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Apr 2011  |  By Elyse Russo  |  Comments

Tap Your Way to Marriott Theatre’s “42nd Street”

An energetic ensemble cast, combined with expert tap dancing and gorgeous costumes, makes “42^nd Street” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire a must-see.

Before appearing on the Broadway stage in the 1980s, “42^nd Street” was a movie musical that came out during the Depression, serving as pleasant distraction amid bread lines and surging unemployment.

With our economy still struggling, director Rachel Rockwell and choreographer Tammy Mader could not have picked a better time to mount this dazzling and playful distraction.

Taking place during the Depression, “42^nd Street” tells the story Peggy Sawyer from Allentown, Pa. She comes to New York to start her chorus girl career, and gets a shot to be a Broadway star in a new musical comedy, “Pretty Lady.”

While the talented Kaitlyn Davidson, who plays Peggy, shines in her role, the cast as a whole sparkles just as brightly, especially during tap numbers like “We’re in the Money” and “42^nd Street.”

The only man who rivals Davidson’s sizzling steps is the charming Drew Humphrey, who plays the leading chorus boy Billy Lawlor, who adores Peggy from afar throughout the show.

Humphrey shows off his vocal talent in the musical number “Dames,” which also boasts several gorgeous gowns worn by the chorus girls. Especially in this number, Nancy Missimi’s high-quality costumes sparkle.

The staging of  “42^nd Street” in the round was more of a boon than an obstacle for this production. Shadow play and mirrors were just a few of the techniques employed by Rockwell to give all audience members a fair look at the stage action.

This refreshing revival of “42^nd Street” will be pure enjoyment for the whole family.  You’ll surely leave the theater tapping your toes and humming the show’s best song, “Lullaby of Broadway.”

“42^nd Street” is playing at the Marriott Theatre through May 29. For tickets call the box office at 847-634-0200.