Regional Reviews: Connecticut And The Berkshires | 42nd Street, Sharon Playhouse

FROM TALKIN BROADWAY

By: Zander Opper

More than a bit of Broadway pizzazz has found its way to Sharon Playhouse, where their exciting, tap-happy production of 42nd Street is currently playing. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren, and lyrics by Al Dubin (additional lyrics by Johnny Mercer and Mort Dixon), this musical is certainly a perennial for regional theatre companies, but there is something extra special about this staging. Featuring a group of triple-threat performers and endowed with an attractive look and smooth style, this production is a pleasure throughout.

The chief hero of this endeavor has to be director Carl Andress, who has done a sterling job staging this show and bringing outstanding performances from his cast. Choreographer Amy Van Norstrand also works wonders on the relatively small stage at Sharon Playhouse. Everything feels newly minted and, even if you have seen more than few productions of this musical, there are still surprises to be found here.