South Bay Musical Theatre's '42nd Street' slows down for no one

Nothing says Broadway musical like a revival.

Shows are revived because they make us feel good. Shows are revived because they can be revived. Shows are revived because no other art form has the innate ability to create something new out of something old on a consistent basis. And of course, shows are revived because there is a new generation ready to be transported through the greatest classics in the American theatre.

That would definitely include a show like “42nd Street,” a show that originally opened on Broadway in 1980, set during the Great Depression. The story is a love letter to the classic Broadway show – huge production numbers, endless costumes, jazzy and catchy tunes, and a simple and satisfying story line. A whole new group of theatre fans got the revival version 21 years later when the show ran for another 1,524 performances in New York City.

South Bay Musical Theatre, formerly known as the Saratoga Drama Group, has built their company on this style of show - lavish, gargantuan-sized musicals that make people happy. And their newest production certainly continues to stamp their niche in the South Bay. “42nd Street,” opening Saturday, Sept. 17th, may not be an official revival, but is most certainly revived by SBMT for those fans who like their musicals with a ton of fast-moving feet.

Based on the 1933 film of the same name, as well as the Bradford Ropes novel, “42nd Street” is the story of Broadway hopeful Peggy Sawyer, auditioning for a role in the show “Pretty Lady.” After an unfortunate accident caused by Peggy to aging actress Dorothy Brock, the show is left without its star. The chorus girls then convince director Julian Marsh to thrust Peggy into the spotlight.

The show also features major, crossover hits that have become iconic numbers in their own right. “We’re in the Money,” and “Lullaby on Broadway” are a few diddys that serve as comfort songs in the world of classic musical theatre.

The show’s choreographer Afton Bolz can be considered a "42nd Street" Lunt. Not only has she seen numerous national tours of the show, including that 2001 revival, she has performed in the show as a dancer, and kind of unofficially claims to be the “42ndStreet Queen,” based on her intimate relationship with the show. And when she speaks about SBMT's newest production, she speaks as if she just bought her son the coolest gift ever, and can’t wait to see his face when he opens it.

“I believe people are going to leave this show happy,” said Bolz. “It’s really exciting to do a show that’s really true to a production that’s so famous and so iconic, and not have it be the same old production of “42nd Street.” I think people are going to be really pleased.”

One who is really pleased to be involved in the show is Scott White, playing Marsh. A resident of a Santa Barbara suburb who spends every week in the South Bay working in the high-tech industry, White was able to find a show to continue his hobby of acting in various community theatre productions, many of which, oddly enough, have been in the South Bay.

White is a musical theatre buff, and lists his favorites as those widely considered the classics. Whether it’s the canon of Rodgers and Hammerstein, or the Frank Loesser classic “Guys and Dolls,” White is right at home in this production.

“Helping to tell the story and keeping true to my character has been a challenge and has been fun,” said White. “The show is very challenging, with lots of big scenes, scenery and costumes, and a lot of offstage activity. It is a lot of work to get through that.”

Bolz can definitely attest to White's assessment. When she began the process, she made it very clear to her actors and dancers what is necessary for a show with such a frenzied pace. Any lack of hard work or precision would lessen the show’s potential, which was definitely not an option.

“I told the cast that this show is not for the faint of heart,” said Bolz. “It’s glamour, it’s fantasy with beautiful, highly-skilled dancing and perfect lines. We were fortunate enough to have very skilled people audition, and I told them ‘You all are going to lose weight as a result of doing this show. You cannot pedestrianize this show and have it be the show it’s supposed to be.'

“During the rehearsal process, people are stressed and challenged, but everyone is pulling it off.  I think it’s going to be some of the best dancing that that stage has seen, and that’s a bold statement to make.”

But Bolz is definitely ready to back that statement up. Watching a dance evolution after weeks in the trenches has given her that confidence.

“More than once, people were feeling some pressure,” said Bols. "The choreography is hard, it’s an ensemble show, with bookoo costume changes and no breaks.

“It’s exciting and scary all at the same time, and I think the audience will love it.”
 

EXAMINE IT FOR YOURSELF

South Bay Musical Theatre presents “42ndStreet"
Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Music by Harry Warren
Directed by Kevin Cornelius
Choreographed by Afton Bolz
Musical direction by Dan Singletary
Sept. 17th– Oct. 8th
All performances are held at the Saratoga Civic Theater
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA. 95070
Tickets range from $15 - $38
For more information or to buy tickets, contact the box office at 408-266-4734 or visit the official website.