The Fulton kicked off its current season in September with an amazing run of Treasure Island that set the bar pretty high for the rest of its productions. And I’m happy to say that its second show, 42nd Street, was equally as stunning and entertaining.
The classic musical follows small-town girl (well, technically not small town because she’s from Allentown) Peggy Sawyer in 1933 as she chases her dreams to perform on Broadway. She, of course, faces adversity from self-doubt, stage fright, and jealous co-stars as she fights to become a star, singing and dancing along the way.
42nd Street features some of the most well-known Broadway staples, like “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and (obviously) “Forty-Second Street,” and the Fulton does a fantastic job of bringing them to life in Lancaster with a top-notch cast and crew.
The musical is known for its tap numbers and the tap dancing in this show is phenomenal. Even if you don’t like musicals, you’ll be amazed at the fancy footwork throughout the show. Seriously, it looks like magic when the dancers move across the stage in their sequin-covered costumes.
I have to note that while the entire cast is fantastic, I was excited to see (and hear) Charis Leos back in Lancaster. She shined in last season’s production of The Irish….And How They Got That Way and her voice, charm, and wit dazzle in 42nd Street.
Overall, 42nd Street is the perfect musical: high-energy and quick moving with catchy songs, bright costumes, witty quips and LOTS of dancing. It’s slick but still silly, and I’ll even say a bit sexy. The closing number is all things soulful and sultry and the perfect way to end the show.
42nd Street runs through Dec. 30. Grab your tickets here.
Also: Fulton will be celebrating the holiday season with a month-long run of the beloved classic A Christmas Carol. Check it out!
A quick pro tip: grab a drink or dinner before the show at The Press Room right up the street. They’ll validate your parking in the Central Parking Garage so you don’t have to worry about parallel parking or finding a lot downtown. It’s a win-win!
