Walnut Street's "Dancing Feet" Scores for the Holidays

42^nd Street is classic Broadway song and dance at its finest, and the country's oldest professional theater is not taking any chances of offering a less than stellar production of this award-winning musical.

This is the timeless story of a starry-eyed chorus girl hoping to sing and dance her way to Broadway. Young Peggy Sawyer from Allentown PA., meets up with her adversary turned mentor, big Broadway director Julian Marsh, as well as his new show's aging leading lady Dorothy Brock. When Brock becomes injured, young Peggy is faced with the opportunity of a lifetime to step into the shoes of a leading lady--that's if she can overcome her nerves and the demanding director who pushes her into becoming her best.

It's a big, bold, glitzy musical as heartwarming and uplifting as any stage experience can offer. Based on the classic 1933 Warner Bros. film of the same name, it gave hope to an American public suffering throughout the Great Depression. Almost 50 years later, Broadway producer David Merrick combined his talents with those of Broadway legend Gower Champion to produce one of the most celebrated works in Theater history. 42^nd Street won the Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography that year, and went on to a staggering 9 year run followed by a revival in 2001. Its lush score by Harry Warren and Al Dubin boasts such memorable hits as " Lullaby of Broadway", "We're In The Money", "Shuffle Off To Buffalo" , "About A Quarter To Nine" and of course " 42^nd Street".

This latest presentation by the Walnut Street Theater has spared no expense with an extensive wardrobe of 120 dresses and costumes supervised by Colleen Grady and snappy sets designed by Charles S. Kading. Both serve as the backdrop and highlight of this production.

The casting does not contain a weak link in the lot. Cara Cooper (Peggy Sawyer) transforms beautifully from a shy small-town gal to a tour-de-force singer dancer. Julian Marsh is portrayed with drive and determination by former Broadway Phantom Mark Jacoby. He commands the stage and delivers his lines with great authority that eventually reveals Julian's hidden softer side and offers a fine display of vocal talent as well. A truly standout performer and perfectly cast.

Diane Findlay turns the role of Maggie Jones, rough-edged theater matron, into a charming, witty enjoyable experience every time she takes the stage. Susan Cella's Dorothy Brock is vulnerable beneath her veneer of a headstrong fading star. Both ladies possess voices that reach the balcony. Brock's not-so-secret true love is played by Broadway's George Dvorksy, the handsome suitor that eventually wins her heart.

Matching Cooper's energy and talent is David Elder's Billy Lawlor. Elder portrayed Lawlor in the Broadway revival for four years and is the highlight of this production; every step, every nuance, every song is beautifully executed. An outstanding ensemble performance is also presented by Katie O'Shaughnessey, who plays Anytime Annie. The entire ensemble is extremely strong and amost exhausting to watch, with tight, flawless dance numbers that bring the audience to cheers many times.

Serving at the helm of all these dancing feet is choreographer Mary Jane Houdina. The show is a fast-paced, well-directed work by Charles Abbot, with 26 productions to his credit. Both have much to be happy about with this presentation, which will undoubtedly be an audience favorite for the Walnut Street's 198^th season.

Walnut Street Theater's supporting creative team also includes: lighting by John Stephen Hoey, sound by Ryk Lewis and music and vocal direction by Douglas G. Lutz.

Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and original Direction and Dances by Gower Champion and originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick.

42^nd Street plays at the Walnut Street Theater from November 7 through January 7, 2007

Photos: Mark Jacoby & chorus  (Photo credits: Mark Garvin)

Interview with Mark Jacoby:

/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=14446

Link to additional production photos: www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/42ndStreet.php

For tickets and information: www.walnutstreettheatre.org or 215.574.3550 or 215.336.1234