthy and the signature song, 42^nd Street.

In the smaller roles, Craig Rodgers is deliciously humorous as sugar-daddy Abner Dillon; tap-dog Clayton Curnow shines in the role of dance director Andy Lee during the opening ensemble number, Audition; and the perky trio of chorus girls who befriend Peggy – Anytime Annie (Sarah Kent), Lorraine (Amber McAlphine) and Phyllis (Rebekkah Schoonbeek-Berridge) – are wonderful to watch. Their slick and smooth group dynamic is very apparent during Go Into Your Dance. 

Musical Director Penny Dodd’s interpretation of Harry Warren’s score, so rich and varied in style and texture, is flawless. The 16-piece live orchestra is a treat for the ears, from the note-perfect Overture, to smooth jazz passages, to the majestic brass and reed instrument phrases, through to the toe-tapping Finale.

While the true effort required to produce any musical in any climate is palpable, 42nd Street does not set out to dwell realistically on the grit, personal sacrifices, compromise and stoic commitment required by all – it is unashamedly style over substance at the end of the day. It’s all about Broadway dreams come true and Showtime baby – and thanks to AMT Inc and Amici Productions, many a keen young local dancer and singer has been given the opportunity to be part of the magic, alongside some of our finest musical theatre professionals.

42^nd Street – she’s a classy ole dame all right. 

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