Hollywood Pantages brings 42nd Street to life

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When it was first launched on Broadway in 1980 this depression era American musical 42^nd Street won a Tony Award for best musical. By 1984 it hit the West End of London and soon won an Olivier Award. By 2001 42^nd Street returned to Broadway and again won a Tony Award this time for Best Revival. Along its fabled path 42^nd Street has circled the globe and thrilled audiences everywhere and now it has returned to the Hollywood Pantages.

The tone is quickly set as the 42^nd Street orchestra launches into the “Overture.” Then the curtain slowly lifts and a sea of magnificent dancers led by Lamont Brown in character as Andy Lee, Choreographer/Dance Director is revealed. The dancing, remarkably the tap dancing is truly spectacular. Precision and timing are all on abundant display. Then the story begins to unfold.

42^nd Street is set in 1933 at the peak of the Great Depression in America. Notorious director Julian Marsh [Mathew J. Taylor] was committed to launching a spectacular musical entitled Pretty Lady. But times were tough so on board came Abner Dillion [Mark Fishback]. But along with Abner’s money came his girlfriend, well past her prime prima donna Dorothy Brock [Kaitlin Lawrence]. Now let the struggles begin. Could the show truly make it, make it to Broadway, make it to 42^nd Street?

The tale unfolds in a sea of spell-binding dance and solid vocals. It is arguably one of the most energetic musicals ever created, and while the end is important it is always the journey that carries the performance. In the case of 42^nd Street the costuming and set design are also eye popping. Overall the current incarnation of 42^nd Street lives up to its glorious past.

42^nd Street is playing now through June 19^th 2016 at the Hollywood Pantages, 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028. Show times are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Ticketing and reservations may be made by calling 323-468-1770, visiting the Pantages Box Office or online at: www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos by Hollywood Pantages

Ron Irwin

Ron Irwin was born in Chicago, Illinois a long time ago. He served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, became a trial lawyer, TV and radio host, CEO of a public company and once held an Emmy. He never won an Emmy he just held one. Ron has written and published twelve books. His most important book to date is “Live, Die, Live Again” in which Ron tells of his early life and his unexpected and very temporary death in 2012. That experience dramatically refocused his life and within the pages of that book Ron reveals how he achieved a much healthier life, ridding himself of Diabetes, Cancer and Heart Failure. Now Ron enjoys writing about many things including health topics, travel [he has circled the globe several times], adventure, culinary experiences and the world of performing art. Ron’s motto is “Live better, live longer and live stronger because it feels great and annoys others.” Contact the author.