42nd Street - truly awful

[AngusN]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 9:45am

A friend of mine is directing a local production of 42nd Street and has asked me to come an audition for the role of Billy. Until yesterday I had never seen it or even heard the music from the show. SO, I downloaded the original cast recording and have listened to it a couple of times. It is dull! I really wanted to enjoy the show and looked forward to auditioning.
Can anyone sell the show to me? Why should I do it?

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 9:59am

If you don't enjoy the music, then don't audition. There's no point in doing a show with material you consider to be lousy. You should audition for a show you'll be happy doing. Maybe listen to it a few more times and try to warm up to it. That's what happened with me and Into the Woods. Personally, I love 42nd Street but it is totally your call. Again, don't audition for something that you will be unhappy being a part of. That's my advice.

[Unmasked05]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 10:01am

OKAY !!!!!!!!!!

First I own 2 recording of the show....the OBC and the 2001 Revival Cast...I prefer the 2001 Revival Cast.

42nd Street is a GREAT and Fun show. When I first heard the music I thought it was dull also but when I went to see the show I really liked it. You have to understand its a dance show so you really need to see it live. You'll have fun if you do the show and if your going to be playing Billy you'll really have a great time.

I think you should give it a try...I really suggest that you always try something even if you think its dull...cause right now your judging a book by its cover and if you miss out doing this show your going to be the only one thats going to be sorry.

SO GIVE IT A TRY.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 10:31am

yeah, when i first saw the show, i was like "wow, that was the worst show ive ever seen" (this was a few years ago when i saw the revival)
but then my family wanted to see it again, and the second time, i absolutely loved it! it is one of my favorite all time musicals!
so maybe listen to it a bit more.
but also, as matt said, if you dont like it, you probably shouldnt audition.
:P

[WiiCKED x3]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 10:51am

I'd just give it a try.

[Funny Face]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 11:17am

I don't agree. I think you should definitely audition. It will give you more experience and you'll probably have fun anyway. And it's community theater, it's not like you have anything to lose by doing it. Of all the shows I've been in, I probably really liked about three, but everytime the experience was amazing, just because of all the people I met and everything. Definitely go for it, chances are you'll have a good time despite the material, and if you don't, oh well. That's what lifes about.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 12:12pm

and remember, this movie was the Wicked of its time (1933) and was considered a revealtion (although even then they knew the story was hoary).

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 12:16pm

Its great, classic material. I'm sure if you audition and get cast, you will come to love it as you learn and perform it.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 12:26pm

It is one of my all-time favorite shows. Everytime I hear LULLABY OF BROADWAY, I get tears in my eyes and chills up my spine.

The revival cast sure puts the others to shame as far as I am concerned.

Listen to it a few more times, read about it, check out the revival cast.

Go for the audition. At the very least, you'll gain expierience and if you are cast, you'll come to love the show as so many do

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 12:40pm

Billy is also a highlight of the show. You get a great amount of stage time a couple of show stopping numbers and fabulous dancing.

Yes, this show doesn't have some awsome plot line. But you know what is so great about this peice. It is an easy way to get away from the world. When the movie was made in 1930 it was made as an easy way to get away from the depression. And today in our world of bombs and diseases and war this is exactly what is need. A light hearted musical that can take you away from the troubles of today.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 12:44pm

I adore this show beyond all words. The music is beyond catchy. I remember when my school put a production of this on, everyone (even those not involved with the show) was humming the songs. Especially "Lullaby of Broadway" and "Shuffle of the Buffalo". The dancing is amazing when propoerly done, and there is no better feeling than nailing that opening audition number.

[Christoph]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 7:40pm

I'd say give it a shot. There have been a number of Broadway shows that I felt were underwhelming when listening to the music, but was blown away by when I actually saw the show - and as such the music grew on me as I had such pleasant memories of the shows. Besides, I must say 42nd Street and Sweeney Todd were the first musicals I saw that truly made me want to become a theater addict.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 8/20/06 at 8:14pm

I saw the non-equity tour last year and it was horrible. It is an incredibly dull show. I think it has some life in it, with some great direction and great performances, I think it would work. The story is somewhat interesting, a little hokey, but the times have changed.