42nd Street

Wales Millennium Centre

Cardiff

To August 19

I think I may have just drawn breath after seeing this action-packed and stunning production of the classic musical 42nd Street.

Originally a 1933 Hollywood film and brought back to the stage in 1980 - you can just imagine the sort of show we were in for. Epic and well choreographed full on dance routines, songs you just can't stop singing, costumes which take the breath away - and so much more.

Jonathan Church directed the iconic song-and-dance spectacular which features a hit parade of toe-tapping songs including "42nd Street," "We’re In The Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," and "I Only Have Eyes For You.”

Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show… and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom - and boy, does she shine.

We were treated to the delights of Samantha Womack, Michael Praed, Faye Tozer, Les Dennis and Rhianna Dorris, along with a fantastic ensemble - all of whom were extremely talented and none of whom seemed to be going through the motions.

And we can't forget the orchestra - what a performance from them.

They crammed all their energy into giving us a show to remember - right down to the post-curtain call reprise of "We're in the Money" which left everyone exhausted as they filed out of the auditorium thrilled by what they had just witnessed.

42nd Street is what musical theatre should be all about - so go and see it if you can.

JB