BWW Reviews: 42ND STREET, New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, August 13 2015

A product of the 1933 Warner Brothers film, 42nd Street didn't hit the stage until 1980. It was then that the production won the Tony Award for 'Best Musical' and is currently Broadway's 14th longest running show. Since, it has had success all over the world and last night saw a cast of 110 young people tackle the show at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham as part of Stage Experience.

Stage Experience allows talented young people to perform in a professional full scale production. The format has been going for twelve years now and has been a platform for professional performers across the country including Liam Doyle who has gone on to perform the male lead in Wicked, Mamma Mia and most recently Ghost. Producing a show to this level in two weeks is no mean feat and is a challenge which the creative team and young company in Birmingham have risen to. Some of the sets that feature have been seen on Broadway and across the country in numerous UK tours. The production team are also at the top of their game professionally and the talented youngsters will take away an invaluable experience with them.

Pollyann Tanner directs and choreographs this production superbly. The amount of detail is astonishing and is clearly months in the making in her mind, followed by her determination to translate it through the cast onto the stage. The many tap routines sample extracts of the original choreography alongside much of her own creation. The cast need to be applauded for their enthusiasm, attack and competency at delivering the complex routines. Every audience member knew they were in for a treat within the first thirty seconds when the house tabs flew out just enough to see the tapping feet of the 110-strong company. Lighting the beautiful sets to perfection is Colin Wood and gave that added expert touch. Musical Director Chris Newton also had a massive undertaking in teaching the numbers themselves yet still had time to introduce additional layers with harmonies.

The entire cast need congratulating on an excellent show but Matt Pidgeon (Billy Lawler) and Caprice Lane (Peggy Sawyer) give stand out performances, particularly choreographically. Four times World Tap Champion Pidgeon gives a masterclass in this dance style from the outset. Lane, however, virtually matches his talent and gives a committed performance throughout. Excellent supporting roles also include local talent Katie Gladwin (Maggie Jones) and Mark Walsh (Julian Marsh).

Truly a wonderful night showcasing stars of the future.

42nd Street runs at the New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 15th August 2015.

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