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42nd Street 1980

Ages: 8+
Opened: August 25, 1980
Closing: January 08, 1989

42nd Street - 1980 Broadway History , Info & More


Come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway! 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square and the magic of show biz with wit, humor and pizzazz. At the height of the Great Depression, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star? The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me," "Dames," "We're In the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" and "Forty-Second Street."



42nd Street opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on August 25, 1980, starring Wanda Richert, Jerry Orbach, and Tammy Grimes. The production eventually moved to the Majestic and St. James Theatres, ultimately running for 3,486 performances. In 2001, the first Broadway revival of 42nd Street ran for 1,524 performances at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, starring Kate Levering, Michael Cumpsty, and Christine Ebersole.



The 1980 Broadway production won the Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography and it became a long-running hit. The show was also produced in London in 1984 (winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical) and its 2001 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Revival.


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GREAT WHITE WAY: RACE AND THE BROADWAY MUSICAL (2nd Ed.) Now Released
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2020


Broadway musicals are one of America's most beloved art forms and play to millions of people each year. But what do these shows, which are often thought to be just frothy entertainment, really have to say about our country and who we are as a nation?

Photo Coverage: Lee Roy Reams Celebrates 42nd Street on 54th Street
by Stephen Sorokoff - Oct 8, 2017


Besides being an extraordinary and illustrious Broadway actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and director Lee Roy Reams is one of the best raconteurs you could ever spend an evening with.

Art Students League of NY Host Panel on Art and Influence of Al Hirschfeld Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 29, 2015


Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire. Tonight, September 29, at 6:30PM, The Art Students League of New York (215 W 57th Street) will host a discussion on the art and influence of perhaps the most popular graphic artist of the 20th century.

Art Students League of NY to Host Panel on Art and Influence of Al Hirschfeld, 9/29
by BWW News Desk - Sep 21, 2015


Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire. On September 29, at 6:30PM, The Art Students League of New York (215 W 57th Street) will host a discussion on the art and influence of perhaps the most popular graphic artist of the 20th century.

Pittsburgh CLO's GYPSY Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 10, 2015


Join one-of-a-kind mother, Rose, and her two talented daughters as they search for fame in Pittsburgh CLO's production of GYPSY, tonight, July 10, through July 19 at the Benedum Center. This entertaining musical is complete with memorable performances, mother-daughter struggles and the hardships of show business life, all while set during the infamous vaudeville era.

New-York Historical Society Celebrates Al Hirschfeld with New Book, Out Today
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2015


Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire. This spring and summer, Hirschfeld is being celebrated with the publication of a new book and a major exhibition at the New-York Historical Society.

Pittsburgh CLO's GYPSY Opens 7/10
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 2, 2015


Join one-of-a-kind mother, Rose, and her two talented daughters as they search for fame in Pittsburgh CLO's production of GYPSY, July 10-19 at the Benedum Center. This entertaining musical is complete with memorable performances, mother-daughter struggles and the hardships of show business life, all while set during the infamous vaudeville era.

Pianist Dick Hyman to Salute Al Hirschfeld at 92Y, 6/10
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 3, 2015


Wednesday, June 10 at 8PM, 92Y presents Drawing Music - Hyman's Piano Meets Hirschfeld's Pen. Legendary pianist Dick Hyman will perform music inspired by Al Hirschfeld's magically inked images of Broadway shows and music stars, while a selection of these drawings is shown on stage. Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, president of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, and David Leopold, Creative Director of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, will discuss the life and work of this original and iconic artist, and the stories behind his drawings. Tickets for Drawing Music at 92nd Street Y (1395 Lexington Avenue, at 92nd Street) are $30. For tickets and information www.92Y.org or call (212) 415-5500. 

Photo Flash: Inside MEMORIES OF AL HIRSCHFELD Event with Harold Prince, Frank Rich & More
by Tyler Peterson - May 29, 2015


Thursday, May 28 at 6:30PM, The New-York Historical Society presented Memories of Al Hirschfeld, a special event featuring Al Hirschfeld Foundation President Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, Robert Osborne of The Hollywood Reporter and Turner Classic Movies, legendary Broadway producer and director Harold Prince, and Frank Rich of New York Magazine in discussion about the life and legacy of Al HIrschfeld through his art, career, and personal relationships. 

New-York Historical Society Celebrates Al Hirschfeld with New Exhibition, Opening Today
by BWW News Desk - May 22, 2015


Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire. This spring, Hirschfeld will be celebrated with the publication of a new book and a major exhibition at the New-York Historical Society.

Photo Coverage: New York Celebrates a Legend- Go Inside the Launch of THE HIRSCHFELD CENTURY Exhibit
by Walter McBride - May 21, 2015


Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire. This spring, Hirschfeld will be celebrated with the publication of a new book and a major exhibition at the New-York Historical Society. Just last night the New-York Historical Society celebrated the launch of The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld. the first major retrospective of Hirschfeld. Below, BroadwayWorld takes you inside the exhibit!

Photo Coverage: New-York Historical Society Celebrates Launch of THE HIRSCHFELD CENTURY
by Walter McBride - May 21, 2015


Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire.  This spring, Hirschfeld will be celebrated with the publication of a new book and a major exhibition at the New-York Historical Society.  Just last night the New-York Historical Society celebrated the launch of The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld. the first major retrospective of Hirschfeld. Below, check out photos from insode the special cocktail party!

New-York Historical Society to Celebrate Al Hirschfeld with New Exhibition, Book
by BWW News Desk - Apr 14, 2015


Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire. This spring, Hirschfeld will be celebrated with the publication of a new book and a major exhibition at the New-York Historical Society.

Robin Wagner, Lewis Brown, et al. Win TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards
by BWW News Desk - Apr 8, 2011


Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award

Robin Wagner, Lewis Brown, et al. Win TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 22, 2011


Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award

Tharon Musser, Legendary Lighting Designer, Dead at 84
by Eddie Varley - Apr 19, 2009


Tharon Musser was universally considered the 'Dean of American Lighting Designers'. She graduated from Berea College in 1946 and attended Yale University before moving to New York City to begin her career. Her first Broadway lighting work was Jose Quintero's staging of Eugene O'Neill's Long Days Journey into Night (1956) at the original Helen Hayes Theatre.

FRONT ROW CENTRE weekly radio show
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - Oct 18, 2006


FRONT ROW CENTRE, a weekly program featuring original cast performances of Broadway's greatest hits returns to the Toronto airwaves starting Sunday November 12.

42nd Street History

Other Productions of 42nd Street

1980   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1983   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1984   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1984   West End London Production
West End
1991   West End Return Engagement [West End]
West End
2001   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2002   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2006   Pittsburgh, PA (Regional) Pittsburgh CLO Revival
Pittsburgh, PA (Regional)
2015   US Tour Non-Equity National Tour
US Tour
2017   West End West End Revival
West End
2020   Chicago Lyric Opera of Chicago Production
Chicago

42nd Street - 1980 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1980 Tony Awards Best Musical David Merrick

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