Griffith University: Broadway to Brisbane, 42nd Street brings musical theatre back with a bang
The Broadway musical about a Broadway musical, the Tony and Olivier award winning musical 42nd Street is charged to charm Brisbane when it opens this week.
Set in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression, 42nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer who, with stars in her eyes, comes to New York to become a performer, landing a role in the chorus.
The students have rehearsed extensively for 7 weeks
She catches the eye of esteemed director, Julian Marsh, and the story takes a turn when the star of the show – a well-known but has-been diva – becomes unable to take the stage. Peggy is then thrust into the lead role and must put on the performance of her life.
Based on the 1932 novel and the subsequent 1933 Hollywood film, 42nd Street is a visual spectacular of tap-dancing, high-energy performances and features memorable songs that many know and love, including ‘We’re in the Money’, I Only Have Eyes for You’ and ‘Lullaby of Broadway’.
42nd Street actors go through their paces
With 64 performers, countless tap shoes, hundreds of onset lights, more than 1200 costumes, and a 22-piece live orchestra, the Griffith University production puts on a show on the same scale seen on Broadway, and rarely seen in Brisbane.
Professor Paul Sabey, Head of Performing Arts said following the COVID-19 lockdowns over the past few years, there is no better show to celebrate the return of audiences to the theatre than with 42nd Street.
“42nd Street is the story of a group of performers fighting to bring light and hope back to the lives of the world following the Great Depression“ Professor Sabey said.
“It draws a nice parallel to the theatre industry of the last few years, clawing its way out of COVID-19 lockdowns and celebrating the talents of our students.”
“The talent and energy of the students in this production is outstanding, and the standard of show they have pulled together in just over seven weeks of rehearsal is on par with any professional productions I have seen here in Australia or anywhere in the world.”
42nd Street opens on Thursday 4th August at the Conservatorium Theatre and runs until 13th August.