42nd Street at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Saw the show tonight and wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. I wouldn't have believed it was only their 2nd preview, the big tap numbers were so polished. Front row stalls were an absolute bargain, doubt anyone will be disappointed with the view.

Oh yay, I thought I was the only one from here going tomorrow night! Whereabouts are you sitting?

So, my two cents: it's an excellent production of a mediocre show.

Really, the production couldn't be any better, it's pitch-perfect in every sense. Beautiful costumes and design, amazing choreographies, well directed and stunningly performed by the huge cast and, especially, by the fabulous chorus. The opening number, "We're in the money", "Lullaby of Broadway" and the title song are to die for, when the whole cast starts tapping it's pure delight. It's in incredible shape for a second preview.

Clare Halse is sensational, she's an amazing dancer, a great singer and a very good actress. She's a thing of beauty and I couldn't stop thinking about what a great Fanny Brice she could have been. Really, I can't express how good she is and it's outrageous that she doesn't take the last bow. I will never understand why Dorothy is considered the leading role, she's on for 10 minutes in the second act.

Other brilliant performances from Stuart Neal, Jasna Ivir (truly sensational!), Graeme Henderson and Emma Caffrey. Sheena Easton is good, but luckily the role doesn't require the nuances that would point out the limits of her acting skills; nice voice tho!

Tom Lister is a fine vocalist, but his acting was pitiful: horribly over the top, he kept casting maniac glances at the audience and doesn't have an inch of charm. Norman Bowman was fine as Pat and he's listed as the understudy for the role of Julian Marsh: I have no doubt he will outshine Lister when he gets his chance.

The book is rubbish, really, I suspect the jokes were dated even 37 years ago. You never get the sense that everything's happening during the Great Depression and, as the programme rightfully states, "for the characters depicted in 42nd Street, the show is their last and only chance to improve their existence. Everyone is depserate". But the Depression is vaguely mentioned only once and the book fails to point out that the show is the only thing between the cast and starvation. They never show how much there's at stake, so you never care that much for them: fine, they have lost their job, they'll find another.

So yeah, a production that elevates poor material and literally makes it shine. The orchestra is wonderful and the exit music went on and on and on, it's a shame that only a handful of members of the audience stayed until it was over. Personally, I preferred "An American in Paris", but I suspect this will be more succesful.

****

In answer to Parsley's question yes tap is hard. I always wanted to do it so bought tap shoes and went to a class. Did one lesson and now my once used tap shoes are back in the box. Didn't have a clue what I was doing and I've got no coordination. I was like a blind roly poly.
So if anyone wants a pair of size 8 tap shoes let me know.

Don't think you can really go wrong with either - haven't seen this yet but am very excited for my trip next week after reading the comments on here. Have seen AAIP twice and it took my breath away, though I see that's not an entirely universal view. Suspect this will too! Sorry... that hasn't really helped, has it ;-)

Oooo I am so glad I booked in advance!

When I looked this morning they didn't appear to be on sale as I was thinking of booking again after last night. Wonder how much they'll go up to.

And Fred and Ginger, so the tap community is inclusive, with white people and ginger folk too.

I was there tonight and I am shook.

W
O
W

What a fabulous big old fashioned show. And that huugggeeeee cast!
Fabulous performances from Clare Halse , Tom Lister and Jasna Ivir, and even Sheena was quite good.

But the dancing. Oh the dancing. I will never forget the spectacle of seeing the 527 dancers on that huge stage, truly dazzling.

You can keep dreary old American in Paris, this is the show to see.

Drury Lane has a huge hit on it's hands!

They dont come any more old fashioned than this, and it is spectacular. The leads are all fantastic, though Sheena Easton was obviously hired for her voice and name, not for her ability to read lines. Tom Lister played the role perfectly, with a great voice too. Clare Halse definitely deserves the final bow. I thought the pacing in Act 1 was a bit slow in places, and it will tighten up.

But that 42nd Street number on those steps was sheer musical theatre heaven. The huge ensemble, amazing costumes, brilliant formations, danced to perfection. I couldnt help but jump to my feet at the end of it.

A packed theatre tonight too. Make sure to get a free badge on the way out!

I mean... this show made my vagina explode all over the Drury Lane stage.