42nd Street at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Good Christ what does Lulu look like?

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Looks like she has just had a night on the Gin in this one!

She thinks she's in a different musical.
"I'm working as a lamppost at the corner of the street..."

Tonight (visit #10) was the first time I’ve ever seen all the principals on with no covers. The ensemble looked different to last week so some of the new swings were on.

A good show. Lulu only messed up one line and has grown more into the role. Ashley Day was a bit better too. I notice he doesn’t cartwheel off the raised block in “We’re In The Money”.

Hadn’t picked up on it last week, but have they sped up Lulu’s songs? Noticed it particularly in “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”.

Didn’t think Lulu and Clare Halse’s duet was a polished as the one with Clare Richard last week.

Anyway, enjoyable as usual. Not sure when I’ll get back next, will probably keep an eye open for when the covers I haven’t seen are on.

Well, after a week away from the show ( Thank you Lulu) I am very pleased to be back this evening and looking forward to seeing the lovely Steph Parry take on the role of Dorothy. My understanding is, she will be playing the role more like Sheena did than Lulu. ( At least Steph can sing so anything will be an improvement!)

Well Just out of 42nd Street and Steph parry sang the original score and wore the original costumes. She had a few first night nerves but on the whole was excellent. She played it very much like CJ Johnson. It was nice to see the songs being sung and not ruined. A few off notes but on the whole if you are not fans of Lulu, get a ticket for this weekend. The ensemble were excellent as always. I left very happy once more x

It really was a different atmosphere this evening. Try and go see Steph. I think the cast noticed the difference in the reaction during the calls.

Lovely photo of Steph in costume

How crazy is it to look back at the old programme, especailly when seeing Graeme understudying Andy Lee back in the day!



Also looking at the song list, was "I Know Now" the original before "I Only Have Eyes For You"? I know "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was added for this production, but also where is "Keep Young and Beautiful" and "Plenty of Money and You"?

I think that 'I Know Now' was replaced by 'I Only Have Eyes for You' toward the end of the original 8 year Broadway run (apparently the producer David Merrick thought it a better song) - though it remained in the London production for the whole run.

'Keep Young and Beautiful' and 'Plenty of Money and You' were added for the 2001 Broadway revival - as were the new curtain call routine for Peggy and the ensemble - and the staircase ending for 42nd Street! These were all additions and didn't replace anything else.

As you mention 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' was added for this production.

The show in 1984 was a good deal shorter!

I do not want to get in to a spat over this but feel the need to offer a reply to your post above.

Having had the opportunity to speak to many people over the past two weeks, one thing is for certain nobody can deny, Sheena Easton had a fantastic singing voice and it is only now that she has gone do you realise how good that voice was and no one at present is able to come anywhere near her.

Lulu and her take on the role as well as her "new" costumes have certainly divided opinion in one way or another. It would appear people who have seen the show as a one off, as well as the Lulu fans all seem to like what they see which is great, whilst other more regular visitors remain somewhat critical of her take on the role and how the show and score have been adapted to suit her range / skill. Although I personally do not like her adaption of the songs, her acting of the role is quite good. What was good to see that despite any negativity re Lulu- the theatre has certainly been near to capacity this week which can only be a good thing for the show can it not?

I am no fan of Lulu or how she plays the role as you may have gathered (as I believe you have made clear on numerous times you are no fan of Chris Howell and how he plays Bert Barry which could also be taken as being disrespectful?)

I doubt a few critical / negative comments about Lulu by fans will not really have that much of an impact in putting anyone off from seeing what is in essence still a fantastic show.  I am sure people are perfectly capable of making their own opinion without being swayed by some negative criticism. It will be interesting how the press receive her next week (4th April).

With regards to people being disrespectful to both her and the cast, expressing a negative opinion is not necessarily being disrespectful is it?
Furthermore, I have yet to read any negative posts that are critical or disrespectful about the rest of the cast.

In fact I have read some excellent feedback regarding the new ensemble and how good they are and again I can only reiterate my own personal views on this - I think the ensemble are excellent and in particular I think the Male ensemble are in fact stronger than last cast. Ashley Day is settling in to his role well and makes a good Billy as does Matt Goodgame make a good Pat.

Steph Parry was an excellent standby and last night I felt despite a few nerves and the odd duff note she was excellent - after all it was only her first performance and as she settles in to the role will soon polish this.

As I have said previously, any individual should be left to see the show and draw their own conclusions from it and not be swayed by other opinions.

To summarise, It is in my opinion still in essence a good show that will still make you feel good and come out on a high. Lulu is only in it for a limited run, so those of us who do not like her take on the role will just have to live with it! The remainder of the cast are fantastic and doing an excellent job and finally, Clare Halse is absolutely amazing as ever and no one but no one would ever be able to take her place and to see her tap is well worth going to see the show alone!