Shuffle off to Davis and see Kyle Jackson’s adaptation of “42nd Street.”
For those unfamiliar with the plot, it follows a musical being produced in 1933 in New York. The lead actress of the show, Dorothy Brock, played to absolute diva perfection by Chris Cay Stewart, is dating the wealthy tycoon Abner Dillon (played by Brian McCann), bankrolling the production.
The show’s director, Julian Marsh (played by Steve Wilner), questions Brock’s ability to carry the show herself. Her dancing skills are subpar, leading to a hilarious turn by Brock, who attempts the dance moves that the chorus girls are seamlessly performing. Enter Peggy Sawyer, played by the adorable Eilis Donnelly, who single-handedly walks into rehearsal and becomes a member of the chorus and then the lead in the production of “Pretty Lady.”
With familiar music played by a live orchestra and musical direction by Jacob Fennell, audiences will enjoy the dancing and costumes as the plot unfolds on the stage. Songs such as “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re In The Money,” and “Shuffle Off To Buffalo” keep toes tapping both in the audience and onstage. Two performances of note were: “We’re in the Money,” complete with large coins and talented tappers, and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” which made creative use of a train with curtains and a bevy of beauties.
Standout performances include: J. Sing as the brawny and talented Billy Lawlor, Chris Cay Stewart as diva Dorothy Brock, Jillian Antonia as the lead dancer Andy Lee, Monica Parisi and Sean Savidge as comedians and writers Maggie Jones and Bert Berry and Steve Wilner as the stern Julian Marsh.
So come along and listen to 42nd Street and shuffle off to Davis Musical Theatre Company between now and Jan. 26. Shows run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at DMTC.org.