Take a look at what is being said about Jonathan Church’s production of the classic musical, playing at Sadler’s Wells as part of its UK tour.
Broadway World: **** “Talking of beautiful effects, Bill Deamer’s choreography is dazzling and energetically performed by a talented cast. Though still full of the expected tap numbers, the show’s repertoire is fleshed out with a number of other dance styles during different songs; a masterful array of steps is set to the music of Harry Warren, whose compositions (with lyrics by Al Dubin) are familiar favourites to musical theatre fans everywhere. With routines like these, it’s apt that the tour has stopped off for this run at London’s dance-centric Sadler’s Wells.”
The Guardian: **** “42nd Street is a frivolous show, utter fantasy, that bounces along very nicely; a paean to showbiz and the restorative power of a strictly rehearsed song and dance number.”
Evening Standard: **** “There’s something about the sheer, silly exhilaration of tap that’s downright irresistible, particularly when marshalled into a formidable chorus line as it is by choreographer Bill Deamer here.”
The Telegraph: **** “If you want to feel the beat of the dancing feet, this production at Sadler’s Wells is the only show in town.”
Time Out: **** “But it’s Nicole-Lily Baisden as the wide-eyed Peggy Sawyer from the backwaters of Allentown, Pennsylvania, who deserves the most praise, not least for constant flawless hoofing throughout an almost three-hour long show. Her taut, tight tap routines make up for the fact that the cast isn’t quite large enough to fully fill the stage to the sharp new moves from designer-choreographers Bill Deamer and Rob Jones, even if the sight of a dozen dancers kicking it out to classics such as ‘We’re in the Money’ and a majestic finale of the title tune is never less than extremely joyful.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “42nd Street can be summed up as a dozen or so showstoppers in search of a show, but, when those showstoppers are laid on with as much piled-up pizzazz as here, audiences can be forgiven for not noticing other shortcomings.”
London Theatre1: **** “Bill Deamer’s choreography is a joy to witness, with the show rightly saving its best dancing for last, allowing the production to build to a rousing crescendo.”
The Arts Desk: ***** “Old show sparkles in astonishing new production that dazzles from first to last.”
The Stage: *** “Fun, whimsical revival of the classic tap-dancing backstage musical.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “The fact that this production is not as grandiose in scale helps accentuate the strength of Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble’s deceptively simple book, and the unforgettably hummable songbook by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, orchestrated by the great Larry Blank and brought to life by a dream of a cast. It makes for an experience not to be missed.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “Markedly different from the 2017 West End revival but still distinctively 42nd Street, this latest production breathes new life into the show with inspired choices. All production elements come together seamlessly and flawlessly to create a show as spectacular as ever. When you factor in the truly stunning cast, you have a show that is impossible to fault. This is up there with the greatest productions of 42nd Street and in some respects might be better than ever before. Absolutely perfect, this is musical theatre at its very best.”
The Upcoming: **** “This is an enjoyable, polished and visually stunning celebration of the theatre and what it can give to an audience. In 2023 we have become used to shows that go beyond the sparkles and incorporate human emotion and character development, and thus this return to escapism could feel a little hollow. 42nd Street is excellent in what it does, but we have perhaps reached an age where that isn’t enough.”
iNews: **** “The ebullient ensemble taps up an absolute storm in the show’s opening number, which is a terrific statement of intent from director Jonathan Church, who previously had great success with that other legendary show-within-a-show musical Singin’ in the Rain.”
British Theatre Guide: “All in all a great revival. And we get an encore. Don’t they want a rest? High energy in this hot weather must be admired—a talented bunch all round, cast, crew and creatives, not least choreographer Bill Deamer. I didn’t expect to be so captivated by such familiar fare. The dancing, like torrential rain, sweeps me away.”
Plays to See.com: ***** “The whole ensemble performed exceedingly well. The show scatters a dust of optimism for the young and dreamers. It has the hallmark of an old-fashioned musical, and while I must confess, I am not a big fan of musicals, the bright elements of this production, are enjoyable tonic.”
For more information about the tour and to book tickets visit: https://www.42ndstreettour.com/