Reagle Music Theatre Presents "42nd Street" - Life Imitates Art

The classic musical "42nd Street" is basically a story about a show that is about to open, but at the last minute, one of the leads is unable to appear on stage. In steps an unexpected replacement who wins the hearts of audiences and cast mates. That is the make believe world of "42nd Street"; it is also the real world story of this Reagle production of the musical. Just hours before the preview performance, lead male actor Tom Wopat ran afoul of the law, and was removed from the cast. Long time Reagle cast member Rich Allegretto rose to the challenge and went on as Julian Marsh - to great acclaim. The show must, indeed, go on! A new chapter was written in Boston theater history.

The Production and Creative Team

"42 Street" is one of the great old chestnuts of the musical theater canon. Music is by Harry Warren, Lyrics by Al Dubin, Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, original Choreography by the legendary Gower Champion. This production is Directed by Eileen Grace, with Musical Direction by Dan Rodriguez. The orchestra is Conducted by Jeffrey Leonard. Original Scenic Design is by Robin Wagner, Original Costume Design is by Theoni V. Aldredge, Lighting by David Wilson, Original Choreography reproduced by Eileen Grace and Susan M. Chebookjian.

Performances and Highlights

The opening of this show is iconic and breath-taking. The curtain rises just enough to reveal the feet of the entire cast tapping away to the rhythmic beats of Mr. Warren's score. Things continued on a high note as each member of the cast embraced the challenge of putting on a show under duress. It is no accident that the Director is named "Grace," for grace and grit are just what were on display by this courageous company of actors, singers, dancers, and creatives.

• Mr. Allegretto as Julian Marsh had the best opportunities to show what he could do in the well known numbers "Lullaby of Broadway" and "42 Street."
• Rachel York as Dorothy Brock was every inch the Broadway diva she was cast to portray. This Broadway veteran and Drama Desk and IRNE Award winner shone most brightly in "Shadow Waltz," "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me," and "About A Quarter To Nine."
• Mara Cecilia as Peggy Sawyer is the chorus girl who steps on- and then steps in for - Dorothy. Ms. Cecilia is an outstanding dancer, and shows off her vocal chops in the aforementioned duet, "About A Quarter To Nine," as well as "Lullaby of Broadway."

Principal Cast and Roles

The outstanding cast excelled in their ensemble singing, and were extraordinary in their energetic and perfectly synchronized tap dancing. Below are the principal performers who brought this story to life:

Role	Performer
Julian Marsh	Rich Allegretto
Dorothy Brock	Rachel York
Peggy Sawyer	Mara Cecilia
Andy Lee	Charley Borden
Anytime Annie	Scarlett Brunson
Maggie Jones	Beth Martin Pierce
Bert Barry	Harold "Jerry" Walker
Abner Dillon	Jack F. Agnew
Pat Denning	Paul Reynolds

Performance Schedule

This is the final weekend for "42nd Street," with performances Thursday at 2:00, Friday and Saturday at 7:30, and Sunday at 2:00.