42nd Street

Spawned from the hit film of 1931, 42nd Street, the stage show, is the definitive backstage musical.

The storyline includes the star falling ill, the young hopeful plucked from the chorus line to step into her shoes and her resultant stardom overnight. Set this against a background of the Depression and lace it with loads of tap dancing Busby Berkley inspired set pieces and you have a wonderful evening's entertainment.
This musical opened on Broadway on August 25 1980 on the day that director/choreographer Gower Champion died and twenty years later it is still touring to full houses.
I dragged my cynical eyes to what I thought would be another tacky musical (I'd just seen Fame 2000) and could not help but be carried along with the sheer enthusiasm and talent of the cast. Headed by James Smillie, as the hard hearted director, and ably assisted by the gorgeous Gemma Craven, as the established star who breaks her ankle and has to make way for the chorus girl, the ensemble cast of young dancers and actors make this a production to send you singing and dancing into the night on your way home.
42nd Street is on tour until at least November 18th in venues up and down the country. Miss it and miss a chance to be totally uplifted.

Published on Gay UK Net © Paul Towers1997