42nd Street: A Real Show-Stopper

There’s no business like show business, as the old adage goes. When a glamorous diva takes a fall, a beautiful up and comer has to step in and save the show in 42nd Street. Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company dusted off the classic Broadway musical for a three-week run (April 23 through May 18).

The year is 1933. Auditions are being held at New York City’s 42nd Street Theatre, where director Julian Marsh (Russell Garrett) is putting an energetic group of dancers through their paces. They are preparing to launch a new smash musical, Pretty Lady. Into the scene walks Peggy Sawyer (Lauren DeFilippo), a blonde ingenue from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Peggy desperately wants to become a star. After she wins a role in Pretty Lady, Peggy earns the wrath of the legendary Dorothy Brock (Gerrianne Genga).

42nd Street has a batch of spectacular song and dance sequences. Director and choreographer Amiee Turner is a master at staging. The opening performance, featuring the tap dancing skills of Billy Lawlor (Brandon Haagensen),+ gets the show off to an appropriately rollicking start. Act One closes with “We’re In the Money,” featuring members of the ensemble dancing on top of giant coins.

DeFlilippo is an appealing and likable performer with impeccable comic timing. As well as being a fabulous dancer, she has terrific chemistry with Garrett, who shines in the show’s second act. Garrett, a real-life director and choreographer, has an effective vocal delivery and makes Marsh into a sympathetic character. When Peggy tells Marsh she wants to abandon her dreams of fame and return to her hometown, he convinces her to stay by singing “Lullaby of Broadway.” Other highlights include “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “42nd Street,” which is an extended production number. There are some fine supporting performances by Katie Clark as Maggie, Dennis Setteducati as Bert, and Genga, who brings the proper sense of haughtiness as Dorothy.

The show’s one weak point is the story. Is there any doubt Peggy won’t be able to overcome her fears and take her place as the star of the show? 42nd Street is not a great musical and certainly not on the same level as previous Ocean State Theater Company productions such as Les Miserables and The King and I. Still, the ensemble has a lot of talent and their efforts have combined to make a dazzling evening of entertainment.

The theater is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. Tickets are $39 for preview performances and $39 to $54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling 401-921-1777 x112. $30 “Rush” tickets are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Friday from 12 – 6pm, Saturdays from 12 – 4pm, and from 12pm until curtain time on performance days. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling 401-921-6800.