Bob Jones Theatre is ‘in the money’ with ‘42nd Street”
MADISON – Do you want to be ‘in the money’ listening to a ‘lullaby of Broadway’? Just head down to “42nd Street” with Bob Jones Theatre’s spring musical.
Artistic Director Mary Davis will retire in May and wants her last musical to be a BIG one. “Full of flashy, fun production numbers, heavy on dance, with a ‘Golden Age’ feel. ‘42nd Street’ is that and more!” she said.
In addition, “42nd Street” offers many opportunities for several students to serve as leads and also allows spotlighting ensemble members throughout the show. Their show is produced with Special Arrangement through Tams, a Concord Theatricals Company.
The show’s famous songs will surprise the audience. “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway” and “42nd Street” are big ones, but so are songs like Frank Sinatra’s “Getting to Be a Habit With Me” and “I Only Have Eyes for You” made famous by The Flamingos and The Temptations.
The setting for “42nd Street” is New York City in 1933 during the Great Depression. During a Broadway musical’s rehearsals, an unknown actress is rising to stardom. Famous director Julian Marsh (played by senior James Cairns) is producing a new show, “Pretty Lady.” Marsh hires glamorous but temperamental star Dorothy Brock (sophomore Brynn Patterson), whose wealthy boyfriend is financing the production.
Meanwhile, talented young dancer Peggy Sawyer (senior Haley Clark) arrives in NYC with Broadway dreams. Male lead Billy Lawler (senior Jaxon McClanathan) and choreographer Andy (junior Julius Bone) cast Peggy into the ensemble of Marsh’s big show.
Unfortunately, Peggy accidentally bumps Dorothy, who falls and breaks her ankle on opening night. To avoid the show’s closing, Marsh gives Peggy the chance of a lifetime. Peggy ascends from unknown chorus girl to Broadway star in one performance, saving the show and becoming a sensation.
“This show celebrates the magic of Broadway and the idea that anyone with talent, hard work and a little luck can achieve their dreams,” Davis said.
“42nd Street” has a 60-member cast and 30 techies in the technical crew. Primary actors include sophomore Brynn Patterson (Dorothy Brock); senior James Cairns (Julian Marsh); senior Haley Clark (Peggy Sawyer); senior Jaxon Mc-Clanathan (Billy Lawler); junior Julius Bone (Andy); junior Cypress Bryce (Maggie); junior Ryan French (Bert); and senior Teagan Leo (Annie).
Dancing hasn’t intimidated the cast; they’re excited. “While ‘42nd Street’ is most famous for its four iconic tap numbers, there six huge jazz numbers as well,” Davis said. Another five numbers show off the cast’s gorgeous vocals.
“My choreographer, Nolen Gunner, and I have (observed) how strong this cast is with rhythm and dancing,” Davis said. During the last two summers, Bob Jones conducted tap class for musical theatre to prepare for “42nd Street.”
Along with Davis and Gunner, the production crew includes Jesse Tilton, Technical Director; Lizzy Erbach and Newt Johnson, Music Directors; Eva Bryce, Costume Designer; student Julius Bone, Dance Captain; and student Meg Magonigal, Stage Manager.
For her last musical, Davis claimed the motto, “Go BIG, and then, go home. “Jesse Tilton has made it his mission to build the biggest, most flashy and ‘extra’ set I’ve ever had,” Davis said. “With help of his awesome student technicians and wonderful parent volunteers, Mr. Tilton is building the iconic light-up staircase, a wall of mirrors coming from the rafters, an extended stage and more.”
“Between the gorgeous songs, high-energy dances and over 300 costumes — in combination with the incredible technical design, this is a show you do NOT want to miss!” Davis said.
Show times will be April 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7 p.m., along with April 18 and 25 at 2 and 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $12, students in grades K-12; $18, military and senior citizens; and $20, adults.
To buy reserved tickets, visit bobjonestheatre. ludus.com. Tickets also will be sold at the box office one hour before showtimes.
For more information, email bjhstheatre@gmail.com or visit @ bobjonestheatre on Facebook or Instagram.
“It has been an honor and a joy to bring fantastic musical theatre to the Bob Jones family and Madison City for the last 21 years. In those two decades, I have had the blessing of teaching thousands of children,” Davis said.
“As this is my very last show to direct at Bob Jones, I am hosting an ‘Alumni Reception’ between the matinee and evening performance on the last show day, April 25. It’s my hope that many, many, many of my former students will either come to the matinee and then the reception, or, will come to the reception and then stay for the evening performance,” Davis said.
“I would love the opportunity to hug students’ necks and thank them for being the reason I kept coming to the school, day after day and year after year. Loving students has always been the calling God placed on my heart, and I’ve been privileged to serve them as a teacher, director and mentor,” Davis said.
