Lower Years Bring Broadway Magic to King’s in 42nd Street

Our Lower Years pupils wowed audiences this week in a toe-tappingly terrific production of 42nd Street.

Following the fortunes of hopeful young chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, 42nd Street is a Broadway classic about the uplifting power of theatre – on and off the stage – and the passion and commitment needed to achieve any dream.

Our young cast and crew certainly experienced that uplifting power of theatre on and off stage themselves. The whole process has been characterised with unfailingly supportive camaraderie that has seen raw talent elevate to a whole new level and newcomers surprise themselves with just what is possible! That has been particularly true in this last week as the exceptional red weather warning caused an unexpected hiatus. Our team reassembled this week and quickly got their heads back in the game to entertain their audiences.

In the lead role of Peggy, Zara W shone with her powerhouse vocals and delicate characterisation of Peggy’s wide-eyed innocent ambition. Alongside her, Georgia L gave a fantastically mature performance as jaded Broadway star, Dorothy Brock. Often only on stage together at times of crisis – and in this story there are plenty! – it was a particular treat to hear them duet on A Quarter To Nine just before the impressive titular finale.

Overseeing the fictional production of Pretty Lady, Thea G was a commanding Julian Marsh, thoroughly convincing as a legendary Broadway director. Harriet P played Julian’s choreographer with real gusto, alongside a fabulous performance of stage manager, Mac, from Isy G – both totally convincing as the chaotic events unfolded around them. Jess K and Alice W made a terrific double act as Pretty Lady’s writers, Maggie and Bert, who kicked off several numbers with great assurance and brought wonderful energy to the storytelling.

Rosa M was a charming Billy Lawlor, Pretty Lady’s leading man, and the first to take note of Peggy’s charisma and talent. Rosa also brought her amazing dance skills to the show, leading the line and as the featured dancer in Shadow Waltz (beautifully designed by Mr Haynes and choreographed by Miss Lane). Sophie C and Ella B competed for Dorothy’s attentions as Pat Denning and Abner Dillon respectively, both interacting superbly with Georgia’s capricious characterisation.

At the heart of Pretty Lady is a chorus quartet who drive 42^nd Street’s musical numbers. Rose McD, Lily G, Liberty T-J and Shreya V threw themselves into these roles with impressive all-round skills from their sharp and sassy opening choreography to their delicious harmonies in numbers like We’re In The Money. In this, they were well-supported by chorus singers Suzie H and Lily Blue J. There were also delightful cameos from Tilly E as the doctor and Cameron H-T and Jamie McK-M as the thugs!

The performances looked stunning on Mr Haynes’s dreamlike stage: the sweeping white staircase and billowing silk swags a gorgeously nostalgic backdrop for some clever scene-changing projections – a real Lullaby of Broadway. Meanwhile, Miss Smith’s costume designs absolutely popped with classy colour and 30s style! This was particularly true of the costumes for the dance numbers, enhancing Miss Lane’s stylistically brilliant choreography. The backstage crew were a professional and well-oiled machine with every cog turning smoothly. Special mention must go to Merri L, our sixth form mentor, who was the ‘on the book’ DSM. She kept supreme control throughout, calling the show with calm confidence and indefatigable humour – a true inspiration to our youngest designers and technicians learning their craft!

Whilst fulfilling the twin roles of Director and Musical Director certainly kept her busy, Mrs Parry couldn’t have chosen a better show on which to bow out after eleven years at King’s! The joy and pride on the faces of cast and crew as they ‘toasted out the show’ in the Green Room after closing night was a fitting end to a fabulous production.