42nd Street at Kilworth House Theatre – review

42^nd Street is a musical extravaganza steeped in nostalgia. Set in the era of the Great Depression, we find infamous musical theatre director Julian Marsh on the precipice of putting on a new show. Every dancer worth a dime wants to be a part of it, and no one is more determined than a small-town girl and aspiring star, Peggy Sawyer. Her pluck, determination and incredible talent earn her the recognition and role of a lifetime, but can she pull it off at the eleventh hour?

In this wonderful rendition, produced by Celia Mackay and directed by Lee Proud, we are taken through Sawyer’s serendipitous rise to stardom. The wisecracking book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble is full of snappy one-liners. With music and lyrics by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, the show is jam-packed with iconic song-and-dance showstoppers including “42^nd Street”, “We’re in the Money”, and “Lullaby of Broadway“. Avoiding the uncomfortable sexism of yesteryear, the show focuses on the talent and heart of the story without losing any of its traditional charm.

42^nd Street is a good old-fashioned spectacle, full of melodrama, backstage intrigue, romance and a dazzling show within a show. The tap dance routines are incredible and leave you open-jawed at their intricacies. Proud serves as choreographer and, along with set and costume designer Philip Witcomb, they serve up a stunning sequence of scenes. The costumes are dazzlingly lavish and bright, adding extra layers to the dance routines. The sets are stunning, steeped in art deco, simple, but very effective. They are seamlessly moved into place as the action continues before your eyes.

Rosie Strobel as Maggie Jones and TJ Lloyd as Bert Barry bring some great comedic moments. Strobel’s voice is immense. Lewis Griffiths plays Julian Marsh with an ultra-coolness, commanding the stage completely. Brian O’Muiri as Billy Lawlor is a phenomenal talent, both his singing and dancing are effortless. The star in every sense is Mia Kobayashi, who plays Peggy Sawyer. She nails Sawyer’s transition from starstruck wannabe to starlet. What she does with her feet is magic. Michelle Bishop is magnificent as Dorothy Brock. Every bit the divine diva, she traverses comedy and poignancy with ease. Her execution of “I Only Have Eyes for You” is enchanting. The cast as a whole is incredible, performing and tap-dancing together to create a magical performance.

42^nd Street is a larger-than-life celebration of hope, grit and the irrepressible spirit of Broadway. It’s guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits with its fabulously catchy songs and its heartwarming story. It’s a show that musical veterans and novices can both enjoy, making it the perfect choice for one and all.