MUST SEEREVIEWSSally Jo OsborneTheatre Reviews

42nd Street at Fremont Street Theater Company

Book written by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble

Music by Harry Warren and Lyrics by Al Dubin

At Cutting Hall in Palatine, IL

Celebrate Broadway on 42nd Street!

Come and see these dancing feet for yourself! This high energy, passionate performance will have you dusting off your old tap shoes and hoofing around the house. A timeless classic performed with such style and enthusiasm is beyond impressive-just fabulous.

I knew I was in for a treat when the live orchestra directed by Kenneth McMullen,  got the theatregoers tapping our feet and humming along with the beautifully played prologue. The cast of 32 performers lit up the stage from the get go leaving you yearning for more.

Artistic Director/Producer Madeline Franklin and Co-Producer Rusty Franklin, create a masterful production of this classic show, what is 42nd Street! I am so impressed with the cast of performers from all walks of life which consists of teachers, event planners, lawyers, students, Moms and more.  Their hard work and perseverance paid off nicely.

The adorable and fancy footed Annie Jo Ermel, plays the unknown newcomer “Peggy Sawyer” flawlessly. Lisa Adams plays the character everyone loves to hate, “Dorothy Brock” who was right on key (beautiful singing), and Michael Weaver as “Julian Marsh” reminds me of why working in theatre changes lives and to never to give up on dreams!

Although the rest of the cast are merely “specks of dust” on the stage everyone single cast member is larger than life and played an integral role in this production with a special shout out to “Lorraine Flemming”, Carlyn Vadnais, “Ethel”, Annie Snow and “Gladys”, Rebecca Fortier for their endless energy and divine dance moves.

The scenic design by David Geinosky is subtle yet clever. One of my favorite numbers “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” takes place on a train with cleverly choreographed moves by Dina DiCostanzo. Other stand out numbers include “Audition” which opens the show, “Dames”, “We’re in the Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway” and of course the ending number “42nd Street”. Costume Designer Patty Halajian did an excellent job recreating 1930’s era!

This is a show that is for all ages from 9 to 90! Bring your dreams, bring your daughter and bring your grandmother to see it. Hurry though-this is a limited engagement.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Sally Jo Osborne on 9/10/16

Show dates remaining September 16th, 17th and 18th.  For more information visit www.fremontstreettheater.com or www.theatreinchicago.com or call the Box Office at 847-202-5222.