42nd Street

42nd Street (1980), a musical comedy by Michael Stewart, Mark Bramble (book), Harry Warren (music), Al Dubin (lyrics). [ Winter Garden Theatre, 3,486 perf.; Tony Award.] Julian March (Jerry Orbach), the harassed, sardonic director of a new musical, is having no end of trouble with his impossibly difficult leading lady, Dorothy Brock (Tammy Grimes). When Dorothy breaks her ankle he pushes young, aspiring Peggy Sawyer (Wanda Richert) into the lead and she becomes a star overnight. Notable songs: About a Quarter to Nine; 42nd Street; Lullaby of Broadway; Shuffle Off to Buffalo; You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me. Reversing the usual trend, this lavish David Merrick production was the first hit show to be made from a movie musical. The plot came from the landmark 1933 film with Warren‐Dubin songs from other movie musicals added to fill out the score. To a public satiated with socially significant musicals, its harmless story, melodic songs, and colorful sets and costumes proved a tonic, although its biggest attraction was unquestionably the huge, happy tap routines devised by director‐choreographer Gower Champion, who died the day of the opening. A 2001 Broadway revival was less elaborate but popular all the same.