Musical 'Broadway 42nd Street'... Full of Subtle Humor Elements

26 Years Since Landing in Korea... Eighteenth Season
Full of Spectacular Tap Dance Performances
Enjoy the Subtle Humor of Supporting Actors

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] A full 26 years. The steady-seller musical icon "Broadway 42nd Street" has returned to audiences for its eighteenth season this year. It holds the record for the most seasons among original license musicals.

As the lights go down indoors, flashing neon signs and music that dominated 1927 fill the air. The scene is an audition held by director Julian Marsh, who is trying to make a comeback in the struggling theater industry with a production called "Pretty Lady."

Peggy, who dreams of becoming a musical dancer and has come up from the countryside, misses her audition opportunity due to someone giving her the wrong location. However, by chance, she is selected as a chorus girl. On opening night, the lead actress Dorothy falls and breaks her ankle, putting the performance at risk of cancellation. Peggy, who was previously fired after being misunderstood as the one who caused Dorothy to fall, dramatically takes on the lead role and quickly rises to stardom.

As expected from a show musical, the dazzling ensemble dance is superb. The cheerful tap dance rhythm of "tadak-ta, tadak-takta" blends with brilliant choreography to captivate both eyes and ears. Sometimes performed solo, sometimes by dozens in unison, the spectacular movements create a magnificent spectacle. Especially, the retro-style stage sets and lighting guide the audience to Broadway 42nd Street, the story’s backdrop, which was struggling through the Great Depression but thus even more glamorous.

Subtle humor is one of the charms of the play. Jeon Soo-kyung and Hong Ji-min, who play the producer Maggie Jones, deliver witty lines and stage manners that bring laughter. Song Il-guk and Lee Jong-hyuk, portraying director Julian Marsh, overwhelm the audience with their unique charisma. Kim Dong-ho and Lee Joo-soon, who play the male actor Billy Lawler, attract attention just by their presence. Their tall stature, small faces, and charming smiles captivate the audience’s gaze.

Overall, the production is more visually impressive than vocally. The dialogue carries a relatively larger portion than the songs. The tap dance, ensemble choreography, and vivid lighting strongly stimulate the visual senses. However, the plot development, which leaves many gaps as a result, is somewhat disappointing.

The performance will continue at the CJ Towol Theater in the Seoul Arts Center until January 15 of next year.