We recently took our 6 year old daughter to the Wales Millennium Centre to watch the musical 42nd Street, so I thought I’d do a little “review” of the experience.

Taking our 6 year old to watch the musical 42nd Street

For a little bit of context before I start, I’ve gone with the heading of “taking our 6 year old…” as I guess I felt that might be relevant to anyone else thinking about taking their child to watch the musical. For us, Isabelle – the 6 year old in question – is very much into tap, jazz, and ballet at the moment. So when we first saw an ad for 42nd Street we thought it looked ideal.

For anyone wondering, there is a LOT of tap dancing in this one. It’s almost less a musical and more a “dancical” for want of a better way of putting it. What do you call a dance show? You just call it by the dance don’t you? “We’re off to see the ballet,” is what you’d say. But this is tap.

Anyway…

I actually really liked it, it was nice to see something different for a change. I’m no stranger to musicals, but I’ve never seen one that’s more centred around dance. I’ve seen Les Mis, Wicked, Book of Mormon and the like PLENTY of times. So this was a genuine first for me. My husband – who does also like musicals in fairness – said it was alright, but not one he’d be in a rush to see again.

Our daughter on the other, REALLY enjoyed it and immediately wanted to get her tap shoes out upon getting home.

The cast were all really strong and the leading role of Peggy Sawyer – played by Nicole-Lily Baisden – was brilliant in fairness. Our exposure to tap so far has been fairly limited – unless you count a 6 year old smashing up the kitchen at 6am – but it was great to see it done at a high level, and certainly gave some inspiration to our daughter.

Ronni Mitchell was in it, or as she’s actually known “Samantha Womack” as to was Faye Tozer of Steps and Les Dennis. Sorry, they were the only three I knew by name prior to watching it. I tend to trust the casting these days so that’s hardly ever an issue.

Overall though, I think it’s a pretty good musical to watch if you’ve never seen it and you’re after something new. If you have a child who’s also into dance then I’d also highly recommend it. It does last around the 2:30 mark, so if they’re the type that won’t sit still for long – our second born – then it’s a bit more of a risk.

That’s my take on it, now for some overview stuff on the musical in general.

Historical Overview of 42nd Street

“42nd Street” is one of Broadway’s iconic and enduring musicals. With a history that spans several decades, it began as a novel by Bradford Ropes before transitioning into a popular 1933 film and then a hit Broadway musical in 1980.

1. The Novel: The journey of “42nd Street” began with the 1932 novel by Bradford Ropes. It delved into the lives and struggles of Broadway performers, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the theater world.
2. The Film: A year after the novel’s release, in 1933, “42nd Street” was adapted into a film. Directed by Lloyd Bacon and choreographed by Busby Berkeley, this adaptation is renowned for its extravagant musical numbers and choreography. The film played a significant role in setting the tone for future Hollywood musicals.
3. The Broadway Debut: In 1980, “42nd Street” made its Broadway debut at the Winter Garden Theatre. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin, and music by Harry Warren, it immediately resonated with audiences. The production was directed by Gower Champion, who, in a twist of fate, passed away on the show’s opening night, making it an even more memorable event in Broadway history.

Plot Summary of 42nd Street

So for anyone wondering – as I had actually never heard of 42nd Street prior to watching it – here’s a brief outline of the plot. You can either read this so you get the gist of it, or you can avoid the spoiler and simply watch the musical instead.

Set during the Great Depression, “42nd Street” revolves around the production of a fictional Broadway musical, “Pretty Lady,” and the individuals involved in its creation.

1. Peggy Sawyer’s Arrival: The young and naive Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City with dreams of becoming a Broadway star. After a chance encounter, she gets a minor role in the chorus of “Pretty Lady.”
2. Dorothy Brock, the Diva: The show’s leading lady, Dorothy Brock, is an aging diva whose position in the musical is secured more by her relationship with the show’s financier than her talent.
3. A Twist of Fate: On the night before the premiere, Dorothy breaks her ankle. With the entire production at risk, the director, Julian Marsh, makes a bold decision: he chooses Peggy, the newbie, to replace Dorothy as the lead.
4. Rise to Stardom: Under immense pressure and with only a short time to rehearse, Peggy manages to pull off a stunning performance, making her an overnight Broadway sensation. The show concludes with the famous line, “You’re going out a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!”

Conclusion on 42nd Street

“42nd Street” is not just a musical; it’s a tribute to Broadway itself. From its origins as a novel to its enduring success on stage, this show captures the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of theater life. Whether you’re a seasoned Broadway/West End aficionado or new to the theatre world, “42nd Street” offers a timeless tale of ambition, romance, and the transformative power of the arts.