Theatre Review: 42nd Street - Edinburgh Playhouse ✭✭✭✭✭
With
top hats, sequined dresses and cocktails, 42nd Street certainly does
capture the glamour and excitement of Broadway in the 1930’s.
However, it also addresses the harsh reality of job uncertainty and money
worries which faced many Americans during the Depression.
The
show bursts into life and introduces the audience to the leading lady, Dorothy
Brock, (Marti Webb) who oozes sophistication and amazing vocals, along with her
loveable partner, Abner Dillon, (Bruce Montague). Julian Marsh (Dave Willets),
Maggie Jones (Carol Ball) and Bert Barry (Graham Hoadly), play the creative
team of the show, Pretty Lady. They work brilliantly together and inject some
comical moments into 42nd Street, particularly during the audition
scene.
Jessica
Punch captures the naivety and innocence of small town starlet, Peggie Sawyer,
who ventures to New York to follow her dreams of performing in a Julian Marsh
musical. After a shaky start, she proves her talent and, with a bit of
persuasion, she takes on the leading role in Pretty Lady, where she
effortlessly performs an array of tap dancing routines with such energy and
comical facial expressions. During the opening night of Pretty Lady, Peggie and
Billy Lawlor (James O’Connell) perform a graceful and
enthralling tap sequence. Rebecca Marks also shone through as feisty Anytime
Annie.
The Lullaby of Broadway was the highlight and surprise of the
show, with outstanding vocals from Julian who demonstrates a gentler side to
his character; along with the whole cast who successfully manage to persuade
Peggie to stay in New York.
Due
to the plot, the characters lack a bit of depth and background story, but it is
clear that this musical is all about the dancing. The entire cast perform each
sequence perfectly and fill the stage with excitement, energy and enthusiasm.
Review by Mhairi Greer
42nd Street is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 12th November