The production is directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Revival.
The tour stars Matthew J. Taylor as director Julian Marsh, Kaitlin Lawrence as Broadway leading lady Dorothy Brock and Caitlin Ehlinger as newcomer Peggy Sawyer. Also featured are Britte Steele (Maggie Jones), Steven Bidwell (Bert Barry), Mark Fishback (Abner Dillon), DJ Canaday (Pat Denning), Blake Stadnik (Billy Lawlor), Natalia Lepore Hagan (Annie), Carlos Morales (Mac/Doc/Thug), Lamont Brown (Andy Lee), Rob Ouellette (Oscar), Vanessa Mitchell (Lorraine), Sarah Fagan (Diane) and Mallory Nolting (Phyllis).
The ensemble comprises Matthew Alexander, Emily Blake Anderson, Brittany Bigelow, Allison Blanchard, Molly Jean Blodgett, Stephanie Brooks, Taylore Burke, Mitchell Canfield, Joel Chambers, Kahlia Davis, Tricia DeSario, Lucia Foster, Kelly Gleason, Patrick Heffernan, Tommy Joscelyn, Brady Miller, Mandy Modic, Georgina Moore, Courtney Moran, Jocelyn Moss, Alicia Newcom, Tanner Outly and Michael Persson.
With book by Michael Stewart and Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, 42nd Street is based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie and tells the story of a "starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star," according to press notes.
The original stage adaptation of 42nd Street was produced on Broadway in 1980 by David Merrick and featured direction and dances by Gower Champion. It played for 3,486 performances, winning Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography. The Broadway revival, which opened in 2001, played 1,524 performances and earned two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. The production also has scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt (Act One, The Scottsboro Boys, Annie), costume design by Tony Award winner Roger Kirk (The King and I, 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar), lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington (Chicago, Annie, White Christmas) and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald (Movin’ Out, Will Rogers Follies, 42nd Street). Musical supervision is by Todd Ellison (American in Paris, La Cage Aux Folles, 42nd Street).
For tour route and more information, visit 42ndstmusical.com.
