REVIEW: “42nd Street” At The Sharon Playhouse

FROM BERKSHIRE ON STAGE

By: Macey Levin

The show, directed by Sharon‘s artistic director Carl Andress, moves smoothly in the many transitions from acting scenes to the musical numbers.  The tempo throughout the entire show is buoyant.  Choreography by Amy Van Norstrand is breathtaking.  There are numbers which include upward of twenty dancers, all synchronized, energetic, sometimes performing  different but complementary routines at the same time.  It is interesting to note that at the age of nineteen Ms. Van Norstrand was in “42nd Street” when Sharon mounted the show in 2011.  Eric Thomas Johnson leads the full-sounding nine-piece orchestra stationed offstage. The costume design by Kathleen DeAngelis is a swirl of colors and styles that dazzles the eye. In fact, the entire show is a seamless coordinated creation incorporating, sound, light and design by a very talented behind the scenes crew.

This is a wonderful production with great staging, marvelous performances,  memorable songs, comedy, pathos, and a warm heart.  Sharon Playhouse continues to present stunning entertainment to keep its audience members, of all ages, cheering its approval.