If there was ever a reason to check out the new Wick Theater in the former Caldwell Theater space in Boca Raton, its latest production of 42nd Street is it. The show has been extended and no wonder — this is one of those big, brash Broadway musicals that the Wick is beginning to build its reputation on and gain a following.
Photographer: Amy Pasquantonio
Jim Ballard as Julian Marsh
42nd Street, the 1933 Busby Berkeley film, was first produced on Broadway in 1980, directed by Gower Champion, with a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, and was revived in 2001 on Broadway, directed by Bramble. It was a certified hit. Audiences couldn’t resist the backstage musical tale of an ingénue from Allentown, Pa., who finds fame on the Great White Way.
The Wick’s production combines the sepia tone of the ’30s movie with the modern Technicolor of the Broadway show to great success, which is especially evident in the glorious costumes by Kimberly Wick and Costume World. Norbert Joerder, who is directing his 15th production of 42nd Street, explains in program notes that he has tried to recreate Champion’s original version and boy, oh, boy, what a swell recreation it is. But even though he suggests it’s a re-creation, there’s an energy about this 42nd Street that, even if you’ve seen it before, leaves room to enjoy this fresh take on the tap happy, standards-packed musical.
The plot is quintessential nostalgia as wide-eyed Peggy Sawyer arrives fresh off the bus small town, U.S.A., shows up late for an audition, then wows everyone with her natural talent. She even catches the eye of tough-as-nails producer Julian Marsh who puts her in the chorus of his new show, Pretty Lady. Meanwhile, he’s tangling with diva Dorothy Brock as his leading lady, whose Texas sugar daddy, Abner Dillon, is bankrolling the show.
Photographer: Amy Pasquantonio
Aaron Bowera as Dorothy Brock
The musical numbers with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin are familiar audience favorites including We’re in the Money, Lullaby of Broadway, Shuffle off to Buffalo and 42nd Street, which handily helps the show sell itself. But in order to have a good 42nd Street, you have to have those dancing feet. Joerder brings up his curtain on the show with just a peek at the dancing feet, then lifts it for a full onslaught of tap frenzy. Kudos to choreographer Ron Hutchins who made every ensemble member appear as if they were born to dance.
Julie Kleiner owns the show as Sawyer, bringing the audience along for her journey, and with her natural dance ability, she’s absolutely convincing when everyone is wowed by Peggy’s quick steps. Kleiner’s comic timing is impeccable, too; she only struggles when she’s paired with dancers or actors who don’t have the same skill level.
Photographer: Amy Pasquantonio
Alex Jorth and Julie Kleiner as Billy Lawlor and Peggy Sawyer
Missy McArdle trots out the same character from White Christmas for her 42nd Street role. Her Maggie Jones (42nd Street) is almost a mirror image in style, approach and tone as Martha Watson (White Christmas). She’s becoming a regular in Wick productions (she’s also the Wick’s Director of Marketing), so we’re hoping there’s something coming down the pike in the repertoire to stretch her talents.
Jim Ballard, who was so wonderful in Working, the last production at Caldwell, and Palm Beach Dramaworks’ The Fantasticks plays Broadway show director Marsh as a no nonsense Wall Street type, but never leaves room for any softness. Usually the fun in the Act II opener, Lullaby of Broadway, is seeing Marsh let his hair down and revel in the character’s arc when a true boyish love for Broadway comes through. Ballard misses the mark, instead playing Marsh as the show’s circus barker throughout.
Standouts include Alex Jorth as Billy Lawlor, the confident leading man who sings in his introduction number: "I’m young and healthy and you’ve got charms..I’m full of Vitamin A!." You can almost see a twinkling star go "tink" off of his left front tooth as his perpetual smile makes his enthusiasm for the lyrics genuine. Jorth is a triple threat who can act, sing and dance. Christopher George Patterson probably has the best happy feet in the cast as dance director Andy Lee — he lights up the stage as he leads "the kids" (the dancers) through their routines. Patterson is an exceptional talent.
Photographer: Amy Pasquantonio
Alex Jorth
Alison McCartan gets some great laughs as Ann "Anytime Annie" Reilly. She could have easily handled the lead role of Peggy Sawyer. We’re hoping to see McCartan in a lead role in something on the South Florida stage soon. Aaron Bower gives her prima donna Dorothy Brock just the right amount of desperation, lifting a role that could get trapped in divadom to one that carries with it a dose of sympathy. It’s a wonderful interpretation. And it’s always fun to watch Jeffrey Bruce. Here as Bert Barry, co-author of Pretty Lady, he takes some risks that payoff in laughs and seems to be having a ball.
While there’s no Broadway musical without a great musical director, Michael Ursua once again proves his knack at being able to corral a large cast and earns everyone’s confidence from the performers to the audience. While he has to contend with the Wick using pre-recorded music (while we’d love to hear a live orchestra, the Wick’s pre-fabbed music is top notch), Ursua manages to coax from his singers honest and "in the moment" performances.
If you’re ready for some big-time nostalgia, familiar songs, and, of course, plenty of dancing feet, the Wick’s 42nd Street is a shoo in.
Through Feb. 15 at The Wick Theater, 7901 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Performances: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
(561) 995-2333 or www.thewick.org.
