42nd Street is the quintessential backstage musical comedy classic! It is a Broadway fable and a true ‘American Dream’ tale based on the Bradford Ropes novel and the 1933 classic Busby Berkeley film. It tells the story of a starry eyed, small town dancer who comes to NYC to make her Broadway dreams a reality. Set during the Great Depression, 42nd Street illustrates how when the chips are down we can band together, believe in ourselves and each other to make the impossible, possible.
I have a long and happy history with 42nd Street. I was first introduced to the show in College where we were taught by the original Peggy Sawyer the iconic Gower Champion choreography. In the early 2000’s I enjoyed a professional run of the show as the sassy good time gal Anytime Annie. Then exactly ten years ago, I decided to Direct this timeless musical at the Coronado Playhouse with my long time collaborator, Jenn Harris.
I recently realized that this was the perfect time to introduce a new generation (and new Collaborators) to the non-stop, toe tapping extravaganza that is 42nd Street. A show that emulates all the passion, dedication, and teamwork that goes into creating a Broadway show.
Here at Young Actors Theatre we always strive to build memories and to create an experience for our cast and crew that will last a lifetime. Now, I don’t know if they are quite ready to thank me just yet for the endless quick changes, the sweat inducing marathon of musical numbers or the rapid fire era appropriate storytelling. I do however, believe that the lessons learned here rooted in Broadway history and can be guideposts to a long and happy future in the theatre.
It is our hope that this “Lullaby of Broadway” will lift your spirits and send you off humming (and tapping).
As you sit in this theatre and enjoy the electricity of our shared experience, I encourage you to think about all of the many collaborators that made this night happen. We would like to sincerely thank the cast, crew, parents and volunteers who helped bring all those “specks of dust” together to create this spectacular show.
Chrissy Burns
Director of 42nd Street
