'Forty-Second Street' comes to Delaware Valley

WESTFALL - The sound of one hand clapping may be the ultimate Buddhist riddle, but the thundering vibrations of dozens of tapping feet at the opening of a musical can only mean one thing: “42nd Street”. This is a show with legs, in both the literal and figurative senses. Its universal popularity is almost mythical, having run on Broadway for 8-1/2 years after opening in 1980 and winning the Tony for Best Musical. A 2001 revival closed just last year, and won a Tony again, this time for Best Musical Revival. And now, the indestructible musical is coming to the Delaware Valley High School stage. The Harry Warren/Al Dubin songs are fresh, fabulous and fun: “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re in the Money”, “Shuffle off to Buffalo”, and of course, the title song, “42nd Street”. With such tunes, it’s no wonder that the chorus members break into song and dance at the drop of a hat. The soul -- and soles -- of this show, they make it easy to fall in love with this slice of Americana all over again. Yes, it’s the joyful tap-dancing that grabs an audience’s attention and keeps it coming back for more, but this production is also filled with a playful sense of comedy and period style. The cast of 33 features senior DVHS students Kaitlin Paul and Hunter Hoeper, juniors Natasha Green, Brian Mattos, MaryCate Morrison, and Kevin Pinero, and sophomore Morgane Fouse in leading roles. In supporting roles are freshman Taylor James, sophomore Damon Ficken, junior Becky Philhower, and senior Adam Blackman. Featured tap dancers are: Ashley Burkert, Anthony Fragola, Joey Gallagher, Kat Kreischer, Kurt Merrill, Kelly Owens, Megan Paul, and Melissa Pisarri. Long-time DV Drama director Kim Golden has been hard at work with the cast since February to make this huge production picture-perfect. Melissa Thomas tackles the daunting choreography. Sandy Stalter and Lance Rauh provide vocal and musical direction, while Steve Davis heads set design and construction. Assistant Director Caroline Lehman, stage manager Laura Walsh, and lighting designers Brian and Kevin Riker complete the list of professionals who have been working overtime to prepare this show for opening night. So.....“Come and meet those dancin’ feet!” Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Friday Apr. 27 and Saturday Apr. 28, and 2 p.m. on Sunday Apr. 29. Tickets are $10, and $7 for students and senior citizens. All seats are reserved, and early reservations are strongly suggested, as all three shows are expected to be standing-room only. To reserve your tickets, call 570-296-3656 x 7373. Further information and photos visit the Web site DRAMAatDV.org.