The classic musical 42nd Street is set to open at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s West End next year, delighting fans of the iconic musical which has not been seen for some time. Popular with amateur dramatic companies, the musical follows the lives of performers as they struggle to make their names on Broadway. When the show opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, it will feature a cast of 50.
The show, which has a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music from Harry Warren and lyrics from Al Dubin, is an adaptation of the 1932 novel and the 1933 film. Its songs within the musical include “We’re In The Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Shuffle Off To Buffalo”, and many more classic hits which audiences know and love. In 1981, the original Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and it is thought that this London production will achieve the same kind of success.
Previews of the revival will begin on 20 March 2017, and the production will be directed by Bramble, who has previously directed Barnum, Treasure Island and The Three Musketeers. The show follows the announcement that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will come to the end of its run at Drury Lane, and head out on a UK tour and Broadway run following its success in the UK capital. For 42nd Street, the creative team believe the theme of the show speaks louder today than ever before: follow your dreams and with talent and hard work they can come true.
The original production of 42nd Street was similar in look to a Warner Brothers black and white film. This time the team is focused on creating an MGM Technicolor version of the musical with additional songs and dances.