42nd STREET: What's the Best Role?

[americanboy99]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:29pm

In your opinion, what is the best role in 42nd STREET?

Is it Dorothy Brock with her one act of sheer diva stardom?

Peggy Sawyer with her sweet Allentown sentiment?

Julian Marsh with his temperamental attitude and one showstopping song?

Billy Lawlor with his many hummable songs, toe-tapping dance numbers, and pretty boy sentiment?

Anne Reilly with her "tapping up a storm" dance numbers?

or

Maggie Jones with her "Betty Comden" personality and comedic dialogue?

Updated On: 3/31/07 at 05:29 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:33pm

Either one of the 3 leads: Marsh, Sawyer, or Brock.

[Joelbeans]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:35pm

It's between Dorothy and Peggy in my opinion. I directed the show last summer, and people kept telling me that Dorothy was the lead, when I kept telling them that Peggy was the lead. Who did the story revolve around? It was sort of Dorothy, and granted she has a crapload of songs to sing, I just still think that it is Peggy, who undergoes a huge change throughout the show. But that is just my opinion, I would be interested to see what other people think.

[americanboy99]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:40pm

Well, the first act is Dorothy's.

The second act is shared by Peggy and Julian.

So, to me, this says Dorothy is the lead.

But she is only onstage for about 7 minutes in act two.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:42pm

If played correctly, Dorothy Brock and Maggie Jones.
Updated On: 3/31/07 at 05:42 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:44pm

Not to be picky, but it's Maggie Jones, no?

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:50pm

^ Oh, sorry! I just copied and past cause I'm lazy.

[americanboy99]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:51pm

WOOPS! I changed it. Jones... Smith... Such regular common names!

[soapguy17]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:51pm

I have to Julian, but I'm a little biased because it's a dream-role of mine.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:53pm

Actually, while we're on the topic, I was lucky enough to see the revival with Mary Testa and Christine Ebersole and I was wondering how different that production was from the original.

[Josephine2]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:42pm

It all depends on the performer's strengths. If you're more of a comedian, character type, then Maggie Jones is a fantastice role. If you are a sweet-looking tap dancer with a great belt, then Peggy Sawyer is the role to play. As far as Anytime Annie, she really doesn't tap that much. She has a feature in "Go Into Your Dance" and she has "Shuffle Off to Buffalo." Aside from the Opening Number, Annie traditionally does not dance beyond that. It's more a featured role than a lead.

[gumbo2]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:45pm

I'd have to say Peggy, I agree that the show revolves around her.

In the production I was in, Maggie stole the show every night, but I actually don't think that's the "best" role.

And of course, the true star of the show is the ensemble, with all that dancing and performance numbers up the wazoo.

[HOUFlip04]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 7:12pm

Darn! Someone beat me to it. Yes, I agree, the ensemble is the best role in the show. The ensemble are the hardest working people in the show.

I've done the show with the original choreography choreographed by one of the original broadway cast memebers - so I know first hand. If you are not onstage, you are backstage changing into another costume.

[americanboy99]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 9:44pm

Anyone?

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 10:17pm

"I directed the show last summer, and people kept telling me that Dorothy was the lead, when I kept telling them that Peggy was the lead."

Well, to answer your question, Dorothy is the lead. According to the Tony Award nominators, at least. In 2001, Christine was nominated for Best Actress while Kate Levering (Peggy) was nominated for best FEATURED actress. They are both leads, but Dorothy is the bigger lead.

She does have more songs to sing. Peggy doesn't really sing a lot except in "Young and Healthy," some of "42nd Street" and a duet with Dorothy.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/tonyawardsyear.cfm?year=2001

american: By the way, a bunch of people gave you their "opinion" which is what you asked for, I don't know why you said "Anyone?" as if no one answered you.

Updated On: 4/1/07 at 10:17 PM

[Katurian2]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 10:22pm

Just because of the obvious musical history behind the character, I love Maggie. But...Marsh is my ultimate favorite; especially when given the backstory that the movie provided. (About the illness and all)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 10:26pm

They don't really convey the fact that he's nuts in the show, do they?

[Katurian2]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 10:35pm

No! When I saw the movie version after performing as Peggy in the show, I was floored by the amount of exposition that was not provided in the stage version. The movie version made "Pretty Lady" so much more meaningful and interesting to see unfold. I don't understand why the whole Julian crazy/sickness plotline was cut out. It was my favorite part of the movie.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 10:47pm

I saw the movie once - years ago - and very well remember them saying that he's returning having recently had a nervous breakdown.

I figured the end of the show - when he sings the chorus of 42nd Street solo - symbolized another kind of breakdown.

Granted, of course, I have no idea what I'm talking about, since I saw both so long ago.

[Josephine2]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 11:18pm

Amen to all of the recognition for the ensemble. "42nd Street" truly is an ensemble member's dream. When you're not on stage, your making a costume change so that you can return to the stage. There are so many wonderful "production numbers" in the show that make the ensemble integral to the plot.

[americanboy99]

Posted: 5/15/07 at 8:24pm

I was just saying "Anyone?" as a bump for the thread, rather than just "bump".

I am in a production of this show right now, and Julian Marsh gets the final bow.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 5/15/07 at 8:39pm

Weird. In the production I just did, Peggy and Billy took the final bow together, with Julian coming just before with Dorothy.

Updated On: 5/15/07 at 08:39 PM