WHO better to take on a musical all about producing a song and dance show than a noted dance teacher and director.
Poole and Parkstone Musical Theatre must have been delighted when Claire Camble-Hutchins agreed to direct and choreograph 42nd Street. With the help of musical director Sam Ryall and set and lighting designers Kevin Wilkins and Steve Charters, she has created a visually and rhythmically memorable show at Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre.
It all starts as the famous Julian Marsh (Adrian Lane), down to his last dime after the Wall Street Crash, announces a new musical, Pretty Lady. The chorus boys and girls are called in, the stars selected, and it’s on with the rehearsals and the tryouts.
The one problem is that the star, Dorothy Brock (Rosie Luxford) hasn’t had a hit in years and has two left feet. But her newest beau has money to fund the production, and Julian thinks that a bit of clever lighting and a swirling chorus of excellent dancers will hide her difficulties from the audience.
When a shy out-of-towner, Peggy Sawyer, turns up late for the rehearsal, she immediately catches the eye of juvenile lead Billy Lawlor, but although Peggy’s a sensational hoofer and no mean singer, she was still too late.
Until Dorothy gets injured …. you get the picture.
In this show, with its famous songs I Only Have Eyes for You, We’re in the Money, Lullaby of Broadway and many more, the essential is charismatic leads and strong choreographic and choral support, and P and P get it absolutely right on the Lighthouse stage.
Rhiannon Horne is a charming and very talented Peggy, Dean Rawson has just the right gauche assurance as Billy, and if Rosie Luxford is a bit young for Dorothy, she does the fading diva with assurance.
The show continues to 7th May, with a Saturday matinee as well as evening performances.
GP-W