42nd Street
Winner! Two 1981 Tony Awards, including Best Musical
Winner! Two 1981 Drama Desk Awards
Winner! 1981 Theatre World Award (Wanda Richert)
Winner! Two 2001 Tony Awards, including Best Revival
Winner! 2001 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical
AUDITIONS
Friday, January 30: 6:30 pm
Saturday, January 31: 3:00 pm
Held at Kim's Academy of Dance, 9226 N. Industrial Rd, Peoria
Sign up for an audition slot here!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BACA62BA4F9CE9-59994274-42nd
SHOW DATES
April 24-26 and April 30-May 3, 2026
A Note from the Director:
I am absolutely thrilled about Peoria Players Theatre upcoming production of 42nd Street! This show is truly the quintessential backstage musical, offering a journey into the heart of Broadway from its hopeful auditions to its dazzling opening night. What's even more exciting is the opportunity to explore never-before-done approaches to bringing this classic to life on the Peoria Players stage, hopefully pushing creative boundaries and offering our audiences a fresh perspective.
42nd Street tells the inspiring story of Peggy Sawyer, a young, naive chorus girl with stars in her eyes who arrives in New York City with big dreams. When the reigning prima donna, Dorothy Brock, suffers an injury just before opening night of the new show Pretty Lady, it seems disaster will strike. But in a true "underdog makes good" tale, Peggy is thrust into the spotlight, given just 36 hours to learn the lead role. The entire company rallies behind her, and through sheer determination and the magic of theatre, Peggy steps onto the Broadway stage, ready to become a star. It's a heartwarming and exhilarating ode to the grit, glamour, and unyielding spirit of show business.
The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me," "Dames," "We're In the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" and "Forty-Second Street." Plus, we have secured the rights for the addition of “I Only Have Eyes For You.”
Director: Daniel Coe Olsson
Choreography: Randee Blickenstaff
Music Direction: Laura Weaver Hughes
Stage Manager: Sagan Drake
Orchestration: Jerrad Kaiser
Costumes: Jill Moritz and Darah Jenae Hannan
Set Construction & Additional Design: Bill Kalman
Assistant Stage Manager & Props: Jes King
Hair/Makeup: Courtney Moore and Kriss Ricketts Cochran
Advising Director: Robin Hunt
Sound Design: Jace McCance
Lighting Design: Wayne Carey
Set Design: Daniel Coe Olsson
ROLES:
Important note! While there will be a featured group of tap dancers, there are many roles within the ensemble and leading characters where tap and dance is not required. We are committed to a policy of non-discrimination and promote diverse and inclusive casting. Ages: 16+
PRINCIPALS
Dorothy Brock (Vocal Range: Eb3-B4) – The established, glamorous, and famously temperamental Broadway star of "Pretty Lady." Dorothy is a true prima donna, accustomed to the spotlight and demanding of attention. While she possesses undeniable elegance and a powerful voice, she can be haughty and self-centered. Beneath her diva exterior, however, lies a more vulnerable side, particularly in her relationship with Pat Denning. She moves well and has a strong sense of comic timing, adding depth to her character's transformation throughout the show.
Peggy Sawyer (Vocal Range: Eb3-E5) – A wide-eyed, exceptionally talented, and hopeful young dancer fresh off the bus from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Peggy embodies the spirit of the aspiring performer, full of dreams and an earnest desire to make it on Broadway. She possesses an extraordinary natural talent for tap and a captivating stage presence, though she starts off a bit overwhelmed. Her journey from nervous chorus girl to an unexpected star is the heart of 42nd Street, showcasing her growth in confidence and skill while maintaining her inherent sweetness and humility.
Maggie Jones (Vocal Range: Ab3-Bb4) – The witty, sharp, and ever-observant co-author of "Pretty Lady," alongside Bert Barry. Maggie is the quintessential Broadway insider, a seasoned professional who knows the business inside and out. She provides much of the show's comedic relief with her dry humor and quick one-liners, often acting as a grounding presence amidst the chaos of rehearsals. She's a loyal friend and a shrewd businesswoman, with a keen eye for talent and a good heart beneath her sassy exterior. While not a dancer, she has a strong stage presence and comedic timing.
