Dueling ‘42nd Street’ revivals vie for a place on Broadway
CALL it the battle of those dancing feet: Two acclaimed productions of “42nd Street” may soon go tap-to-tap for a shot at Broadway.
The splashy revival that just ended at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane won raves from everyone, including the Duchess of Cambridge. At least, Kate
Middleton seemed to have a jolly time in the Royal Box on opening night.
Overseeing this “42nd Street” were two men who were involved in the Tonywinning 1980 production: director Mark Bram
ble, who co-wrote the script with Michael Stewart, and choreographer Randy Skinner, who assisted the great Gower Champion. The cast of 43 was led by Sheena Easton who, after her ’80s hit “Morning Train” and this show’s “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” seems to have cornered the market on songs set on railroad tracks.
After reading the Telegraph’s assessment ( “achingly beautiful revival”), I thought I’d be announcing a Broadway date for next season. But as fast as you can say “We’re in the Money,” out comes another production, which Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones tells me is the best he’s ever seen.
Oddly, it’s also playing the Drury Lane Theatre, only this one is in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. Director Michael Heitzman has given this “42nd Street” a contemporary spin. Harry Warren and Al Dubin’s 1930s score has been infused with funk, jazz, percussion, a little hip-hop and some rock ’n’ roll, while the dancing is a slick combo of Busby Berkeley and Savion Glover.
“I’ve always loved the show,” Heitzman tells me, “but I wanted to take a new look at it. I’m trying to respect the past but give it a modern night, blends traditional tap with street jazz.
Broadway producers who saw the Tribune’s rave this week are headed to Chicago to check out the show.
But the power here is Bramble, since he controls a big percentage of “42nd Street.” He’s planning to fly to Chicago in a few weeks to see Heitzman’s version.
“I hear it’s great,” he told me in an e-mail. “Wouldn’t it be swell to have a new interpretation?”