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The bright lights of Broadway are coming to Folsom this week as El Dorado Musical Theatre (EDMT) raises the curtain on its highly anticipated summer production of 42nd Street at the Harris Center for the Arts.
Opening Friday, July 31, the classic, tap-filled musical runs through Aug. 8, bringing one of Broadway’s most celebrated backstage stories to life with a cast of talented local performers. Known for its dazzling choreography, memorable songs and feel-good story, 42nd Street has remained a favorite of audiences for more than four decades.
Set during the height of the Great Depression, the musical follows Peggy Sawyer, a young chorus girl from Allentown, Pennsylvania, who arrives in New York City hoping to make it on Broadway. After landing a coveted spot in the chorus of a lavish new production, fate intervenes when the show’s leading lady suffers a broken ankle just before opening night. Suddenly, Peggy is faced with the opportunity of a lifetime as she steps into the spotlight in pursuit of Broadway stardom.
Filled with optimism, humor and spectacular dance numbers, the production captures the excitement, pressure and magic that happen behind the curtain before opening night.
The score features some of the most recognizable songs of Broadway’s Golden Age, including Lullaby of Broadway, We’re in the Money, Dames, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me and the iconic title number, Forty-Second Street.
Although audiences know it today as one of Broadway’s signature musicals, 42nd Street actually traces its roots back nearly a century. The story began as Bradford Ropes’ 1932 novel before becoming the beloved 1933 Hollywood film starring Ruby Keeler. The stage adaptation premiered on Broadway in 1980 with music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer, and a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble.
Its original Broadway production became an instant sensation, winning Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography while launching an acclaimed run that cemented its place among Broadway classics. A London production earned the Olivier Award for Best Musical, and a 2001 Broadway revival captured the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Since then, the show has entertained audiences through national and international tours and multiple West End revivals.
Rather than relying on newly written music, 42nd Street weaves together many of the timeless songs Harry Warren and Al Dubin originally composed for Warner Bros. movie musicals of the 1930s, giving audiences an authentic taste of Hollywood’s golden era while celebrating the resilience and dreams that defined Depression-era America.
This year’s El Dorado Musical Theatre production continues the organization’s tradition of showcasing exceptional young performers from throughout the region. The annual summer theatre production is audition-only and features performers who are incoming high school sophomores and older, providing aspiring actors, singers and dancers the opportunity to perform on a professional stage alongside experienced directors and choreographers.
The production is directed by Debbie Wilson, with choreography by Kat Craig, vocal direction by Jennifer Wittmayer, costume design by Karen McConnell and producing by Zoi Jones.
Leading the cast is Mackenzie Haar as Peggy Sawyer, joined by Jared Sing as Julian Marsh, Tracey Freeman-Shaw as Dorothy Brock, Jason Harmon as Billy Lawlor, Madelyn Rummel as Ann Reilly, Ryan Freitas as Andy Lee, Lonnie Smith as Bert Barry, Teresa Eggers as Maggie Jones, Abigail Waymire as Phyllis Dale and Alayna Fredianelli as Lorraine Fleming.
Additional featured performers include Chris Rice as Pat Denning, Lloyd Sparks as Abner Dillon, Jacob Rummel as Mac, Maddie Jantzen as Diane Lorimer, Claire Suneson as Ethel and Cameron Johnson as Doctor, along with a large ensemble of dancers and singers who bring the production’s signature tap numbers and elaborate production sequences to life.
Performances begin Friday, July 31, at 7 p.m., with additional performances scheduled Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Aug. 2 at 2 p.m., Aug. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., and Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts on the campus of Folsom Lake College.
For theatre lovers, families and anyone who enjoys classic Broadway entertainment, 42nd Street promises an evening filled with energetic dance routines, timeless music and the enduring message that sometimes all it takes is one unexpected opportunity to become a star.
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