On March 4, 1933 Warner Bros. Studios debuted a black and white motion picture which introduced movie audiences to tap dancing and singing sensation Rub Keeler, as well as Dick Powell, starring along with Warner Baxter, George Brent, and a very young Ginger Rogers in a musical adaptation of the Bradford Ropes novel of the same name - 42nd Street.

The film was a spectacle, to say the least, with ground-breaking, over-the top-choreography, and huge production numbers staged by the late great Busby Berkley.

Along with the one-right-after-the-other releases of Gold Diggers of 1933 and Footlight Parade, 42nd Street and Warner Bros. Studios are widely credited for having revitalized the movie musical as a genre.

Playing to depression era audiences, 42nd Street was lapped up by the downtrodden public, making it one of the most financially successful films of its time, and garnering a nomination for a "Best Picture" Oscar.

Many refer to films such as 42nd street as being "escapist" in nature. And while escapist musicals proved to be depression proof because of the void they filled and the hope they provided to a sad and disenfranchised nation of out of work average Joes and Janes, the thing that made 42nd so noteworthy is that it refused to be completely escapist: the main thrust of the plot is the need to get a job...the need to create a viable product (the show Pretty Lady - the Broadway musical within the movie musical), and the very real need to make money; which resulted in the enduring song and tap dance extravaganza of a routine - "We're In The Money."

Social commentator and popular writer of the day Mark Roth noted a connection between 42nd Street and newly-elected President Roosevelt's New Deal: "By working together under a strong leader (the director), the United States (the cast and crew) can lift itself out of the Depression and towards prosperity."

42nd Street opened in Washington, D.C. on the very day Roosevelt was inaugurated.

The film received rave reviews, was embraced by audiences, and endured as an often-screened movie presentation on network TV.

Although youngsters today may think it's always been the norm for original movie musicals to be re-invented as Broadway stage shows, the fact is that prior to 1974, that had NEVER been done. In fact, it always worked the other way round; book musicals, or plot driven musicals, were always created for Broadway, then re-invented for Hollywood and the big screen.

When legendary Broadway producer David Merrick announced he would spend an unprecedented $3 million to bring the movie musical 42nd Street to the Broadway stage in 1980, the naysayers were aplenty, and industry insiders thought him to be crazy and reckless.

That 1974 failed attempt at the reverse process resulted in a huge Broadway flop by the name of GIGI.

Jerry Orbach and Wanda Richert in the original Broadway production of 42nd STREET

Following out of town try outs at the Kennedy Center in DC, and six New York preview performances, the Broadway production opened on August 25, 1980 at the Winter Garden Theater. The show later moved to The Majestic (to make room for CATS), and then on to the St. James Theatre (to make room for PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) before finally closing after an astounding 3,486 performances.

Theoni V Aldredge's rainbow of costumes for the number "Dames" in the original 1980 Broadway production of 42nd Street.

Wanzie was one of the happy millions who enjoyed the original cast in person, which included the late Jerry Orbach (Law & Order) as Julian Marsh, veteran Tammy Grimes as Dorothy Brock, Wanda Richert as Peggy Sawyer, and Lee Roy Reams as Billy Lawlor.

The show's endless parade of fabulous frocks were created by the legendary Theoni V. Aldrich, who also designed the costumes for the original production of LA CAGE AU FOLLIES, featuring Orlando's own Sam Singhaus (just in case you didn't know).

The opening night high of eleven curtain calls was followed by a most somber note. As the standing audience continued to heap applause upon the cast, Merrick walked onstage, quieted the audience, and stated, "This is tragic..." The appreciative fawning audience (thinking he was joking about their overwhelming response to the show) burst into laughter. Then the Producer went on to explain that Gower Champion had died of cancer just hours before the performance. Merrick had managed to keep the death a secret from the cast (including Richert, Champion's girlfriend), the crew, and the public prior to his announcement. His shocking on-stage statement was made before an army of reporters and cameramen, who were stunned. The resulting publicity regarding the opening-night death of the show's famous and well loved Director/Choreographer, along with the great reviews, secured for 42nd Street a special place in Broadway lore, and certainly added to the buzz which made the show the eleventh longest running show in Broadway history, as well as the very first successful transfer of a movie musical to the Broadway stage.

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The 2O01 Broadway Revival of 42nd STREET.

Known for its hundreds of gorgeous costumes, fabulous scenic elements, and large cast production numbers, 42nd Street is on the boards, in all its glory and largeness, right now, at the Orlando Reparatory Theatre. This "really big" production is being presented by the theater's Youth Summer Camp participants. Word on the street is that this gigantic half pint production is not to be missed. Only two shows remain. Kindly refer to the listing in our WORLD IN BRIEF section for complete details, and make a point of making a venturing out this weekend "

"A man is accepted into church for what he believes - and turned out for what he knows."

"I will no longer be carrying around photo I.D.  Know why?  People should know who I am."

 

FINAL TWO PERFORMANCES

 

THEATER - 42nd Street
There's about a gazillion kids in this hugely expensive, no holds barred production of the Broadway extravaganza stage adaptation of the 1933       movie musical. The endless elaborate sets and scenic backdrops (which were all created in house) rival those of the Broadway production. This is a mac daddy local production featuring the Rep's Summer Youth Camp participants. Our very own Marcy Singhaus was integral in creating the more than 300 original costumes required to stage this spectacle. It's all the glamour and glitz and production value of Broadway, right here in Orlando, but with kids playing adult roles; and a ticket price (underwritten by TARGET) that's barely more than the cost of a movie ticket.

 

 

 

Saturday & Sunday, July 24 & 25
 
2 PM
 
Orlando Repertory Theatre
1001 East Princeton Street
Orlando, FL 32803
 
Only $12:   www.OrlandoRep.com
 

 

COMEDY - Mama's HUGE 1 Year Anniversary Show!

It's our 1 year anniversary of Mama's - the weekly comedy showcase at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater (without the dinner), and they are presenting the biggest show they can to celebrate! The producers promise not only great comedy but also "AMAZING surprises in store for everyone."

Mama's Comedy Show
1 Year Anniversary Celebration

Friday, July 23

10 PM

Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Theater
8267 International Drive

(Near Ripley's Believe It Or Not)
Orlando, Florida   32819

$10

Reservations: 407.363.1985