Theater Reviews

Apr 2, 2005 - "42nd Street" dances and sings its way to the heart at Reno's Pioneer Center

By Jack Neal

"Come on along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway" is exactly what a nearly packed house did Friday night (4/1/05) at Reno's Pioneer Center. It's a lullaby that has resonated with audiences since Ruby Keeler danced her way to stardom in the 1933 Warner Brothers movie musical "42nd Street."

Big, brash and bubbly as choreographer Busby Berkeley's 1933 "42nd Street" was, it was given an equally big, brash and bubbly Gower Champion make over in 1980 and played for eight-and-a-half years (3,486 performances) at the Winter Garden Theater in New York. Now it's on the road again after another Broadway revival in 2001 with a terrific cast of dancers and singers who simply cannot be better. They sing, they dance and dance and dance, and give their all every moment they're on stage.

One might quibble with Valerie Gardner Rives's direction as being more broad than it needs to be, but it's a minor quibble. Most audiences know the story so well the musical's dramatic sense has become more of a well worn comic cliche, and that's the way Rives works it, than the poignant encounter with the Great Depression and the desparate needs of dying Broadway director Julian Marsh as the story plays out in the Warner Brothers movie.

The interplay between egomaniacal Broadway star Dorothy Brock (Natalie Buster), self-assured director Marsh (Ron Smith) and that darling newcomer to Broadway Peggy Sawyer (Mara Davi) via a host of memorable Harry Warren and Al Dubin songs and sharp Mark Bramble and Michael Stewart dialog is too much of a grand good thing that - like the show's dancing - just allows an enthralled audience to wallow in its good fortune at watching such joyous things happen.

It is the choreography that makes "42nd Street" tick in its fabulous clackety-click way. For that we can give a nod to Busby Berkeley for getting it all started in such a big Times-Square way. Then to Gower Champion for his superb inventions which have been recreated here and added to by Randy Skinner and Rick Conant. A big series of kisses to all for bringing to the stage such electrifying dance. Hugs to all in the cast for making each and every number a sensational experience with movement and song.

And what big production numbers they are and so many. Just count 'em. In addition to "42nd Street" there's "We're in the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shadow Waltz," "With Plenty of Money and You," "Sunny Side of Every Situation," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Dames," "You're Getting to Be a Habit With Me," "Go Into Your Dance," "Young and Healthy," and several finales all of them grand. There are some quieter moments, too, most notably "About a Quarter to Nine" a lovely duet between established-star Dorothy, and star-to-be Peggy.

And what a great cast to behold. There isn't a loser in the lot.

An excellent singer and actor, Ron Smith is a solid Julian Marsh. An astonishingly gifted dancer, Mara Davi shines and then some as Peggy Sawyer. With a comedic timing that doesn't miss a beat (or a bet), Natalie Buster is lots of fun as Dorothy Brock the demanding star of "Pretty Lady," the musical within the musical. As the young chap who's smitten with Peggy, Kyle Dean Massey is a lithe and in all ways wonderful Billy Lawlor. The show-stopping Maureen Veronica Illmensee is Maggie Jones, "42nd Street's" real red-hot momma. As Maggie's sidekick Andy Lee, Jeffrey Williams, Jr. is a song-and-dance delight.

"42nd Street's" 12-piece band conducted by Kym Purling sounds bigger than it is and provides great support. Douglas W. Schmidt's scenic designs are attractive and provide gaudy good times. Roger Kirk's colorful costumes are at times elegant and at times silly, but they're always just right for every occasion. Charlie Morrison's splendid lighting makes everything look fabulous.

Much like Peggy Sawyer who goes on stage an unknown and comes back a star, "42nd Street" goes on stage a retread and comes back a bigger hit than ever. All those wonderful dancin' feet just will not be denied.

This Big League Theatricals' "42nd Street" can be seen at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, April 1, 2005, at 8 p.m., April 2, 2005, at 2 and 8 p.m., and April 3, 2005, at 2 and 7 p.m. Performances last two-and-one-half hours with intermission. For information call 775-686-6600.