Classic Musical ‘42nd Street’ Scheduled for Eisenhower Auditorium

UNIVERSITY PARK — The backstage musical comedy classic “42nd Street” takes the stage at Penn State’s Eisenhower Auditorium with a new production at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.

“42nd Street” is the tap dance extravaganza that is essentially Broadway’s “reality show,” filled with backstage drama centered around the American dream of becoming a star. Musically, it includes some of the most notable standards ever written, including “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes for You” and, of course, “42nd Street.”

Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, “42nd Street” tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a starry-eyed young dancer who leaves her quiet Allentown home for New York City to audition for the new Broadway musical “Pretty Lady.” When the legendary leading lady breaks her ankle, underdog Peggy takes over and, against all odds, becomes a star.

With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, this new production utilizes direction by Bramble and choreography by Randy Skinner, the team that staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival.

The original production of “42nd Street” was produced in 1980 on Broadway by David Merrick and featured direction and dances by Gower Champion. It played on Broadway for 3,486 performances, winning Tony Awards in 1981 for Best Musical and Best Choreography. The Broadway revival, which opened in 2001, played for 1,524 performances and earned two Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical.

For more information, visit cpa.psu.edu/events/42nd-street, or call (814) 863-0255.