42nd STREET - Theatre Review

A review by Suzanne Birrell.

The Company of 42 nd Street in "Lullaby of Broadway."  Photo by Chris Bennion

If you like tap dancing then 42nd STREET now playing at the Pantages  is the show for you.   42nd STREET is the song and dance fable of Broadway, with an American Dream story and some of the greatest songs ever written, including "We're In The Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off To Buffalo," "Dames," "I Only Have Eyes For You" and of course "42nd Street."

The Company of 42 nd Street in "Shadow Waltz."  Photo by Chris Bennion

With book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, 42nd STREET is based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley's 1933 movie and tells the story of 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 Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star.

Blake Stadnik as Billy Lawlor (center) and Company in "We're in the Money." Photo by Chris Bennion 

The wonderful thing about the story is the generosity of spirit that the characters exhibit. It's not a story of back stabbing competitive performers clawing their way up the ladder, it's a story of recognizing talent and caring about the ensemble. This is a great show to bring the kids to. The young lady next to me was so wanting to be up on that stage. She had the dance moves in her soul.

( R. Kaitlin Lawrence as Dorothy Brock and Blake Stadnik as Billy Lawlor in "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me."  Photo by Chris Bennion)

Absolutely fabulous costumes designed by Roger Kirk. Lots of great ensemble dancing - including two staircases - and great harmonies-especially in the train scene. Do stay for the dancing encore.

Dates: Thru JUNE 19, 2016

Theatre: HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES THEATRE 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Performance Schedule: Tuesday - Friday at 8pm

Parental Advisory: All Ages

Tickets: Online: HollywoodPantages.com or Ticketmaster.com

Phone: 1-800-982-2787

In Person: Hollywood Pantages Box Office (opens daily at 10am)

Groups: Groups of 10 or more may purchase at PantagesGroups.com