What: “42nd Street”
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday and Tuesday through Nov. 15, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 8 p.m. Nov. 16
Where: University Theatre
Cost: $12 for students, $14 for senior citizens, $17 for faculty and staff and $18 for the general public
Departing from the darker themes of many other shows this season, “42nd Street” depicts the world of show business in a story of romance, confusion and opportunity.
During the Great Depression, the frustrations of the economic downturn had a profound effect on the world of theatre. “42nd Street” focuses on the struggles of finding opportunities and keeping up with the demands of show business.
“The Great Depression was a great setback for show business, and putting on a show was a big risk,” said Nic Eastlund, a senior musical theatre major who plays the part of director Julian Marsh.
Up-and-coming actress Peggy Sawyer, played by junior musical theatre major Shelby Putlak, comes from a small town with big Broadway dreams. She becomes a chorus girl in Marsh’s production of “Pretty Lady,” and this begins her journey through the world of show business.
“Peggy is very naïve, but excited and starry eyed,” Putlak said. “She just wanted to sing and dance and get herself into the Broadway business. It’s about why we do theatre, why people come to the theatre and why it has such a magical reputation.”
Renée Jackson, a senior musical theatre major, plays the leading role Dorothy Brock.
“She is a confident, glamorized woman who knows what she wants and how to get it, and when she walks into a room, all eyes are on her,” Jackson said. “She is classy and regal, and she practically coos when she speaks.”
In this production of the show, Brock experiences challenges atypical to most renditions. Since the character is normally played by a white woman, having an African-American woman as the leading lady explores the difficulties African Americans faced during this era as they tried to make names for themselves on Broadway.
This created an opportunity for Jackson to relate to her character.
“In today’s market, ethnicity is desired, [but] there are still a limited number of roles, so it’s not an equal playing field,” she said. “It can be a struggle to find pieces which portray us in the 21st century.”
Andy Ring, a sophomore dancing major, plays the part of Andy Lee, the dance director for “Pretty Lady.” Ring has grown up dancing, and he teaches and choreographs for a competition studio in Carmel, Ind.
Because of this connection, Ring said he found it easy to relate to his character. However, this show has been a challenge for him since it is his first time combining singing, acting and dancing.
“This experience has taken me out of my box, and I’ve grown tremendously as a performer,” he said.
Music is another major feature of the story. This show features songs such as “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”
Bill Jenkins, chairman of the Department of Theatre and Dance, is directing the show.
“This play showcases the immense talents it takes to do what we ask our students to do on a regular basis,” he said. “We have an inside edge for this show since we know the world of show business better than anyone else.”
Jenkins said this is one of the biggest shows the department has ever done with a cast and crew of more than 100 people.
He said this is a family show that would be appropriate for audience members of all ages.
“Theatre, art, dance and music are an opportunity for people to escape from the world and be moved to smile, laugh, cry — this show does that in exciting ways,” Jenkins said.
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