42nd St Synopsis
One of showbusiness's most classic and beloved tales, 42nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway. Peggy arrives in New York City from her hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania, armed with her tap shoes, her lucky yellow scarf and big dreams.
Peggy’s talent catches the eye of legendary Broadway director Julian Marsh, who gives her a spot in the chorus of Pretty Lady, his newest show. Pretty Lady stars Dorothy Brock, the classic Broadway diva, who takes an instant dislike to the new girl in the cast. When Dorothy is injured during the show’s previews, Pretty Lady looks like it will have to close, unless a new girl talented enough to lead the show can be found — someone like Peggy Sawyer!
Characters Age requirements are approximate, however the dance ensemble must look young.
PEGGY SAWYER A young, starry-eyed, naïve, and humble chorus girl who assumes the Lead role in Pretty Lady when Dorothy breaks her ankle. She is the triple threat in the show - must sing, act, and dance (tap) very well. Alto-mezzo soprano: should belt and be able to easily transition to head voice. Age: 17-25 (must look young - character is referred to as ‘21’)
DOROTHY BROCK A past-her-prime and well-known, Broadway diva. She is supposed to be the female lead in Pretty Lady because she is dating Abner who is paying for the show. While very selfish and mean to everyone at first, she comes to understand what’s really important in life after breaking her ankle and therefore unable to perform. Low Alto. She is not a great dancer, but needs to be a good mover Age: 35-55
JULIAN MARSH Famous, but notorious, Broadway director who comes over as very gruff as he barks his directions at actors and crew, but this masks his consummate passion for the theatre. Baritone: range D to high G. Some dance required. Age: 35-55
BILLY LAWLOR The youthful, leading tenor in Pretty Lady. Voice: very high tenor. Very strong dancer, especially in tap. Age: 25-35 (youngish appearance)
MAGGIE JONES One of the writers for Pretty Lady and an ex performer. Comedic role Alto-Mezzo soprano: Ab below middle C to C. Some dance required. Age: 30-55 BERT BARRY One of the writers for Pretty Lady and an ex performer. Comedic role. Tenor: range C to high F. Some dance required. Age: 30-55
PAT DENNING Former vaudeville partner of Dorothy's and her secret romantic partner. Vocal range: D to Fb Age: 25-55 (can be older or younger than Dorothy)
ANDY LEE Choreographer/Dance Director of Pretty Lady. No solo singing. Very strong dancer, especially in tap. Age: 20-45
ABNER DILLON Financial backer of Pretty Lady and Dorothy's "sugar daddy" from Texas. He doesn’t realize Dorothy is only with him because of his money. Mostly speaking role, no solo singing. Age: Over 40
MAC Stage Manager Speaking role, no solo singing. Can double as Thug/Doctor/Chorus Age: Any
OSCAR Accompanist for Pretty Lady Non speaking role. Can double Chorus Age: Any
ANNE REILLY (Anytime Annie) Chorus girl in Pretty Lady with her eye on Bert. Great tap dancer with good dialogue delivery. Age: 16-30
LORRAINE FLEMING & PHYLLIS DALE Chorus girls in Pretty Lady - must carry chorus numbers as well as great dance ability (tap) Age: 16-30
PRETTY LADY CHORUS Guys and Girls with good voices and great dance ability Age: 16-30
ENSEMBLE Members of the Pretty Lady backstage team (wardrobe, dressers, stage hands, etc) Doctor, Waiters and 2 Thugs. Good voices and movement required Age: Mixed