42nd Street

Perth and Peel are having somewhat of a theme in musicals at the moment, with four shows opening in November that are “musicals about musicals”. Following on the heels of The Drowsy Chaperone, Curtains and [title of show], comes the ultimate backstage musical, 42nd Street, currently enjoying a fully sold-out season at Wanneroo Repertory Club’s Limelight Theatre.

Directed and choreographed by professional director/choreographer Drew Anthony, who is a former world tap dance champion, it is perhaps not surprising that the hoofing in this show is very good, with large scale tap numbers dominating this production.

The show looks great, with the bare stage setting nicely realised, and impressive costume design from Katie Williams evoking the 1930s very well.

Much of the success of this production is due to strong performances in the central roles. Leading lady of 42nd Street, Peggy Sawyer is played with naivety, innocence and epic dancing by Aleisha Archer in a beautiful performance that anchors the show well. Leading lady of musical within the musical Pretty Lady is played with power, presence and gorgeous voice by Rachel Monamy - a worthy adversary who has lovely character quirks. David Wallace is excellent as producer Julian Marsh, with his final solo, a highlight of the show.

Kyan Matthews, still at high school, belies his youth to play a believable ‘juvenile lead’ as Billy Lawler, while Sarah McCabe and Alex Graciano give credence to professional performers and writers Maggie Jones and Bert Barry, with Jamie Rolton demanding attention as choreographer Andy Lee – nicely acted with stunning dance skills.

Beautifully contrasting performances from love rivals Ron Arthurs as brash cowboy Abner Dillon and Adam Perryman as the gentle Pat Denning. Supportive chorines and Peggy’s pals Annie, Phyllis and Lorraine are played (and danced) very nicely by Natasha Cove, Alysha Cheetham Taylor and Retha Agenbach.

Musical director Maddison Moulin has ensured that the cast can be heard and understood despite heavy dance requirements and the cast perform to good quality tracks.