42nd Street Reviews

Joan from Bristol,

SMILED ALL THE WAY THROUGH

Brilliant acting, signing, and dancing, thoroughly enjoyed this musical extravaganza , loved the energy and non stop entertainment .

Susan Hudson from Liverpool,

SHEET ENTERTAINMENT

Wonderful! A stellar cast provided a polished and enjoyable performance. The tap dancing was energetic and spirit lifting. How they did it during a heatwave, I don't know! All of the cast were brilliant, I loved Samantha Womack's acting and singing, gave a kind of Marlene Dietrich vibe, and Faye Tozier ( steps) was a revelation. A stunning production that left me with a huge smile on my face.

Yasmin Al-Sheklly from Manchester, England

CLASSICAL MUSICAL THEATRE THAT IS FULL OF GLAMOUR AND PIZZAZZ.

What is the plot of 42nd Street about? 42nd Street centres around the character Peggy Sawyer who is an innocent and enthusiastic woman who is from Allen Town and arrives only with a suitcase and her handkerchief but she also has dreams of being famous on Broadway. After a slow start in New York City she catches the attention of director Julian Marsh who takes a big chance on her taking the leading role in his show after the main star has been injured in an accident. However, Julian is not a soft centred man and so he pushes Peggy too much but on the other hand her boyfriend Billy supports her in every single way. Yet the jealous Dorothy Brock will not make life easy for her. As Peggy helps Dorothy out with a personal issue yet her personality slowly changes towards Peggy. The message behind 42nd Street is that if you work hard then you can achieve anything and your dreams will come true. What themes are explored in 42nd Street? The themes that are explored in 42nd Street are friendships, financial issues, love, team work, dreams, jealousy, failure, music, acting and fame. Cast Nicole Lily Baisden was incredible as Peggy Sawyer. She was charming, enthusiastic, and sassy. Her movement around the stage was impeccable and she exudes energy. Her vocals were powerful and her range was remarkable especially in the high notes. Her acting was vibrant and fresh. She was a powerhouse. Michael Praed was sensational as Julian Marsh. He had a warm and a likeable stage presence. He is someone that wants to impress badly but also to scream at the same time. His vocals gave you goose bumps especially in the opening notes of 42nd Street. He gives you everything that you expect but also with an extra bit of sparkle. Samantha Womack was brilliant as Dorothy Brock. The way that she combined comedy and love together is like a breath of fresh air. This is a complex role in which she accomplishes with ease. Her vocals were effortless. They were soft, smooth and powerful. Faye Tozer was amazing as Maggie Jones. She was warm, witty and charismatic on stage. She sang beautifully. Her performance had elegance and grace. Les Dennis was hilarious as Bert Barry. He gave a light-hearted performance that was endearing, funny and entertaining. Faye Tozer (Maggie Jones) and Les Dennis (Bert Barry) were the rays of sunshine on stage in terms of their comedic timing. Their chemistry was infectious to watch and they were a perfect partnership on stage. They were clearly in their element as they appeared relaxed and having the time of their lives. Sam Lips gave a lively performance as Billy Lawlor. He was full of confidence on stage. His dancing was slick and faultless but also with an outstanding voice. Oliver Farnworth was excellent as Pat Denning. His acting was convincing as an opposite suitor to Abner. We also see a tender side to his character in his relationship with Peggy. This added a nice touch to the show. Anthony Ofoegbu was superb as Abner Dillion. He conveyed the role of a business tycoon in an innocent way that you could not help but sympathise for him yet he is controlling and is throwing his money around. His physical comedy gave us a different perspective of the character. This was a large talented cast that featured some big names that are known from the TV and entertainment world that was well complemented with younger members. They worked in unison regardless of how big or small their roles were. It was a credit to watch. Sets The sets were simple, effective, lavish, and glamourous. They transported us to Broadway. In addition, the set changes were transitioned seamlessly from the backstage rehearsal space to the dressing room to the front of stage sparkle. Costumes The costumes stole the show. It was perfectly matched to the 1930s style from the rehearsal shorts that were worn by the dancers to the flowery tea dresses. The gold and satin ones worn by the chorus girls were gorgeous. Choreography The choreography was exquisite in every way. The show was full of iconic hit after another where you could not stop smiling for even one bit. The joy of the irresistible tap dancing filled you with emotions of happiness. Soundtrack The soundtrack of 42nd Street was timeless and iconic too. It was full of catchy upbeat numbers and emotional ballads. Highlights included “Lullaby Of Broadway”, “We’re In The Money”, “About A Quarter To Nine”, and the title song “42nd Street”. The music arrangement for “We’re In The Money” was mesmerising to watch. It started off as a soft song to which the music then picked up pace and was quicker. You could not stop tapping your feet whilst sat in your chair. The songs were intertwined perfectly within the events of the plot and the music was brought to life via the live band with great orchestration. If you love classical musicals done at their finest level with great humour, a star studded cast and brilliant iconic tunes then 42nd Street is the show for you. Get your tickets now or they will be gone.

Anonymous from London,

SHEENS EASTON, WOW WHAT A VOICE !

Smiled all the way through even though seats uncomfortable , if you have dodgy knees get an aisle seat. !! Back to show , the cast were wonderful. , more tap than any morse code signal , girl playing Peggy sawer was a real pocket dynamo , reminded me of a young Debbie Reynolds . Miss Sheena Easton was revelation as Dorothy Brock , great singing and real stage presence . A really good show thoroughly enjoyed ( except the seat )

Mags from Liverpool,

LACKS STAR QUALITY

This is a difficult show to stage in modern times. Costumes were fabulous and the tap dancing ensemble routines were very good. I was disappointed that the cast changed. Samantha Womack was good but not exceptional which is what you want your leading lady to be. The lack of theatre etiquette never ceases to amaze me. Despite a notice before the show started phones were ringing. I was astounded at the sight of a family group landing with a 12 pack of crisps- accompanied by rustling, drink cans opening etc which generally detects from the performance and distracts the cast.

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