The Muny Opens New Season With '42ND ST.'

After torrential rains pounded the area, it looked like the Muny's opening night might be in jeopardy. But, a cool and dry evening prevailed, allowing everyone in attendance to enjoy a delightful staging of 42^nd Street. This "all talking, all singing, all dancing" extravaganza is precisely the kind of colorful and splashy entertainment that the Muny does so well.

This reboot of the 1933 film classic tells the tale of young hoofer named Peggy, who gets her big break in show business when the leading lady fractures her ankle. Naturally, she fills in after taking a crash course, and finishes the show in triumph, destined for stardom. It features the wonderful music and lyrics of Harry Warren and Al Dubin, respectively, whose tunes will be instantly familiar to any fan of the Great American Songbook, or the Looney Tunes cartoon series.

Shannon O'Bryan is simply terrific as Peggy Sawyer, the little girl from Allentown with dreams of Broadway success. She combines just the right mix of small town appeal with big city talent, showcasing superior tap skills and a big voice to carry numbers like the eponymous title song with ease. Todd Lattimore is also quite good as the vain, skirt-chasing tenor, Billy Lawlor. Lattimore's voice is exceptionally clear and sparkles during numbers like "Young and Healthy" and "Dames".

Dee Hoty projects the perfectly haughty and demanding air of an aging, self-consumed performer as Dorothy Brock, the leading lady who takes a tumble. A beautifully arranged version of "I Only Have Eyes for You" completely captivates under her guidance. But, the emotional anchor of this show is Robert Cuccioli, and he commands the stage with his forceful personality as struggling producer Julian Marsh. A highlight of the evening is his rendition of "Lullaby of Broadway", as he pleads with Peggy to come back and take the lead after he inadvertently fires her.

A bevy of talented support is led by: Bill Buell and Patti Mariano, pulling musical and comical hi-jinks as Bert and Maggie, the script writers of Pretty Lady, the show within the show; John Freimann as Abner Dillon, the diminutive backer of the show, who's wooing Miss Brock; James Anthony as Pat Denning, who's also wooing Miss Brock; Nikki Snelson as Annie, a high-spirited member of the chorus; and Matt Loehr as the show's choreograher.

Director Lee Roy Reams gives this production the glitz and glamor it deserves. He's aided by Kelli Barclay's effective recreations of Gower Champion's original choreography, and the brilliant musical direction of Michael Horsley. Steve Gilliam contributes an art deco inspired scenic design that really conjures up the era in style.

This engaging and family-friendly production of 42^nd Street continues through June 21, 2009 at the Muny in Forest Park.

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