BWW Reviews: Penn High School Taps the Lights Out in 42ND STREET

By: Feb. 22, 2015
STUDENT CENTER - HIGH SCHOOL EDITION
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Penn High School sure brought their dancing feet in the school's performance of "42nd Street"! After two cancelations, and a lot of cold weather, The Penn High School Theater Department finally opened their 2015 Spring Musical, "42nd Street" on Saturday February 21st. Even with the diversity and challenges faced during the week, this cast brought it all and gave one of the best performances I've ever seen at a high school level. Sitting in the audience, I got chills as I saw each and every performer on stage give it their all and perform the best show they could.

42nd Street is a musical with a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin, and music by Harry Warren. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 film adaptation, it focuses on the efforts of famed dictatorial Great White Way director Julian Marsh to mount a successful stage production of a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression.

The dancing in this show was phenomenal. Choreographer Jenn Wolfe simply outdid herself. The dancing did not reflect a high school musical, but it reflected choreography of a Broadway National Tour. From the all-company production numbers, to the smaller ensemble numbers, it was absolutely stunning. It was one of the best-choreographed shows I have ever seen. Those dancing feet were sure met!

I was very pleased with the vocals of this performance. There was not one performer that was lacking vocally, and it made for a very fun performance. Vocal Director Andrew Nemeth did a very nice job making sure that the vocal quality was maintained and carried through during the whole performance.

The two leading ladies of this performance were absolutely stunning. Mary Grace Ahern (12) rocked the roll of Peggy Sawyer. She demonstrated that she was a true triple threat performer. Her dancing was flawless and so entertaining. Her singing was absolutely gorgeous. The change in innocent to confident definitely showed and it was stunning. Alienna Worthen (12) brought down the house while playing the role of Dorothy Brock. She brought the spunk needed to play the role very well, and had it all. Her vocals were absolutely beautiful; I enjoyed every second of her singing. These two together were incredible. During the song "About a Quarter to Nine", I was simply in awe with how amazing these two performers were. Bravo Ladies!

The two leading men also brought stellar performances in very different ways. Broderick Balsley (11) shined in the role of Billy Lawlor. His dancing skills were out of this world. His singing and acting were right there with his awesome dancing. I'm excited to see what Balsley does in his future, as it looks very bright! Bryce Yoder (10) was absolutely stunning in the role of the famous director, Julian Marsh. I believe he was born to play this part. His stage presence illuminated the stage and brought a great dynamic to the show. The final number of the show was a reprise of the song "42nd Street" and Yoder simply left me in awe with his voice and presence. Bravo boys!

The ensemble in this performance was great! Chase Andreae (12) as Andy Lee, Lauren McCarthy (12) as Maggie Jones, and Kolleen Grunawalt (12) as Ann Reilly led this ensemble very well. Their choreography, singing, and acting was great all around.

The direction of this show by Danielle Black was very clear and precise, and I loved it. I could always tell what was happening in the story, and was never confused. The show had a good pace, and was never too slow. Scene changes were very quick. The set consisted of several backdrops, moving sets on casters, and a variety of props. I loved the dressing room "mirrors" that came down as the ensemble was in fear of the show closing. It added a great dynamic and a very cool effect. I also loved the props used for the choreography in the song, "We're In The Money". Chorus members used giant coin props for choreography. It added an awesome dynamic to this song, and made for one of the best production numbers in the show. I also thought the lighting was very appropriate for the show. The use of backlighting through backdrops was a very cool effect and I thougth it added a lot to the performance.

I was so impressed by this performance by the Penn High School Theater Department. I did not feel like I was at a high school musical, but a professional production. I loved every single moment of the show, and this cast and crew did an amazing job producing it. Even with the challenges of show cancellations and opening two days later, they brought amazing talent and made this production of 42nd Street absolutely amazing! Well done Penn High School!

I had a great time reviewing this production! As always, Support the Arts in South Bend! Tweet me, @AP_95


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