The musical "42nd Street," a vibrant backstage story set during the Great Depression, made a significant mark on Broadway history with its original production. Opening in August 1980, it quickly became
a long-running hit, captivating audiences with its energetic tap-dancing extravaganzas and nostalgic charm. The show's journey from its out-of-town tryouts to its final curtain call nearly a decade later solidified its place as a beloved classic, earning critical acclaim and multiple prestigious awards.
From Tryouts to Broadway Triumph
"42nd Street" first premiered in June 1980 with out-of-town tryouts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. This crucial phase allowed the production to refine its elements before its highly anticipated Broadway debut. The musical officially opened on Broadway on August 25, 1980, at the Winter Garden Theatre. Its success led to subsequent moves to the Majestic Theatre and finally to the St. James Theatre, demonstrating its sustained popularity and demand over many years.
The show was a significant undertaking, produced by David Merrick, who took a considerable risk with his $3 million production. This was a notable gamble because, at the time, only one other show, "Gigi" in 1974, had successfully transitioned from an original movie musical to the stage, and "Gigi" had been a flop. Merrick, however, believed audiences were ready for a wave of nostalgia, a trend he observed with the successful revivals of shows like "No, No, Nanette," "Irene," and his own "Very Good Eddie." To enhance the musical's appeal, he augmented the familiar songs from the 1933 film's soundtrack with additional popular tunes from the Dubin-Warren catalog.
A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The original Broadway production boasted a talented cast and a visionary creative team. It was directed and choreographed by Gower Champion, whose work was central to the show's identity. The orchestrations were crafted by Philip J. Lang, contributing to the musical's rich sound. The initial cast featured Jerry Orbach as Julian Marsh, Tammy Grimes as Dorothy Brock, Wanda Richert as Peggy Sawyer, and Lee Roy Reams as Billy Lawlor. Over its long run, the production saw notable replacements, including Barry Nelson and Don Chastain, and Jamie Ross, who stepped into various roles.
Champion's choreography, particularly the tap-dancing numbers, was a highlight. Theater historian John Kenrick noted that when the curtain rose to reveal forty pairs of tap-dancing feet, the opening night audience cheered. Champion followed this with a series of tap-infused extravaganzas that were described as larger and more polished than anything Broadway had seen in the 1930s, the era in which the musical is set. This dedication to elaborate dance sequences became a hallmark of the production.
Awards, Longevity, and a Bittersweet Opening Night
The original Broadway production of "42nd Street" was a critical and commercial success, running for 3,486 performances and 6 previews before closing on January 8, 1989. Its achievements were recognized with two Tony Awards: Best Musical and Best Choreography. The show's longevity and critical acclaim cemented its status as a landmark production in musical theater.
However, the triumph of opening night was tinged with tragedy. Following a lengthy standing ovation, producer David Merrick made a shocking announcement: "This is a very tragic moment... I'm sorry to have to report that today, Gower Champion died." This news was met with gasps and screams from the audience, who initially thought it might be one of Merrick's famous publicity stunts. Merrick had kept Champion's death a secret from the cast, including Wanda Richert, who was Champion's girlfriend, and the public until after the curtain call. "42nd Street" proved to be not only Champion's final show but also David Merrick's last major success, described as his "swan song" by Anthony Bianco, despite Merrick living until 2000. The bittersweet opening night became an indelible part of the musical's lore, forever linking its success with the poignant passing of its director and choreographer.
