CenterPoint’s ‘42nd Street’ is toe-tapping fun
Jun 22, 2023 10:16AM ● By Becky Ginos
Small town girl Peggy Sawyer (Danna Facer) heads for the bright lights of Broadway in CenterPoint Theatre’s production of 42nd Street.
CENTERVILLE—It’s the middle of the Great Depression and Peggy Sawyer has just stepped off the bus from Allentown, PA to the big city in hopes of landing a job as a chorus girl on Broadway. Peggy soon realizes that dream is a lot harder than she thought it would be but her wit and charm gets her noticed.
CenterPointLegacy Theatre’s production of the Broadway hit “42nd Street” is a toe tapping, fast moving musical that is sure to please. It’s filled with familiar songs such as “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me,” “Dames,” “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and “Forty-Second Street.”
Peggy manages to tap her way into an audition for the biggest show in town “Pretty Lady” and lands a part in the chorus line. At first she keeps turning the wrong direction and bumping into the other girls during rehearsals, frustrating the choreographer and the director who questions if he should keep her. Once she gets everything down though, she starts to shine.
In the meantime, fading star Dorothy Brock has a contract to be the leading lady in the production much to the chagrin of director Julian Marsh. Dorothy is demanding and refuses to comply with anything Julian asks her to do. Exasperated, Julian lets Dorothy have her way making her believe he’s taking her seriously.
Just before the show is to open, Peggy bumps into Dorothy during rehearsal causing her to fall on stage. After being examined, the doctor determines Dorothy has a broken ankle and won’t be able to perform for six months. Without the star, Julian announces that the show is canceled leaving everyone, including Peggy, without a job.
The chorus girls rally and suggest Peggy take the role because she is the best dancer and singer in the line.
With some prodding, Julian decides he has no choice but to give her a chance, but is Peggy ready for the big leap?
Danna Facer (T/TH/S) is fun as the wide-eyed small town girl, Peggy and pulls off the tapping and singing with ease. Judy Binns (T/TH/S) brings diva Dorothy Brock to life as the demanding fading star and Kelly Griffiths (T/TH/S) plays Julian, the stern director who hides his soft spot and helps Peggy take over Dorothy’s part. The chorus line tap dancers are amazing every time they’re on stage.
42nd Street is an endearing musical for the whole family that sends the message that with a little persistence you can do anything.
The show runs through July 11, Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $19-$37 and can be purchased at CPTUtah.org or by calling 801-298-3102. CenterPoint Theatre is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.