Directed by Charlie Repole with choreography by Michael Lichtefeld, the tap-happy production will begin previews at the North Shore Oct. 28 with an official opening scheduled for Oct. 30. Performances will continue through Nov. 23.
In a statement North Shore artistic director and executive producer Barry Ivan said, "42nd Street is musical comedy at its finest – a star-is-born story, spectacular design, memorable musical numbers and outstanding tap dancing. It captures the spirit of anyone who has ever pursued a dream while keeping audiences thoroughly entertained from the first note to the final tap."
The cast will feature A Chorus Line's Jessica Lee Goldyn as Peggy Sawyer, Patrick Ryan Sullivan as Julian Marsh, Todd Lattimore as Billy Lawlor and Beth Glover as Dorothy Brock with Joel Blum (Andy Lee & Bert Barry), Susan Cella (Maggie Jones), Gary Lindermann (Pat Denning), Mara Newbery (Annie) and Hardy Rawls (Abner Dillon).
The ensemble comprises Cassie Abate (Lorraine), Abby Church, Warren Curtis, Kelly Day, C.K. Edwards, Zak Edwards, Adrienne Fisher, Rob Flebbe of Beverly, Andrew Hodge, Matthew Warner Kiernan, Christopher Lengerich, Brittany Lewis, Courtney Romano, Hilary Rushford, Dana Winkle, Natalie Wisdom and Richard Riaz Yoder. Local teenagers featured in the opening tap dance number include Eva Rae Costanza, Michaela Della Russo, Samantha Manson, Rebekah Nason and Nicole Soriano.
Based on the 1933 Busby Berkeley movie musical, 42nd Street, press notes state, "tells the story of a starry-eyed young actress named Peggy Sawyer who comes to audition for the new Julian Marsh-directed musical about to open on Broadway. While she can't seem to stay in the good graces of the show's aging leading lady Dorothy Brock, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director. On opening night, Ms. Brock breaks her ankle and panic spreads through the company as the show is doomed for closure–until it is suggested that Peggy take the role. In only 36 hours, Peggy becomes a star!" The musical features a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin. Songs include "We're in the Money," "You're Getting to be a Habit With Me," "Lullaby of Broadway" and "42nd Street."
The creative team also includes Craig Barna (musical director), Jeff Modereger (scenic designer), Jack Mehler (lighting designer) and Gerard Kelley (wig designer).
The North Shore Music Theatre is located at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, MA. Tickets, priced $42-$79, are available by calling (978) 232-7200. For more information visit www.nsmt.org.
