As a slightly early 86th birthday celebration David and I saw the matinee performance of 42nd Street at the Cadillac Palace this afternoon.
Talk about your tap dancing! Those people must have gone through several pairs of tap shoes just in this performance. One big number after another. One show-stopper after another. Too much? You bet!! Just right!
The show started life as a motion picture in 1933. I was only 3 years old at that point and we were in the height of the Great Depression, so I missed that one. It starred Ruby Keeler, Warner Baxter, Guy Kibbie, and Bebe Daniels.
In 1980 it was produced on Broadway and has had numerous stage productions since then. The Music and Lyrics are by Harry Rubin and Al Warren.
I saw it on Broadway in 2001.
Matthew J. TaylorIn today's performance it was just as lively and spectacular as it was in 1933. The cast was headed by Matthew J. Taylor, Kaitlin Lawrence, and Caitlin Ehlinger. They all had great 'Broadway' voices and Mr. Taylor has an amazing set of pipes!
Kaitlin LawrenceOne enormous production number after another, one fabulous costume change for the entire cast after another; one set of tired feet after another- I can only imagine.
Caitlin EhlingerConsidering what passes for 'Musical Theatre' on Broadway today, this takes the cake. One hit song after another. You could leave the theatre humming the tunes. You probably have heard most of them before you got there.
What a great way to spend an almost birthday afternoon in Chicago. If you are nearby, don't miss it!!
