42nd Street proves number 1MUSICAL42nd StreetWA Academy of Performing ArtsRegal TheatreReview: Rosalind Appleby

In the Broadway musical 42nd Street, thedirector ushers Peggy Sawyer on to the stagewith the words: "You're going out ayoungster, but you've got to come back astar. " Watching the final-year music theatrestudents at the WA Academy of PerformingArts gives a similar feeling: which one ofthese slick-haired lads will be the next HughJackman, which leggy dancing girl will makeit to Broadway?

42nd Street hangs on its dance numbers;from the tap-dance curtain-raiser to therazzle-dazzle finale, and the student castsizzled with energy and professionalism.

The classic story of a show within a showunfolded at a rapid pace with crisp dialogue,plenty of wisecracks and seamless scenechanges.

Naive chorus girl Peggy Sawyer was playedby the doe-eyed Meghan O'Shea, light on hertoes with a voice both sweet and strong. Herbesotted Billy Lawlor was performed byTobias Madden who sang wonderfully andcut a snappy figure. Ben Hudson had the

imposing presence for director Mr Marsh,although his vocal technique was a littleshaky. Julia Grenda was crisp and confidentas the larger-than-life Anytime Annie.

Credit must go to comic duo Kira Morsley(Maggie Jones) and Drew Weston (BertBarry), and Naomi Livingston's DorothyBrock staked a claim as both the nastiest andthe most sympathetic broad on Broadway.Her poise and impressive singing in AQuarter to Nine was a highlight.

The choice of an off-campus theatre was asuccessful venture in every regard. Setdesigner Nathan Weyers cleverly usedframes, neon signs and staircases to narrowthe big Regal Theatre stage to fit the smallcast while the student orchestra under DerekBond generated a fantastic swing.

The only part that felt clumsy were thescene freezes between Dorothy in herupstairs room and the party in the bar below.

42nd Street was a sensation when it openedin the middle of the Great Depression anddirector Terence O'Connell and the studentshave done the same in a similar crisis.

42nd Street ends tomorrow night

Ref: 53035738Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licenced copy

West Australian19/06/2009Page: 12TodayBy: Rosalind ApplebyRegion: PerthCirculation: 199707Type: Capital City DailySize: 271.16 sq.cmsFrequency: MTWTFS-

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Rising stars: WAAPA students sizzle with energy and professionalism in 42nd Street.

Ref: 53035738Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licenced copy

West Australian19/06/2009Page: 12TodayBy: Rosalind ApplebyRegion: PerthCirculation: 199707Type: Capital City DailySize: 271.16 sq.cmsFrequency: MTWTFS-

Page 2 of 2