42nd Street (Metro Theatre) – Theatre review

I’m always astonished when my academic and non-academic lives collide. As it turns out, the lead of Metro Theatre’s The 42nd Street is the son of an academic I know, and one of the lead actors is someone I know from my teaching at UBC (who is friends with some of my former students). So. Many. Collisions! At any rate, I went to Metro Theatre‘s 42nd Street last night, and I took JT along with me.

Another disclaimer: JT and I *absolutely* love Metro Theatre. It holds very good memories for us, and it’d been a couple of years since we last had set foot there. So we were really looking forward to the musical. We were not disappointed. The level of energy, the intensity and enthusiasm and plain gusto with which each and every one of the cast members danced and delivered their lines, I will admit, that I did notice some of the wobbly

Celia Reid, Darryl Hol and Susan Skemp, photo credit: Brian Campbell

42nd Street is directed by Alison Schamberger, choreographed by Dawn Ewen with musical direction by Peter Wenzek and is playing at at Metro Theatre, 1370 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC (at the foot of the Arthur Laing Bridge)

Based on the 1933 Busby Berkeley movie musical, 42nd STREET tells the story of a starry-eyed young actress named Peggy Sawyer (CELIA REID) who comes to audition for the new Julian Marsh (CHRIS KING) directed musical about to open on Broadway. While she can’t seem to stay in the good graces of the show’s aging leading lady Dorothy Brock (SUSAN SKEMP), Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director. On opening night, Ms. Brock breaks her ankle and panic spreads through the company as the show is doomed for closure until it is suggested that Peggy take the role. In only 36 hours, Peggy becomes a star!

Some of the great numbers they had included We’re in the Money , You’re Getting to be a Habit With Me, Lullaby of Broadway, and of course, 42nd Street.

Joanna Pastorek, Vanessa Coley-Donohue, Erin Palm, Cathy Wilmot, Celia Reid and Sable Strub. Photo credit: Brian Campbell

I really didn’t like the fact that there were some technical difficulties (e.g. late lighting focusing on the main character, the sound was off a few times). But the truth is, those were technical problems and nothing to do with the actual performance by the actors, who should be praised. The gusto they imprint on their performance is laudable and we had a fantastic time.

The most underrated performance is actually by David Cohen, who shines as Billy but manages to do so in such a subtle and unassuming way that he lets the other cast members shine. Maggie Jones (an actress I’ve seen many times in various roles) is spectacular, as usual, and carries much of the weight of the musical despite not being the leading actress. Cesar Erba (whom I’ve seen in several musicals) shines through and through too. The whole ensemble is fabulous and the fluidity of their movements is to be praised. Moreover, the whole cast pound through the performance (tap dance is not easy!) and dazzle us with their physical and prowess.

You should definitely check this musical, as I am sure that the minimal technical difficulties will be quickly corrected. Moreover, you should see it just to have a wonderful, feel good night. Tickets for 42nd STREET are $32 Adults and $27 Seniors/Students. Performances are April 2 – 30, Thurs – Sat at 8pm pm, with two Sunday matinees at 2 pm on April 10 and 24th. The theatre is located at 1370 SW Marine Drive. Free parking is available next to the theatre and street parking, with paid parking lots under the bridge. To purchase tickets, call the Metro Theatre Ticket Reservation line – 604-266-7191 or they can be bought at the door, subject to availability. The Metro Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request.

Disclosure: The tickets to attend 42nd Street for myself and my Plus One were sponsored very generously by Metro Theatre. They have made it explicit that I have no obligation nor commitment to write a review at all (although, in this case, I choose to do so). I am not paid to write the review either. In any review I write, I retain editorial control at all times. Should you have any questions/concern feel free to contact me via e-mail through my contact form.

Be Sociable, Share!