When I learned that I had the opportunity to review the latest Pittsburgh CLO production, 42nd Street, I was thrilled! .jpg)
Photo Credit; Matt Polk
42nd Street the musical opened on Broadway in 1980 and is one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history. Based on the book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, it won the Tony Award for Best Musical. It’s not just that impressive history that made me so excited to see this show. On a personal note, my oldest daughter dances at the studio owned by the original Anytime Annie, Karen Prunzik! I’m also excited to share that one of the students from Prunzik’s Broadway Dance Studio and Performing Arts, Gabriela Zucckero, was in this production as part of the Teen Ensemble.
Directed by Charles Repole and choreographed by Michael Lichtefeld, this CLO production makes it clear that 42nd Street still has the power to capture audiences today. The excitement in the air was palpable as we listened to the live orchestra start to play. The patrons around me exploded with applause and cheers as the curtain slowly began to rise. For those of you not familiar with the opening number, the curtain goes up just far enough to show the legs of a stage full of tap dancers. All tapping in perfect sync with one another. Amazing!
Peggy Sawyer (played by Ephie Aardema) is a young naïve dancer from a small town. 
Photo Credit; Matt Polk
She comes to New York City with big dreams and her undeniable talent. Once the director of “Pretty Lady”, Julian Marsh (played by Patrick Ryan Sullivan), notices her talent, her dream is realized. That’s the extremely shortened version of the story. You wouldn’t want me to spoil it for you, would you? Interestingly, I’ve read that although both actors are new to the Pittsburgh CLO, what’s not new to them is their roles. Both have played their characters in the past. Their experience and talent combine to make this a must see production. Another fun fact is that Joey Fatone (Former NSYNC star – Dancing with the Stars) plays the role of Bert Barry, the co-writer and producer of “Pretty Lady”. 
Photo Credit; Matt Polk
A stand out for me was Charis Leos (who plays the role of Maggie Jones), who with her fantastic voice and perfect timing of humorous lines, kept the audience laughing.
Although it is a difficult task to pick out a favorite number in a production full of favorites for me, I have to say that “We’re in the Money” was on the top of my list. It was as just as fun as I had hoped that it would be and the talent of every performer on that stage shined through. When Luba Mason (who plays the role of Dorothy Brock) sang her beautiful and sad version of “I Only Have Eyes For You” after an argument with the love of her life, I was struck with the power that she had to make me feel my heart break for her.
I appreciate the lesson that shines through. If you have what it takes to do something that you love, you have just as much a chance at realizing your dreams as anyone else. Peggy had a natural talent that she honed and she took the opportunity she was given.
Just as enjoyable as seeing Peggy succeed for me was witnessing what seemed to be Marsh’s renewed appreciation and love for musical theater. The last scene shows his shadow on the wall as he stands by ghost light, singing the words we all know, “Come and meet those dancing feet…”
Hurry! This production of 42nd Street “Shuffles off to Buffalo” after its last show on June 9th. For information on show times and ticket sales, please visit the Pittsburgh CLO website .
Be sure to check out the rest of the 2013 Summer Season. You won’t want to miss out on this series!
Macaroni Kid was provided with press tickets to review the show. All opinions expressed are of our own thoughts and accord.
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