Overview
Synopsis
One of show business’s most classic and beloved tales, 42nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway.
Peggy arrives in New York City from her hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania, armed with her tap shoes and big dreams. Peggy’s talent catches the eye of legendary Broadway director Julian Marsh, who gives her a spot in the chorus of Pretty Lady, his newest show. Pretty Lady stars Dorothy Brock, the classic Broadway diva, who takes an instant dislike to the new girl in the cast. When Dorothy is injured during the show’s previews, Pretty Lady looks like it will have to close, unless a new girl talented enough to lead the show can be found — someone like Peggy Sawyer!
Peggy’s rise from showgirl to star is the stuff of show business dreams. 42nd Street is full of crowd-pleasing tap dances, popular musical theatre standards, and show-stopping ensemble production numbers.
Show Information
Context
The story of 42nd Street, has become a timeless classic in the history of American show business. The tale of Peggy Sawyer, a small-town girl who gets her big break on Broadway, was originally conceived in a novel of the same name by Bradford Ropes in 1932.
The story was quickly scooped up and adapted for film by Warner Brothers. The 1933 film, 42nd Street, was directed by Lloyd Bacon and choreographed by Busby Berkeley, one of the most popular choreographers of the day. It starred Ruby
to read the context for 42nd Street and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
It’s New York City, 1933. The big news for all performers in town: Julian Marsh, one of Broadway’s hottest producers and directors, is gearing up to stage his next big show (“Overture”).
At the 42nd Street Theatre, auditions for the chorus the new show, Pretty Lady, are underway. Andy Lee, the dance director, leads all the hopeful contenders through the steps while Oscar, the rehearsal pianist, plays and Billy Lawlor, the show’s young male lead, looks on (“Audition Number”).
to read the plot for 42nd Street and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
Showing 8 of 16 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in 42nd Street.
Showing 8 of 47 portrayals
Want to be featured on this page? Update your credits.
Songs
Act One
- “Overture & Opening Act One (‘We’re In the Money’, ‘Dames,’ ‘Lullaby of Broadway,’ “42nd Street’)” - Orchestra
- *“Audition Number” - Chorus
- “Young and Healthy” - Peggy, Billy
- *“Shadow Waltz” - Maggie, Dorothy, Girls
- *“Go Into Your Dance” - Maggie, Peggy, Annie, Phyllis, Lorraine, Andy
- *“You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me” - Dorothy
- “Getting Out of Town” - Maggie, Bert, Pat, Chorus
- “Dames” - Billy, Chorus
- “I Know Now” - Dorothy, Billy, Chorus
- *“We’re In the Money” - Annie, Phyllis, Lorraine, Peggy, Billy, Chorus
- *“Finale Act One: 42nd Street” - Dorothy
Act Two
- “Entr’acte” - Orchestra
- “There’s a Sunny Side to Ev’ry Situation” - Annie, Chorus
- “Lullaby of Broadway” - Julian, Billy, Andy, Bert, Annie, Phyllis, Lorraine, Gladys, Maggie, Abner, Chorus
- “About a Quarter to Nine" - Dorothy, Peggy
- “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” - Bert, Maggie, Annie, Girls
- *“42nd Street” - Peggy, Dancers
- “Finale Act Two: 42nd Street” - Julian
- “Bows (‘Dames,’ ‘Lullaby of Broadway’) - Ensemble
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
The art of designing and arranging movement sequences for theatrical dance and physical storytelling.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
Videos
Quizzes
Guide Written By:
