This special cinema release of the recent West End revival of the musical captures even more detail of this spectacular production.
Having completed a successful run in the West End and proving to be a real dazzling spectacle, it seems only right that Mark Bramble’s production should be enjoyed once again through cinema screens which picks up even more detail.
Starring Bonnie Langford as diva star Dorothy Brock, Clare Halse as the youthful and upcoming star Peggy Sawyer and Tom Lister as demanding Broadway director Julian Marsh, it was a real joy to see the cast performing to their heart’s content in a close-up view.
Directed for the screen by Ross MacGibbon, it can’t have been easy to really capture the spirit and energy of the stage production – particularly given the size of the cast – but MacGibbon does it with great style, offering brilliant close ups such as during Peggy’s solo tap dance towards the end as well as highlighting other details that might have been missed by audiences previously through the use of clever camera shots.
Perhaps some of the shots of the characters in conversation don’t come across quite so smoothly, with a few sound issues, this cinema screening really comes into its own during the big dance numbers such as ‘We’re in the Money’ that really dazzles from start to finish.
Elsewhere, other elements of the production are really highlighted – such as more focus on Roger Kirk’s beautifully colourful costume designs and Douglas W.Schmidt’s numerous set designs that capture just how elaborate this production of 42nd Street was. Meanwhile, it was also lovely to see each of the ensemble all getting their moment on the screen as well as the main cast, recognising the up and coming talent as well as the established performers.
Seeing this production on the big screen was a wonderful reminder of just how dazzling this revival was and was a real treat to watch from start to finish. For those who didn’t manage to catch it in the West End, this was equally as good as seeing it live.
By Emma Clarendon
For more information about the screenings visit: https://42ndstreetcinema.com/
