Up & Coming Theatre Company proudly presents their summer musical, "42nd Street," with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin. Based on the 1930's movie of the same name, "42nd Street" made its Broadway debut on August 25, 1980 and won 2 Tony Awards for Best Musical and Choreographer. Original director and choreographer, Gower Champion, who contributed so much to the production died on opening night making this tale of hard work, talent, and love even more poignant. Set in 1933, the story focuses on aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer and takes us along her journey in an era when musicals were musicals and Broadway dreams could still come true. "42nd Street" enjoyed 3,486 performances in its original run making it the longest running musical at the time and includes such musical hits as: "We're In The Money", "Lullaby of Broadway", "I Only Have Eyes For You" and "Shuffle Off To Buffalo".
Established in 1992, UAC's, "42nd Street" was originally slated to be its inaugural production. Experiencing roadblocks that eerily mirrored the original Broadway show, UAC postponed its performances of "42nd Street." 12 years later, the production now marks UAC's eleventh season. A non-profit theatre company, UAC targets showcasing new professional talent as well as donating proceeds to selected local charities. Previous productions include: "West Side Story," "Evita," "A Chorus Line," "Chess," "Annie," "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" and "Oklahoma!" Past charities include: Sav A Pet, Palatine Senior Citizens Council, HIVCO, Season of Concern, and The Little City Foundation.
UAC's production is directed by Jorge Bermudez and Brian Snelten with choreography by Megan Kosteck and music direction by David Orlicz and Kathy Tahiri. The cast features local resident Jessica Iovinelli-fresh from a two year run as "Tina" in Tony & Tina's Wedding-in the role of Maggie, the comedic writer of the show within the show. Wil Kight plays Andy Lee, the dance director. Wil was recently seen in the role of "Baby John," during the '97-'98 national tour of "West Side Story." Holly Fishburn (Ethel) and Stephen Schmidt (Frankie) both were seen in various performing roles in recent Walt Disney World Theme Park productions. The lead roles of Peggy Sawyer, Dorothy Brock, and Julian Marsh will be played respectively by Sara Harris, Whitney Stone, and local television actor, Bill Kavanagh.
Performances will be held at Prairie Lakes Center Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines, IL 60016 on August 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees will be performed on August 8 and 15 at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $13.00-17.00. For more information and/or to order tickets, please call the UAC 24 hour ticket line at (847) 706-6747 or via e-mail at UACtickets@yahoo.com
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