42nd Street at Wolftrap

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/20/09 at 7:52am

I went out to Wolftrap in Vienna, Virginia last night to see Theatre Under the Stars production of 42nd Street. The weather was absolutely gorgeous which made the evening in this outdoor venue even more enjoyable.

Much to my disappointment, this production was based on the original 1980 production as opposed to the 2001 revival. I preferred the additions of, "Keep Young and Beautiful" and the finale of the 2001 revival. They did use some of the costumes from the 2001 revival though. They also cut, "Sunny Side to Every Situation" at the beginning of Act 2 (as well as my only line from the show when I was in a production of it in 1987).

The opening audition number was wonderful. In terms of the tapping, it was the best ensemble number of the show. For some reason, this opening number has never failed to bring tears to my eyes.

As I had never seen Loretta Swit on stage before, I thought she was very good and her singing voice surprised me. She definitely captured the essence of Dorothy Brock.

Shannon O'Bryan was also good as Peggy Sawyer. Her tapping was excellent and very clean. She also had a very nice singing voice.

Steven Blanchard was a fine Julian Marsh, as was Austin Miller (yes, from Grease, You're the One that I Want) as Billy Lawlor.

The reason why I preferred the revival was because of the finale. The original finale is kind of lackluster in comparison to the other tap numbers in the show, and to the glorious staircase sequence in the 2001 revival. Overall this finale kind of lacked excitement. Though nothing could beat the final tableau in the number "Dames" in the original 1980 production.

All in all, tt was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening and made me wish that Wolftrap had more musical offerings.

[rjjn]

Posted: 7/20/09 at 10:08am

Where did you sit for the performance? I've always had bad experiences with musicals at Wolftrap, but it might be because I was too far away?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/20/09 at 10:26am

rjnn, I was in the rear loge and the sight lines and sound were fine. Normally I would have liked to sit closer, but they weren't offering any discounts (surprising since there were a lot of empty seats upstairs).

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 7/20/09 at 11:13am

I wish I could see this. I was monitoring some auditions at Chelsea Studios when they were starting rehearsals and just hearing the ensemble working on music was enough for me. Plus, Loretta Swit seemed like a very nice woman, even chatting, albeit briefly, with me in the hall while she was on a break.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/20/09 at 11:16am

I think they're off to The Fox Theatre in Atlanta now. They only played 5 performances at Wolftrap.