- Location State Theatre, the Arts Centre
- Address 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne (Australia)
- Date 3 October 2007 to 7 October 2007
As the hard-bitten director in 42nd Street says, the most glorious words in the English language are "musical comedy". Subscribers to that view are a pushover for the stage adaptation of the archetypal backstage movie musical of the 1930s, the first Production Company season to sell out in advance.
The storyline is the old "chorus girl steps into the leading role at the last minute and becomes a star" chestnut and everything, but everything, in the show - no matter how it may start - ends in a tap routine. Again and again, 60-odd flashing feet keep punching out the rhythms of those durable Dubin-Warren songs.
Choreographer Alana Scanlan and her youthful, exuberant, talented band of hoofers don't let the side down. Their opening routine almost stops the show five minutes in, and they maintain the energy and sparkle right to the final curtain with a precision that belies the limited rehearsal period.
Being a backstage musical, 42nd Street is better suited than most to the Production Company's minimalist staging, and director Terence O'Connell's crisp, focused staging gives his splendid cast full rein.
Lucy Durack chalks up another winning portrayal as the bright-eyed ingenue, Peggy Sawyer; Adam Murphy is a dominating presence as the martinet director, Julian Marsh; Thern Reynolds shines as the cheery juvenile, Billy Lawlor; Nicki Wendt revels in the bitchery (redeemed) of the star, Dorothy Brock; Melissa Langton's timing and powerful singing are a great asset as the wisecracking writer, Maggie Jones; and Christopher Horsey's every move as the dance director is sharp and stylish.
In his musical comedy debut Anthony Koutoufides may not be quite best on ground, but he kicks a goal with his gangster cameo.
Full credit to musical director Peter Casey for the terrific band and quality ensemble singing, and to Kathryn Sproul (set design), Kim Bishop (costumes), Matt Scott (lighting) and the sound team
