42nd Street at Goodspeed — Page 2

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "I am once again curious of these supposed changes to the book/score. Anyone seen it who knows the show well?"

I had been wondering that as well, but based on one of the articles someone posted in this thread, it doesn’t look like any actual changes have been made. Max Von Essen is still evidently saying the same sexist, abusive stuff Julian Marsh has always said, but he says it all very sweetly, and he’s so handsome and charming he gets away with it I guess? Haha. Seriously though, I showed the London production on BroadwayHD to my students last year. I hadn’t seen it in twenty years and was shocked by how gross the character comes across in 2022. It seems almost unproductable now, especially since no one under the age of 70 has any basis of reference for the time period and that style of musical theater. It is just so dated.

I saw a production which made the (probably illegal but very interesting) decision to cast and play it as Julia Marsh, a just barely closeted lesbian. I don’t believe a single line was altered beyond pronouns but the whole subtext of the show became that Marsh saw more than talent in Peggy, she saw someone like her. And it was very pointed that Peggy does not go off with the tenor lead at the end of the show; the finale encore of “42nd Street” became less about the seamy side of show business and more about recognizing a path Marsh had been down herself.

ren598: I drove down from Boston to check this out (evening show) along with Fun Home (matinee show) at the TheaterWorks Hartford with Aaron Lazar and Christiane Noll. I'm glad I did as both productions were phenomenal. This show in particular was probably the best thing I've seen at Goodspeed. Considering the small stage, I think they did a great job of making this work. And the cast was just amazing led by Kate Baldwin and Max von Essen. You should definitely check both out if you can.

So happy to hear your feedback. I also booked Fun Home for my trip to Connecticut at the end of the month. Excited that I will be seeing two Tesori musicals this Fall.

What a lovely weekend taking in the Connecticut Fall foliage and getting to experience the 42nd Street extravaganza. What a production! Max von Essen, Kate Baldwin, Carina-Kay Louchiey, Eloise Kropp were outstanding. Definitely one of the best Goodspeed shows I have ever seen. I wish they would extend so I could see it again. Get this on your calendar if you can find a ticket.
Scenic, projection, lighting and costume design A++.

Also recommend Fun Home at Theaterworks Hartford with Aaron Lazar and Christiane Noll. Julia Nightingale (Medium Allison) stole and broke my heart. Lovely space.