Ann Reilly "Anytime Annie" (Vocal Range: Ab3-Bb4) – One of the most vibrant, seasoned, and fiercely loyal chorus girls in "Pretty Lady." Annie is a true Broadway veteran with a quick wit and a "been there, done that" attitude, always ready with a sassy quip or a bit of worldly advice. She's a supportive friend to Peggy and a magnetic presence in the ensemble. Annie also carries a reputation, whether entirely deserved or not, for being somewhat promiscuous, a notion she seems to embrace with a wink and a knowing smile. She moves well and is a strong singer, bringing an abundance of energy and personality to every scene she's in.
Julian Marsh (Vocal Range: D3-Ab4) – The legendary, no-nonsense Broadway director known for getting results above all else. While he's often perceived as tyrannical, this demanding exterior is a calculated necessity, a persona he dons to keep rehearsals on track and his cast pushing for perfection. Beneath his gruff, uncompromising facade lies an intense passion for theatre and the immense pressure of living up to his past successes. He is a commanding presence and a strong vocalist.
Billy Lawlor (Vocal Range: C#3-A4) – The charming, incredibly talented, and somewhat cocksure “juvenile” lead of "Pretty Lady." Billy is a strong tenor and an exceptional tap dancer, embodying the youthful exuberance and dazzling skill of a Broadway leading man. He's confident, flirtatious, and has a natural charisma that makes him a standout on stage. While he initially has his eye on Peggy Sawyer, his primary focus is always on the show and delivering a show-stopping performance.
Bert Barry (Vocal Range: C3-D4) – The amiable and slightly flustered co-author of "Pretty Lady," working alongside Maggie Jones. Bert is a seasoned theatre professional, though perhaps a bit less sharp-tongued than his writing partner. He's earnest and well-meaning, often caught between Julian's demands and the various personalities of the cast. While he aims for success, he sometimes finds himself overwhelmed by the chaotic energy of a Broadway production. He provides a grounded, often humorous, presence as he navigates the challenges of bringing a new show to life.
FEATURED ROLES
Phyllis Dale: A featured, experienced chorus girl and dancer with a sharp wit.
Lorraine Flemming: A featured, “glamorous” chorus girl.
Andy Lee (Vocal Range: D3-Db4) – The highly skilled, energetic, and disciplined dance captain and choreographer for "Pretty Lady." Andy is Julian Marsh's right-hand man, responsible for whipping the chorus into shape and executing Julian's demanding vision. He's precise, efficient, and often found barking out instructions, but always with the goal of artistic excellence in mind. While he takes his job seriously, he also shows moments of support and understanding for the dancers, particularly Peggy. He's an exceptional tap dancer himself, capable of leading the most intricate routines.
Pat Denning (Vocal Range: D3-Eb4) – Dorothy Brock's loyal and protective boyfriend, who was also her former vaudeville partner. He's a steady, devoted presence, acting as her confidante and shielding her from the pressures of Broadway.
Abner Dillon (Vocal Range: Gb3-D4) – The wealthy, influential "angel" (financial backer) for Pretty Lady and a significant admirer of Dorothy Brock, whose affection he tries to win with his deep pockets. He's a Texas millionaire, good-natured but somewhat naive, and often provides comedic relief with his straightforward approach to the glamorous world of Broadway.
Gladys: A bubbly, featured chorus girl who is a strong singer, but no speaking lines.
SUPPORTING ROLES
Diane Lorimer — chorus girl
Ethel — chorus girl
Oscar — rehearsal pianist
Mac — stage manager
Frankie — stagehand
ENSEMBLE
Stagehands, thugs, a doctor, waiters, theatre electrician, policemen, pickpocket, etc.
Young Soldier — dancer; non-speaking
Gangster — dancer; non-speaking
Conductor — the music director of the theatre pit orchestra; non-speaking
The original Broadway production had a cast of 48 performers, including chorus. Some doubling was employed in the minor parts. For this production, we are aiming for approximately 32 performers.
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