PAST REVIEWS

THEATER REVIEW: Shuffle off to Norwell to catch '42nd Street'

By ELLEN BRAMS
The Patriot Ledger

Attention entertainment lovers: Hoof it over to the Company Theater in Norwell if you want to enjoy a terrific production of that nostalgic Broadway tap-dancing extravaganza, "42nd Street."

Visually and vocally, this production is a blockbuster, and the magnificent choreography of Sally Ashton Forrest, executed by 16 principal dancers and an ensemble of 27, is breathtaking. Michael Joseph's superlative musical direction of the 18-piece orchestra brings the classic score by Harry Warren and Al Dubin to life, and the cast boasts some truly wonderful voices that make this a musical to remember.

Besides the title song, we are treated to standards like "You're Getting to be a Habit With Me," "We're in the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "About a Quarter to Nine," and "Shuffle Off to Buffalo."

Directors Jordie Saucerman and Zoe Bradford have staged the revival with the precision of a drill team and the grace of a ballet. The quick changes of Shirley Carney's magnificent costumes are split-second, and the colorful sets by Bradford and tech director Bob Grasioso evolve, astound, and disappear like a brilliant kaleidoscope, with no down time.

In the great tradition of Broadway musicals of the 1930s, this is a show about putting on a Broadway show. The emphasis, appropriately, is on the wonderful score, dazzling dance numbers, the emotional chemistry among the show's star-struck young dancers, a jaded director, an aging diva and a naive young woman on her first audition away from Allentown Pa.

Joyce Avitabile plays Peggy Sawyer, the naive but talented girl from Allentown, and she not only has the requisite dancing skills but she delivers full-throttle vocals with vulnerability and heart.

John King is becoming a fabulous fixture at Company Theater because of his many talents, versatility and perpetual pizzazz. Here he plays Billy Lawlor, the effervescent ladies man and romantic leading man for Peggy, and he sings and dances his way into the audience's heart as well as hers.

Jackie Duffy plays the veteran diva. Dorothy Brock, whose devoted sugar daddy Abner Dillon (Paul J. Delorey) bankrolls her dubious stardom. Duffy is vocally and dramatically strong in the role, arid every inch the diva, although she could have put a bit more sincerity into the scene in which Dorothy finally passes the baton to the rising young star. A little softness and warmth would deepen her character.

There are some truly wonderful supporting performances. David Costa as dance coach Andy Lee is sensational in his footwork and dramatic dance presentation. He moves like a dream and his purse-snatching "business" is graceful, catlike and very effective. Marybeth Murphy as Maggie, a girl Friday, delivers her role with warmth, a big voice and a big head. Frank Piekut as the all-purpose advisor, Bert, is natural and right on the money.

In the Jerry Orbach role of director Julian Marsh, Peter Dupre started a bit tentatively, but he developed the role into a strong characterization with rich and sincere vocal delivery.

The chorus, both men arid women, are a talented, hardworking ensemble, Worthy of special mention is Emilee Dennis in the bit pad of Annie. She wastes not a line, a move or a note in making her character shine through her own abilities.

Even if you don't know a timestep from a buck and wing, my advice is to hotfoot it to the box - or better yet, phone - before 42nd Street shuffles out of town.

Copyright 2001 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted August 7, 2001