42nd Street, musical play
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42nd Street, musical play
- Date: 1933
- Composer: Harry Warren
- Period: Modern (1910-1949)
Review
The idea of adapting the 1933 musical film 42nd Street into a stage musical, which would premiere in 1980, originated with Michael Stewart, whose Broadway credits included composing the books for Bye, Bye, Birdie (1960) and Hello, Dolly (1964), both becoming successful shows. First of all, Stewart acquired the rights of the original screenplay, as well as the novel which preceded it, which were both written by Bradford Ropes. Next, Stewart needed to find a producer that would be willing to provide the finances necessary to stage the show. He approached David Merrick, who had been out of the Broadway business for five years, after a great amount of success. The quirky producer agreed, though, and further action was taken to create the stage musical version of 42nd Street.Gower Champion, who had previously directed Bye, Bye, Birdie and Hello, Dolly, was brought in to serve as director and choreographer. Also, Mark Bramble was hired by Stewart to assist with the creation of the book. As for the musical numbers, four songs were taken from the 1933 musical film, with lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Harry Warren. The remaining nine songs were taken from other movie musicals with music by Warren of the same generation. Some of the lyrics from these nine songs were by Dubin, while the others were separately written by Johnny Mercer and Mort Dixon.
The story of the 1980 version is closely modeled after its previous renditions. A new musical, called "Pretty Girl," is to be directed by the famous Julian Marsh, in which Dorothy Brock, an aging star, will be featured. After she is injured, Peggy Sawyer, a young girl, replaces her and becomes a star herself. Opening night for the actual musical, 42nd Street, was delayed a number of times by Merrick, who claimed that God would inform him of the proper day to present the show. It finally opened on August 25, 1980, at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York. Jerry Orbach played the producer, while Tammy Grimes turned in a great performance as the over-the-hill actress. The part of the debutante was portrayed by Wanda Richert. The show was a immediate hit, as the audience was thrilled by the performers, as well as Champion's superb choreography. After 14 curtain calls, Merrick stepped in front of the audience, and motioned for their silence. He began with "This is a tragic moment." Some thought that he was simply being sarcastic and laughed. He went on to sadly say "You don't understand. Gower Champion died this afternoon." Merrick then broke into tears, as did the entire cast and most of the audience, just before Orbach ordered for the lowering of the curtain. Whether or not Merrick intended the announcement to act partly as publicity, it did. People turned out in great numbers to witness Champion's last musical. 42nd Street would stay on Broadway for 3,486 performances over nearly nine years, making it the most successful show of the 1980s. ~ Chris Boyes, Rovi
Albums with Complete Performances of the Work
| Title | Date |
| 42nd Street | 1981 |
| 42nd Street (New Broadway Cast Recording) | 2001 |
| The Sound of Music: The Best of Broadway | 2002 |
Albums with Excerpt Performances of the Work
| 42nd Street Rondo | |
| 43° North - a tango, for piano |
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