Performance Now Theatre Company: 4/10 – 4/26

     Performance Now’s production of “42^nd Street” is a thoroughly entertaining show full of the requisite high-energy tap dancing and singing that everyone expects at a viewing of this old chestnut.

     Director Bernie Cardell has cast the key roles with superb actors! Keegan Flaugh (John in Vintage Theatre’s “Miss Saigon” and Mack in their “Mack and Mabel”) is one of Denver’s finest musical theatre actors. Here Flaugh plays producer Julian Marsh with a strong stage presence and superb vocals.

     The incomparable Shahara Ray, who’s toured with “Les Miserables” and played everything from Grizabella in the German company of “Cats” to the Witch in Ignite Theatre’s “Into the Woods,” lights up the stage as Maggie.

     Lee Ann Scherlong plays aging diva Dorothy Brock with gusto. Her vocals are as great as one would expect from a lady who has music directed everything from “Titanic, the Musical” to “ My Fair Lady.”

     Andy Sievers (Billy Lawlor) does a great job with: “I’m Young and Healthy” and “I Only Have Eyes For You.”

     The real find though is Rachel Whyte who as Peggy Sawyer steps in to save the show when Diva Dorothy takes a dive just before opening. Ms. Whyte can dance and sing with the best of  ‘em and is perhaps the most acrobatic of all the actors this reviewer recalls seeing in this famous role.

    Andrew S. Bates has done a smashing job with the choreography of this toe-tapping extravaganza. The big numbers are well tapped by a cast of mostly young actors who really know how to hoof it.

     Ken Goodwin’s music direction of the orchestra in the pit is superb.

     This reviewer’s main complaint was wishing to see more of NYC’s colorful marquees “on the Avenue they’re takin’ you to…42^nd Street.”

The Lakewood Cultural Center is located at 470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO. 80226. For tickets call 303-987-7845 or go online at performancenow.orgMarlowe's Musings