The theater community had been buzzing about Osceola Arts’ “42nd Street,” and I was intrigued. The 1980 stage show, based on a classic movie musical, is a big lift: Think lots of large-scale production numbers, a huge amount of costumes, and a bevy of chorus gals and guys who can really tap dance.
Professional theaters can struggle with “42nd Street,” never mind a community (volunteer-actor) theater.
But I’m delighted to report that the buzz was deserved. “42nd Street” is a big heap of old-fashioned fun for both the eyes and ears. Director Russell Fox and choreographer Shana Snodgrass-Burns have created big and beautiful moments that will plaster a smile across the face of anyone who likes a good old toe-tapping dance spectacle of yesteryear.
The story is based on the same 1932 novel that inspired the 1933 Ruby Keeler-starring film. It’s the 1920s, America is in the grip of the Great Depression, and young Peggy Sawyer gets a chance to join the chorus of “Pretty Lady,” the new staged extravaganza from director Julian Marsh. Fading star Dorothy Brock is the leading lady — but only because her sugar daddy is bankrolling the production. Will “Pretty Lady” dance its way to Broadway? Golly gee, ya think?
The dance numbers accompany some of the most enduring songs in musical theater: “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.” Dancing to recorded music, the performers sparkle, whether with rat-a-tat tap or graceful pairs swirling.
Rob Wolin’s set hides some delightful surprises, including a “Hollywood Squares”-like configuration for the show-within-a-show’s dressing rooms. It’s complemented by Bradley Cronenwett’s spotlight-laden lighting, which adds to the feeling of an extravaganza. But it also works with more simple ideas: The “Shadow Waltz” is cleverly and literally staged.
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Along with Snodgrass Burns’ period touches with the choreography — just look at those tableaux in “Dames” — the costumes by Katy Williams, wigs by Anna Eilers and makeup all work together to conjure another time. That’s important because some of the material doesn’t mesh with modern standards; a scene where the older director repeatedly kisses the ingenue to make a point would be cringey, except that director Fox handles the moment with the same light and knowing touch he shows throughout.
Fox also smartly and judiciously gives his light-on-their-feet ensemble things to do that enhance the mood: Standing on tiptoe to hear an exciting announcement, coupling off while a diva sings of love forgone.
A few times, projected backgrounds that are too modern looking break the golden-age spell, but thankfully there’s far too much good stuff happening onstage to take much notice.
Tess Fouchi is a bright and appealing Peggy, and Nick Nelson has the right look-at-me attitude as her love interest, Billy, though he crosses into smarm once or twice. Andrew G. Johnson carries authority as Florenz Ziegfeld stand-in Julian, and Erica DeJongh has goodnatured fun as “Pretty Lady” writer Maggie.
Hannah McGinley Lemasters is delightfully in full diva mode as Dorothy, though a time or two I wish she sounded more acerbic than angry. But that purring voice, whether telling off Peggy or crooning “You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me,” is a treat for the ears.
Bailee Brinkman makes a particularly strong comedic impression as friendly chorine “Anytime Annie,” and just try to take your eyes off Corbin Flanders, who plays “Pretty Lady” choreographer Andy, when he dances with perfect joyous style.
“Hey, did you see this — Julian Marsh is doing a show!” a would-be chorus member exclaims at the top of “42nd Street.” At Osceola Arts, it’s a show you don’t want to miss.
’42nd St.’
- Length: 2:30, including intermission
- Where: Osceola Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee
- When: 7:30 p.m. March 29 (audio described for the visually impaired); 2 p.m. March 30 (with American Sign Language interpretation); 2 p.m. March 31.
- Cost: $25-$30
- Info: osceolaarts.org
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more arts news at OrlandoSentinel.com/entertainment.
