Tony Award-nominated Kate Levering will tap-spin her way out of the hit Broadway revival of 42nd Street Aug. 18, with Meredith Patterson, her understudy, waiting in the wings to take over.

Levering, an agile tapper who negotiated Randy Skinner's choreography that included Eleanor Powell-worthy spins on top of grand pianos, now heads into 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, who takes the role beginning Aug. 19, 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.

The production won the 2001 Best Revival Tony Award and earned Christine Ebersole a Best Actress Tony Award. Mark Bramble directed.

Levering previously appeared as Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man. Patterson has been a member of the ensemble and the Peggy Sawyer understudy in this 42nd Street since previews began April 4. She 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. 42nd Street continues at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts. A new cast album is in stores now. Tickets range $25-$90. For information, call (212) 307-4100.