The Cast Photo by Sarah Kozma

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.

Right after the rousing "Overture," the "Audition" is in full blast and the audience sees just how many terrific tap dancers are present. What's even nicer is that all of the leading actors are memorable, and they bring unique qualities to the host of characters and breathe welcome life into the cliches inherent in this show.

Of course, there is Julian Marsh, who is putting on a production of the musical within the musical, Pretty Lady. With a strong voice and an appropriately gruff manner, Michael F. McGuirk is ideal in this role and he especially shines in the second act "Lullaby of Broadway" number. Just as fine is the stunning Savannah Stevenson as the temperamental star Dorothy Brock. Stevenson has a gorgeous voice and she brings a surprising touch of warmth, which comes through the tough exterior. Leading the striking "Shadow Waltz," Stevenson dazzles, and she does even better with the yearning "I Only Have Eyes for You," which Dorothy sings alone in her dressing room.  This actress is also seen in the lovely second act duet, "About a Quarter to Nine," with Gabi Stapula as Peggy Sawyer, the chorine who becomes the star of a Broadway musical. Stapula wows the audience with some truly sensational tap dancing. She is also touching and you can't help rooting for her to succeed. The crowning moment is Stapula leading the title number, which is downright electrifying.

In other key roles, the wry Amy Wilson brings a nice touch of Ruth Gordon to the role of Maggie Jones. Ian Black is just right for the part of tenor Billy Lawlor and he shines vocally and also with his dancing shoes, especially in the raucous, full company "We're in the Money." In fact, the casting is great right down to the smallest role and this company sure taps up a storm!

Choreographer Amy Van Norstrand borrows some of the great steps from the original director/choreographer Gower Champion, before going off on her own to sizzling effect. The scenic design by Christopher Swader and Justin Swader lends a stylish look to the show and the costumes by Kathleen DeAngelis are period perfect. Wheeler Moon's lighting design is great and the masterful music director Eric Thomas Johnson leads the grand offstage orchestra brilliantly.

42nd Street at Sharon Playhouse demonstrates just how expertly structured the musical is itself. By the end of the show, so many sparks are flying from both the singing and the dancing that joy fills the theater. As the title number proclaims, "Come and meet those dancing feet," and it is highly recommended that you do just that to catch this production of 42nd Street at Sharon Playhouse before it is gone.

42nd Street runs through August 9, 2026, at Sharon Playhouse, 49 Amenia Road, Sharon CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.sharonplayhouse.org.