42nd Street

Gosford Musical Society is back. The iconic Central Coast institution has staged its first production since 2020 with the classic and beloved 42nd Street, and it does not disappoint.

42nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway, through elaborate musical numbers with a full dance troupe and exceptional singers. 

From the opening strains of the Overture, the audience expressed their delight to be immersed in live theatre once again. The applause intensified as the curtain rose on the incredible opening tap-dancing audition. The energy coming from the stage grabs you from the start and doesn’t let you go until you find yourself joining in with the standing ovation during the curtain call. 

Under the expert direction of Chip Gracia, the vision of highly experienced choreographer and original Tap Dog Darren Disney, and the talents of musical director Lindsay Kaul, the cast and crew of 42^nd Street have crafted a highly enjoyable and memorable theatre experience. 

Lead performers Callum Hayes, Emerson Goodenough and Maddi Xuereb invite the audience into the journey of their characters’ plight as they interweave musical prowess with acting sensitivity, delivering an engaging and honest performance.

In his first principal role with GMS, Callum Beggs plays the confident young Billy Lawlor perfectly and lights up each scene he is in. The classic “We’re in The Money” features Beggs as the lead dancer and it is clear by his performance and expertise he has been tapping since he could walk. Supporting actors Sam Powell and Marc Calwell portray the lovable Bert and Maggie and bring a splash of colour and comedy to the show.  

The high-quality craftsmanship of the set and wardrobe design are brilliantly utilised to transport the audience to depression era New York. The ensemble cast wonderfully support the main storyline and the use of a live piano on stage during “rehearsal” scenes adds another layer for the audience to feel as though they are part of the narrative. 

42^nd Street by Gosford Musical Society is a high energy dance spectacular with a first-class orchestra, gifted vocalists, talented actors and masterful artistic direction. From beginning to end you won’t want it to end. You may even find yourself itching to sing and dance afterward.

Erica Davis