Through July 10: Dancers Dazzle in 42nd Street

Dallas Summer Musicals invites you to “come and meet those dancing feet” in “42nd Street” now through July 10 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

This quintessential backstage Broadway musical has it all.

(Feature photo spotlights Peggy Sawyer and the 42nd Street ensemble. Courtesy Dallas Summer Musicals.)

Beautiful girls, dazzling tap dancers, elaborate costumes, great music, and a Cinderella story.  it’s easy to see why the original 1980’s production, choreographed by Gower Champion,  won four Tony Awards (including Best Musical and choreography).

20 years later the 2001 revival won Best Revival.  The national tour (with book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble) opened in Dallas this week.

The inspirational storyline is the stuff of any aspiring actor’s dream.

Since it’s based on Busby Berkely’s 1933 movie, (and Brad Ropes novel) it’s not a plot spoiler to reveal the happy ending. Talented newcomer Peggy Sawyer (Caitlin Ehlinger) is plucked from the chorus line to star in a Broadway musical directed by Julian Marsh (Matthew J. Taylor).

That’s what happens in “42nd Street,” but not without lots of learning experiences along the way.  Plus lots of fantastic dancing.   The musical classic also showcases the lovely voice of Kaitlin Lawrence as reigning Broadway Diva Dorothy Brock on unforgettable songs like “I Only Have Eyes for You” and “You’re Getting to be a Habit With Me.”

Blake Stadnik also shines as Billy Lawlor on memorable songs like “We’re in the Money,” “Dames,” and “Young and Healthy.”  Britte Steele and Steven Bidwell are hilarious in comedy numbers like  “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”

Best of all are those great production numbers when the entire ensemble comes together.  They received numerous ovations for their passionate performances of “42nd Street” and “Lullaby of Broadway.”

While it’s wonderful to see brave new works like “Hamilton” produced on Broadway, it’s good to be reminded that a really great show like “42nd Street” will always be around.

If you like good music, happy endings, gorgeous costumes, beautiful “Dames” and absolutely marvelous dance numbers, don’t miss this touring production of “42nd Street.”  For information, www.dallassummermusicals.org.

The show continues at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth July 12-17.