Go See The Gateway's Tap Extravaganza “42nd Street"

With their latest polished-to-perfection production of “42nd Street,” The Gateway Playhouse once again proves that Bellport is the place to see Broadway-caliber shows right here on Long Island.

From the moment the curtain rose, revealing a glamorous chorus line of world-class tap dancers decked out in stunning costumes strutting their stuff, it was apparent why this Broadway musical received a Tony Award for Best Musical after its premiere in 1980. The 2001 Broadway production won the Tony for Best Revival.

Based on the 1932 “scandalous potboiler” novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 film adaptation, this jukebox musical has a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer, and music by Harry Warren. The original Broadway production, directed and choreographed by the theatrical visionary Gower Champion, turned out to be his “swan song.” Sadly, Champion passed away ten hours before the show opened. During the curtain call, Producer David Merrick announced the devastating news, much to the dismay of the shocked cast and audience.

Randy Skinner masterfully directs The Gateway’s current production, featuring the choreography from the original Broadway production recreated by Mary Giattino. Skinner worked directly under Champion and was largely responsible for the tap dance routines in the show. After Champion’s untimely death, Skinner stepped in to take over the choreography, ensuring the meticulous technical expertise of the famed director, choreographer, and dancer lived on.

“42nd Street” is a backstage musical that celebrates the magic and wonder of Broadway, utilizing the theatrical technique known as a play-within-a-play. The audience witnesses the evolution of the musical “Pretty Lady” from auditions through rehearsals to the drama-filled premiere, highlighting the highs and lows of the process while offering glimpses into the personal lives of the creative team involved.

The musical takes place during the Great Depression, a time when “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” became the anthem of a generation. The plot revolves around an aspiring chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer from Allentown, Pennsylvania, who comes to the big city armed with big dreams, a warm heart, and an abundance of innate charm and theatrical skills. Elizabeth McGuire, a versatile actor, delivered a tour-de-force performance as the talented but timid Broadway wannabe. McGuire is a tap dancer extraordinaire, and her powerhouse vocals were showcased throughout the performance. Griffin Wilkins was perfectly cast as Billy Lawlor, Peggy’s love interest, and the leading tenor in “Pretty Lady.” Wilkins and McGuire’s powerful duet, “Young and Healthy,” was one of the musical’s highlights. Wilkens also delivered a riveting performance of “Dames.”

Broadway veteran Kristen Beth Williams, a charismatic and captivating performer, held the audience spellbound every time she stepped on stage. Williams possesses that hard-to-define, yet much-sought-after Hollywood magnetism necessary to pull off the part of Dorothy Brock, an aging diva desperate to stay relevant, no matter what the cost. Janine Loesch, the astute Costume Coordinator, outfitted Williams in some of the most spectacular gowns you will see on any stage. Williams’s heartrending delivery of “I Only Have Eyes for You” was an unforgettable onstage moment. Robert Anthony Jones as Abner Dillon, the producer of “Pretty Lady,” and Dorothy’s jealous Sugar Daddy, received the biggest laughs of the evening. He also stunned the audience with his singing and dancing ability during the “Getting Out of Town Reprise.” Jesse Swimm aced the role of Pat Denning, Dorothy’s former vaudeville partner and true love.

Ryan K. Bailer, a Gateway veteran, was believable as the renowned and demanding director Julian Marsh. He commanded the stage and showcased his rich, velvety vocals during “Lullaby of Broadway.” This musical starts with a bang and goes out with a whimper as this magnificent actor stood alone on stage, with just a single ghost light illuminating him, delivering a hauntingly beautiful reprise of “42nd Street” in a soft, melancholic reverie.

Jessica Wockenfuss as Maggie Jones and Cullen R. Titmas as Bert Barry were convincing as the co-producers and co-writers of “Pretty Lady.” Their duet, “Keep Young and Beautiful,” was one of the high points of the show. Titmas and Wockenfuss, along with Sarah Dearstyne as Ann Reilly, showcased their immense talents during the comedic number, “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”

Willie Clyde Beaton II gave a standout performance as Andy Lee, the dance director of “Pretty Lady.” The mega-talented ensemble, with their pitch-perfect vocals and dynamic dance moves, brought their A-game to this production. A standing ovation is extended to all of them, including Ian Black, Marlina Brown, Chase Fontenot, Haley Holcomb, Josh McWhorter, Brandon J. Morris, Becca Perron, Sean Quinn, Colleen Roberts, Sam Sanderson, Bryan Seastrom, Halle Surgil, and Keila Sue Wong.

The Gateway assembled a top-notch creative team, including Music Director Andrew Haile Austin, Scenic Designer Kelly Latta, and Sound Designer Ben Takitch. A special shout-out goes to Dustin Lawson for his wig design, which replicated the glamorous hairstyles of the 1930s, and to José Santiago for his exquisite lighting design, which included a well-executed “Shadow Waltz” featuring Maggie, Dorothy, and the Male Ensemble. The big production numbers, costumed by Loesch, especially the sparkling gold sequin and paillette designs displayed during “We’re in the Money,” are stunning visual treats and are worth the price of admission.

This electrifying musical is like an ecstatic energy effusion that leaves you breathlessly excited and exuberantly alive! The show runs through June 1, 2025. To purchase tickets to The Gateway’s high-voltage production of the beloved Broadway hit “42nd Street,” contact the Box Office at 631-286-1133 or visit Thegateway.org.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of "Grant Me a Higher Love," "Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships," and "Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic." Her full-length Music Drama, "Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music," is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.