42nd Street

42nd Street is based on Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie and is considered the quintessential backstage musical. 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young actress who leaves her Allentown home to audition for the new big musical about to open on Broadway. Though she can’t seem to stay in the good graces of the show’s aging leading lady, she soon catches the eye of the well-known leading man and her renowned director. On opening night, the star breaks her ankle and panic spreads through the company until it is suggested that our heroine take over the role. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, the memorable score includes “We’re in the Money,” “You’re Getting to be a Habit With Me,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and of course, “42nd Street.”