42nd Street Brief Synposis
42nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for a new Broadway musical,. Unfortunately, due to her nervousness, Peggy arrives to the audition late and misses her chance to join the chorus. Luckily, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh, and he gives Peggy her big break. However, the show's aging leading lady, Dorothy Brock, quickly grows to dislike Peggy. On opening night, Ms. Brock falls and breaks her ankle. Panic spreads through the company, as the show is doomed for closure, until it is suggested that Peggy take the roll. In only thirty-six hours, Peggy learns twenty-five pages, six songs and ten dance numbers and becomes a star.
Character Desriptions
Peggy Sawyer — A young, starry-eyed, naive and humble chorus girl.
Lead – she is the triple threat in the show – must sing, act and dance very well
17 – 30 (character is referred to as “21”)
Soprano – solo
Dancing: Intense
Billy Lawlor — The leading man of ‘Pretty Lady.’
Role: Lead Age: approx. 25 – 35, youngish appearance
Voice: Tenor - solo
Dancing: Medium
Dorothy Brock Role: Lead Age: approx. 35 - 55
Voice: Alto – solo
Dancing: Medium
Julian Marsh Role: Lead Age: approx. 35 - 55
Voice: Baritone – solo
Dancing: Light
Maggie Jones — One of the writers for ‘Pretty Lady’
Role: Supporting - comedic Age: approx. 25 - 55
Voice: Alto - solo
Dancing: Light
Bert Berry — One of the writers for ‘Pretty Lady’
Role: Supporting - comedic Age: approx. 25 - 55
Voice: Tenor – Solo
Dancing: Light
Abner Dillon…Sugar Daddy…Texan
Role: Supporting Age: approx. 40 - 70
Voice: Baritone (minor singing role, mostly dialogue only)
Dancing: None
Andy Lee…Dance Supervisor/Pretty Lady
Role: Supporting Age: approx. 20 - 35
Voice: Spoken only Dancing: Intense
Pat Denning — Dorothy’s former love.
Role: Supporting Age: approx. 25 - 60
Voice: Baritone - solo Dancing: None
Mac – stage manager
Role: Supporting Age: open
Voice: spoken only
Dancing: none
(this character may triple as Mac, a Thug, and the Doctor)
Named Chorus Girls – Ann Reilly (Anytime Annie), Phyllis Dale, Lorraine Flemming, Gladys (sing only-no speaking) Diane Lorimer, Ethel
Role: Supporting Age: Approx 17-30
Voice: Sing harmonies Dance: Medium
Un-named Chorus Girls and Speaking and non-speaking Male Roles
Audition Information
Attend vocal and dance workshop Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 3:30-5:30 in the PAC
- Music- Sing through all audition selections and understand what style/technique we are looking for in chorus members and lead roles. Not all roles sing solo, but we would like to hear you in the audition
- Dance – Learn basic tap steps and learn the dance combination we’ll be watching at auditions. Not all roles dance, but we would like to see everyone try for the audition.
- If you cannot make the workshop day, please look over the attached music and lines and have them prepared for the audition
Attend at least one of the audition days
- Monday, February 10 or Tuesday Feb. 11 from 3:30-5:30
Call Backs for lead roles will be on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 3:30-5:30
Results will be posted outside the PAC doors Friday afternoon, Feb. 14