42nd Street at Academy of the New Church

Theater: Academy of the New Church
Show: 42nd Street
Seen: April 12,2008
Reviewer: Jimmy Knowles

As Warner Baxter once put it in Lloyd Bacon's 1933 classic, " .you're going
out a youngster, but you've got to come back a star!" Well, on Saturday
evening, it seemed as if all 100+ members of the spellbinding cast and crew
of Academy of the New Church's "42nd Street" came out of their show looking,
sounding, and feeling like a star; and rightfully so!

"42nd Street" tells the story of Allentown-based starlet Peggy Sawyer and
her flight to escape the humdrum Pennsylvania lifestyle and break into the
flashing lights and bold scene of the Big Apple. Peggy lands a spot in
Julian Marsh's next big hit, 'Pretty Lady.' Here she meets Billy Lawlor,
'Pretty Lady's' leading man who certainly has his eye set on the prize, if
you know what I mean. After a run in with Dorothy Brock, 'Pretty Lady's' not
so timid and haughty leading lady, it seems as if its curtains for Peggy.

Overall, New Church's production was nothing short of spectacular. From the
moment you walked into the theater, the audience was transported back to the
Golden Age of Broadway, footlights and all. The ensemble possessed great
energy and vigor, while keeping in time with a very dance-heavy score. They
shined in every aspect of their performance, specifically in the company
opening audition number.

Leading the cast as the shy and overly coy Peggy Sawyer, Rachel Lindsay
captured the essence of the role and brought forth a refreshing take on a
well-known and much loved character. Lindsay's impressive vocal range and
non-stop "hoofing" made for an enjoyable performance. Opposite Lindsay was
David Garrett in the role of Julian Marsh. Garrett's performance was
spot-on, to say the very least. From his comedic timing to his booming
baritone sound, Garrett leapt off the stage and into the hearts of the
audience.

In the role of Dorothy Brock, Lindsay Kloc impressed the audience with her
smooth vocals and commanding stage presence. Also notable was Natalie Thomas
in the role of Ann Reilly whose non-stop footwork and booming vocals wowed
the audience. Greg Synnestvedt in the role of Billy Lawlor also gave a
noteworthy performance, just as any leading man should.

The show's technical aspects were simply stunning. Everything from the
lighting to the set design and special effects was executed with not a
single flaw. Particularly impressive was the Act 2 set for the show-stopping
"Lullaby of Broadway."

Academy of the New Church's production was truly a delight to watch. The
entire audience was invited to "come and meet those dancing feet," and with
no hesitation at that!

by Jimmy Knowles of Hatboro-Horsham High School