BWW Reviews: 42ND STREET At CM PAC

In watching 42nd Street at Creative Ministries Performing Arts Center (CM PAC), I couldn't help noticing that it seems the utmost important piece of this show is for the cast, wherever it may be running, be beyond top notch. There is no room for a weak link or it could come off really badly. Indeed, the cast of this PatRick Grossman directed incarnation is fantastic and delivers an energetic show.

Running through July 28th at the Oakdale venue, 42nd Street is a musical about the mounting of a Broadway show during the Great Depression and all the drama it entails.

"Fresh off the bus" actress Peggy Sawyer, portrayed by Kelly Murphy, is one of the main centerpieces of this show within a show. Ms. Murphy was an excellent Peggy. She portrayed Peggy's naive enthusiasm well particularly when she was auditioning for the show; it was if she was dancing for her life.

Peggy gets grief from diva extraordinaire Dorothy Brock, portrayed by CM PAC vet Jennifer Hope. Dorothy Brock is a veteran performer past her prime who is trying to stay relevant. She makes outrageous demands, refuses to audition thinking she should just get the part, and has strong "creative differences", let us say, with overbearing director, Julian Marsh, portrayed by Rob Schindlar.

Also a highlight among the cast were CM PAC vets Erica Giglio and Edd Ohlsen as Maggie Jones and Bert Barry, the writers and producers of the Julian Marsh directed show. They both put a comical spin on their respective roles which brought about roars of laughter on several occasions. In addition to Ms. Giglio and Mr. Ohlsen, the entire company, truly, was superb and their big tap dance numbers were a favorite among the audience (Kudos to Ryan Nolin, ME Junge, and Marquez Catherine Stewart for wonderful Choreography).

The score was fun as well. Done by Harry Warren (music) and Al Dubin (lyrics), the overture was bouncy and I caught a few people tapping their toes as it played. There were some familiar songs like "We're In The Money" and "Lullaby Of Broadway" that the audience particularly enjoyed also.

And so, CM PAC seems to have another hit on their hands with 42nd Street. I wish it would run longer. A wonderful cast, fun music, and a classic story - the movie was made in 1933 - make for a wonderful night of theatre.

42nd Street is presented by Creative Ministries Performing Arts Centre of Oakdale, Long Island through July 28. Music by Harry Warren, Lyrics by Al Dubin, Book by Michael Stewart & Mark Bramble, Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes, Direction and Set Design by PatRick Grossman, Musical Direction by Christopher Mckee, Sound Design by Samuel Nino, Costume Design by Ronald R. Green III, Lighting Design by Alison Weinberger, Choreography by Ryan Nolin & ME Junge & Marquez Catherine Stewart, Stage Management by Amanda Wenchel. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218 - 2810 or visit www.cmpac.com.

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