Riverside Theatre to Stage a Classic

Riverside Theatre will continue its fiftieth anniversary season with the musical spectacular, 42^nd Street, coming to the Stark Stage April 11-30.

Set in 1933 during the height of the Great Depression, 42^nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer who comes to the big city to audition for a new Broadway musical. Unfortunately, she arrives after the auditions have ended. Luckily, she catches the eye of famous director Julian Marsh and he casts Peggy as a chorus girl. When the star of the show breaks her ankle on opening night, Peggy is unexpectedly pushed center stage and not only saves the show, but becomes a big star.

Originally based on the 1933 film directed by Lloyd Bacon and featuring the elaborate choreography by Busby Berkeley, the 1980 Broadway production was a hit and ran for 3,486 performances. 42^nd Street was the final show directed by Gower Champion, who died on opening night, and the final show was produced by Broadway impresario David Merrick. The positive and uplifting story make it the perfect show for any time. The original production, starring Jerry Orbach and Lee Roy Reams, won the Tony Award for Best Musical, among other awards. A 1984 production in London’s West End won the Olivier Award for Best Musical, and a 2001 revival on Broadway won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.

Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (772) 231-6990 or online. Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and matinees on Wednesdays, select Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2 p.m.