42nd Street, the best-known backstage musical, will open at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 20 March 2017 with a cast of over 50.
Young Peggy Sawyer is fresh off the bus from small-town America and just another face in the chorus line on Broadway's newest show. But when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might just have the shot at stardom she's always dreamed of.
Based on the 1933 film with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, the stage adaptation with a book by Michael Stewart first appeared on Broadway in 1980, winning Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography the following year and the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 1984 for the London transfer.
This production, produced by Michael Linnit and Michael Grade for Gate Ventures PLC, has a revised book by director Mark Bramble, who said, "the original production had the look of a Warner Brothers black and white film. This time we’re doing an MGM Technicolor version of 42nd Street with additional songs and dances.
"The theme of the show speaks louder today than ever before: follow your bliss and with talent and hard work dreams can come true. I’m delighted that Linnit / Grade are bringing our song and dance extravaganza to the magnificent Theatre Royal Drury Lane."