The classic musical "42nd Street" is basically a story about a show that is about to open, but at the last minute, one of the leads is unable to appear on stage. Will the show go on? In steps an unexpected replacement who wins the hearts of audiences and cast mates. That is the make believe world of "42nd Street"; it is also the real world story of this Reagle production of the musical. Just hours before the preview performance, lead male actor Tom Wopat ran afoul of the law, and was removed from the cast. Could the show go on? Long time Reagle cast member Rich Allegretto rose to the challenge and went on as Julian Marsh - to great acclaim. The show must, indeed, go on! A new chapter was written in Boston theater history.
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Cast in "We're In The Money"
"42nd Street"
Reagle Music Theatre
Through August 13th
Photo by Pete O'Farrell
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"42 Street" is one of the great old chestnuts of the musical theater canon. Music is by Harry Warren, Lyrics by Al Dubin, Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, original Choreography by the legendary Gower Champion. This production is Directed by Eileen Grace, with Musical Direction by Dan Rodriguez. The orchestra is Conducted by Jeffrey Leonard. Original Scenic Design is by Robin Wagner, Original Costume Design is by Theoni V. Aldredge, Lighting by David Wilson, Original Choreography reproduced by Eileen Grace and Susan M. Chebookjian.
The opening of this show is iconic and breath-taking. The curtain rises just enough to reveal the feet of the entire cast tapping away to the rhythmic beats of Mr. Warren's score. The audience went wild. Things continued on a high note as each member of the cast embraced the challenge of putting on a show under duress. It is no accident that the Director is named "Grace," for grace and grit are just what were on display by this courageous company of actors, singers, dancers, and creatives.
- Mr. Allegretto as Julian Marsh had the best opportunities to show what he could do in the well known numbers "Lullaby of Broadway" and "42 Street."
- Rachel York as Dorothy Brock was every inch the Broadway diva she was cast to portray. This Broadway veteran and Drama Desk and IRNE Award winner shone most brightly in "Shadow Waltz" (kudos to the Lighting of Mr. Wilson), "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me," and "About A Quarter To Nine," a duet she shares with Peggy Sawyer (Mara Cecilia).
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| Rachel York as Dorthy Brock "42nd Street" Reagle Music Theatre Through August 13th Photo by Pete O'Farrell |
- Peggy is the chorus girl who steps on- and then steps in for - Dorothy. Ms. Cecilia is an outstanding dancer, and shows off her vocal chops in the aforementioned duet, "About A Quarter To Nine," as well as "Lullaby of Broadway."
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| Rachel York as Dorthy Brock Mara Cecilia as Peggy Sawyer
"42nd Street"
Reagle Music Theatre
Through August 13th
Photo by Pete O'Farrell |
- Addition principal roles included Charley Borden as Andy Lee, Scarlett Brunson as Anytime Annie, Beth Martin Pierce as Maggie Jones, Harold "Jerry" Walker as Bert Barry, Jack F. Agnew as Abner Dillon, Paul Reynolds as Pat Denning.
- The outstanding cast excelled in their ensemble singing, and were extraordinary in their energetic and perfectly synchronized tap dancing. They are Anelise Allen, Anya Axel, Bernie Baldassaro, Jessica Bodner, Louis Brogna, Anna Chesny, Patrick Clark, Emma Clinch, Allyson Duarte, John Eldridge, Leo Galleto, Natalie Hall, Olivia Hytha, Nicollette Lebrun, Helen Lee, AJ Manuel Lucero, Kevin Patrick Martin, Kelly McCrue, Conor Meehan, Daniel Moore, Heather Morgan, Danielle Naugler, Victoria Newhuis, Brad Foster Reinking, Julia Shapiro, Connor Shea, Ansley Speares, Brianna Webb, Suzi Weisberg.
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| Cast "42nd Street" Reagle Music Theatre Through August 13th Photo by Pete O'Farrell |
This is the final weekend for "42nd Street," with performances Thursday at 2:00, Friday and Saturday at 7:30, and Sunday at 2:00.
Enjoy!
Al
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