Traditional Theatre of Maryland’s manufacturing of forty second Road is a joyful extravaganza of dance and track. The musical, with guide by Michael Stewart and Mike Bramble, and music by Harry Warren, follows a younger refrain lady who finds surprising success in a brand new musical. Directed and choreographed by Sally Boyett, with music path by Maureen Codelka, it’s a enjoyable tribute to the pains and joys of theater life.
Katie Van Horn performs Peggy Sawyer, auditioning for the brand new present, with an innocence hiding nice energy. She quietly however firmly rebuffs Billy’s (Kees Hoekendijk) advances, attending to the director. She faucet dances in her chair earlier than standing up in “Go into Your Dance.” She comically loses her place in rehearsal and, loosening up for a love scene, will get kissed. She shines in “forty second Road,” beginning off hesitant however rapidly coming into her confidence and filling the track with energy.
Stephanie Meadowcroft brings a way of entitlement to well-known actress Dorothy Brock. She recoils at having to audition, actually bringing a contract with extra calls for. “Shadow Waltz” is filled with vitality at the same time as she complains about her outfit. “I Know Now” is wealthy with eager for a misplaced love. Her duet with Peggy, “A couple of Quarter to 9,” is a captivating track and a stunning connection between two seeming rivals. Dexter Hamlett performs Abner Dillon, Dorothy’s rich benefactor serving to to bankroll the present, as a Texas charmer, hugging Dorothy and refusing to let one other man kiss her throughout a love scene.
Kees Hoekendijk brings a assured attraction to Billy Lawlor. He swings Peggy round in “Younger and Wholesome,” inviting her to lunch. His faucet duet with Peggy in “forty second Road” is sultry and spellbinding.
John Pruessner performs director Julian Marsh with authority, telling the actors how exhausting they may work to organize for the play. He works Peggy to exhaustion getting her prepared for the half. “Lullaby of Broadway” is a love track to Broadway but additionally a plea for Peggy. His pep discuss to Peggy comically places great strain on her.
Austin Rose brings a attraction to Pat Denning, Dorothy’s secret lover. He assists Peggy whereas she recovers from exhaustion in Dorothy’s dressing room, then defends her towards Dorothy’s anger. Nancy Krebs performs author Maggie Jones with an insider’s view of present enterprise, figuring out methods to make issues work. She offers “Go into Your Dance” pleasure and optimism. Tommy Malek performs co-writer Bert Barry with an eagerness, positive that each one crises may be fastened. He’s comically excited as a newlywed in “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”
Emma Puerta, Mackenzie Koehne, Maya Nellum, Ava Schmidt, Sara Davis, Ann-Marie Poveda, Kirsten Kauffmann, Sam Vankampen, Jacob Scott, Benjamin Campion, and Jack Flynn play the ensemble and refrain women and guys. All of them present their totally different personalities, from humorous to flirty to jealousy. They sing “Sunny Aspect to Each Scenario,” on the lookout for optimism throughout a foul time. “We’re within the Cash” is a joyful track of discovering luck. Sara Davis because the Pickpocket in “forty second Road” is fascinating in her spins and leaps.
Costume designer Sally Boyett and wig designer Tommy Malek evoke the Thirties Broadway present period with colourful costumes for every quantity. Dorothy appears each inch the star in furs and a small hat, whereas Peggy quietly stands out in a darkish blue gown.
Lighting designer Sam Terrell performs with lights in intelligent methods. For “Shadow Waltz,” two lights challenge Dorothy’s shadow onto the backdrop. Sound designer William Okay. D’Eugenio balances the singers with the music, whereas music director Maureen Codelka ensures the music initiatives. Choreographer and director Sally Boyett fills the present with glorious faucet dancing and beautiful actions, from solos to duets and refrain numbers. forty second Road fantastically showcases Traditional Theatre of Maryland’s gifted performers and crew. Go see it!
Operating Time: Roughly two hours and 20 minutes, together with a 15-minute intermission.
forty second Road performs by Might 17, 2026, at Traditional Theatre of Maryland – 1804 West Road, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($61–$89), name the field workplace at 410-415-3513, e-mail BoxOffice@classictheatremaryland.org, or buy on-line.
