42nd Street

Production
Very good use of stage space with plenty of movement, good interesting groupings and well organised. The entrances and exits of the chorus and dancers were particularly well organised and executed, despite the limited space at the side of stage. Linked scene changes were very well done.
The interpretation was fine making good use of the story and overall the production came over as well thought out, well prepared and well rehearsed.

Music
Very secure and well performed with plenty of contrast and an excellent sound from the band. Stage and pit combined well together with a good sound balance most of the time.

Cast
The good strong cast worked well together with good interplay and character development. Gemma was particularly well cast with a superb performance as Peggy, while Daniel was an excellent foil as Julian. Their developing relationship was beautifully portrayed. Mark gave a very good performance as Billy relating well with Gemma. Tracy certainly developed the dramatic side of Dorothy but could have been stronger vocally, especially in the lower register. Good performances from all the other principals especially Louise with a super portrayal of Maggie.
Good chorus backing throughout.

Choreography and Dance.
Both up to a very high standard. The wonderful tap routines were superb especially as many of them were quite complex. Gemma’s dance experience was very well used. It was great to see so many smiling faces, just a pity that the odd ones that didn’t smile did stand out!

Costumes.
Excellent show costumes and in the main the day/rehearsal costumes related well to the 1930’s period. There was one young lady whose coat length was quite short against the other fuller lengths and this did tend to clash period wise. The many rapid costume changes were very well done and obviously well organised.

Lighting and Sound
The lighting was effective and used well considering the limited facilities available, it is just a pity that there are limitations. The sound levels were generally well balanced between stage and pit although the individual cast mikes did not seem to be very effective at times.

Set
Good and effective use of the sets together with very efficient and smooth back stage work which kept the show flowing. Quite an achievement in such a restricted space.

Overall.
Excellent entertainment, the cast enjoyment spread to the audience adding to the occasion. Another well integrated team effort from all parts of the company, production, acting and technical, with talent showing at all levels.

• Type: user
• Performance Date: 01/04/2010
• Star rating: 12345