Theater Review: "42nd Street" at Goodspeed Musicals

There is tapping aplenty on the stage of the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam because Goodspeed Musicals is presenting an all-new revival of “42nd Street: The Tap Dance Spectacular.” The show features memorable music written by Harry Warren, with lyrics by Al Dubin, and a book written by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. The old-fashioned story was based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the 1933 Warner Brothers film of the same name. The 1980 stage musical version was originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick.

“42nd Street” is a love letter to Broadway and dancing, a “Lullaby of Broadway.” It tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer from Allentown, Pennsylvania with stars in her eyes. When the leading lady of the new show “Pretty Lady” is injured during the show’s previews, it looks like the show will have to close, unless a new girl talented enough to lead the show can be found.

At my first time seeing this show, I found it to be full of tap dances, as well as other styles of dance, popular musical theater standards, and show-stopping production numbers.

The Goodspeed production was directed and choreographed by Randy Skinner, who was the Dance Assistant on the original production and integral to every other first-class remounting of the show. Artistic Associate Michael Fling explains in his program notes that in this brand-new production, from the man who knows it best, some changes have been made.

Skinner chose to cast a true triple threat theatrical icon as the character of Dorothy Brock, the the classic Broadway diva and star of “Pretty Lady” who takes an instant dislike to the new girl in the cast.The Equity cast is led by two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin, who shines in all aspects of the role.

Carina-Kay Louchiey makes a strong Goodspeed debut in the role of Peggy Sawyer and shows off her powerhouse tap skills. Max von Essen, who earned a Tony nomination for “An American in Paris,” makes his Goodspeed debut in the role of legendary Broadway director Julian Marsh and his big singing voice is on display.

Lamont Brown (“Mean Girls” first national tour) is often front and center in the role of dance director Andy Lee. Blake Stadnik plays Billy Lawlor, the young, handsome romantic lead of “Pretty Lady.”

E. Clayton Cornelious (“POTUS” on Broadway) portrays Bert Barry, one of the authors of the show within a show. Veteran actor David Jennings takes on the role of Abner Dillon, the wealthy automobile tycoon who is the financial backer of the show.

Lisa Howard, who was part of “It Shoulda Been You” on Broadway, is memorable in the comedic role of Maggie Jones, one of the authors of “Pretty Lady.” Patrick Oliver Jones, who recently appeared in “Anne of Green Gables” at Goodspeed, plays the suave Pat Denning, former vaudeville partner of Dorothy's and her secret romantic partner.

The supporting role of Annie Reilly is brought to life by Eloise Kropp and all of the strong dancers in the ensemble make the stellar choreography look easy, working as one in “There’s a Sunny Side to Every Situation.”

Music Director Adam Souza conducts the eights musicians in the pit, while playing keyboard one, and makes the brass-heavy score sound its best. The classic compositions include “I Only Have Eyes for You,” “We’re In The Money,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” and the uptempo title song. The show is a jukebox musical of sorts, because, in addition to songs from the 1933 film, it includes songs that Dubin and Warren wrote for many other films at around the same time.

The scenic design by Michael Carnahan works well, with outstanding projection designs by Shawn Duan, featuring some beautiful art deco backgrounds. The seemingly endless costume changes show off the authentic designs of Kara Harmon, made even more beautiful by the hair, wig and makeup design by J. Jared Janas. The lighting design by Cory Pattak is fine, as is the sound design by Jay Hilton.

This charming version of “42nd Street” continues at the Goodspeed Opera House through Nov 6. Performances have been added on Oct. 11 and Oct. 25 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets at https://bit.ly/3C0pm8Z

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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