Meredith Patterson, an ensemble member and understudy for the role of Peggy Sawyer in Broadway's 42nd Street, graduates to the part Aug. 19, taking over for Tony Award nominated Kate Levering.

Patterson is described as being "plucked from the chorus" to play chorus-girl Peggy Sawyer, who is plucked from the chorus to take over the lead in a 1930s musical.

Patterson has been in the musical comedy revival since previews began April 4. She went on briefly when Levering was sidelined in mid-show earlier this summer. Patterson played the Singing/Tapping Apple in Julie Taymor's Green Bird on Broadway and appeared as Young Phyllis in Follies at Paper Mill. She was also in the national tours of Crazy For You and Singin' in the Rain and A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden.

The production at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts won the 2001 Best Revival Tony Award and earned Christine Ebersole a Best Actress Tony Award. Mark Bramble directs.

Levering previously appeared as Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man. She tapped and spun her way out of the colorful, optimistic revival Aug. 18. Her next project involves murder and adultery. She'll co-star with Craig Bierko in Susan Stroman's staging of the new Harry Connick Jr. musical, Thou Shalt Not, for Lincoln Center Theatre. For 42nd Street, she was nommed for a 2001 Tony for Best Actress in a Featured Role (Musical). Patterson now negotiates Randy Skinner's choreography, which includes Eleanor Powell-worthy spins on top of grand pianos. Fresh-faced, California-raised Patterson has what past Peggy Sawyers didn't: Her own website. Find out more about her by visiting www.meredithpatterson.com. A new cast album is in stores now. Tickets range $25-$90. For information, call (212) 307 4100.