(by arrangement with MUSICSCOPE)

Music By HARRY WARREN
Lyrics By AL DUBIN
Book By MICHAEL STEWART & MARK BRAMBLE

Director/Choreographer DENISE ROBINSON
Musical Director RUSSELL HARROLD

LADIES OF THE CHORUS

Leanne Alexander, Angie Astell, Ruth Bias, Sandra Birch, Jeanette Blower, Jo Bolton, Liz Bolton, Fay Bray, Jenny Brown, Tara Bryan, Louise Cordwell, Alison Cowan, Carol Dicken, Chris Duff-Cole, Rachel Grace, Charlotte Haughtey, Sheryl Lea, Emma Lester, Anne Palmer, Joanne Rideout, Maria Robbins, Marcelle Rollings, Pascalle Rollings, Carlo Shield, Gemma Shield, Tracey Spencer-Smith, Clair Spittle, Catriona Stevens, Chris Walker, Stacey Wall, Jackie Watkiss.

GENTLEMEN OF THE CHORUS

David Ball, Kip Barratt, Alan Compson, Adam Crawford, Chris Dudley, Jonathan Hallmark, Ston Holmes, lan Hunter, Craig Johnson, Jack Morris, Peter Morris, Robert Picken, Peter Taylor, Dan Smith.

NON ACTING MEMBERS

Jackie Andrews, Claire Andrews, Lloyd Brookes, Joyce Brookes, Jenny Darlington, Anne Duff-Cole, Lindsay Flavell, Lyn Frost, Chris Frost, Joan Grice, Jerry Hobbs, Emma Hollies, Lisa Jane Jones, Mick Moreton, Rosemary Moss, Wendy Peterson, Peter Pingree, Carol Porter, Eric Page, Pauline Pursehouse, Keith Rowley, Yvonne Salt, David Smith, Graham Tarbuck, Jean Wadsworth, Doreen Whild, Ray Whittaker.

LIFE MEMBERS

Kip Barratt, Jean Beard, Ron Beard, Chris Duff-Cole, George Ellis, Bob Frost, Jeanette Frost, Michael Kemp, Anne Palmer, Maria Robbins, Olwen Rowley, Maggie Thurgur, Ray Whittaker.

During the bleak years of the American depression in the 1930's Darryl F. Zanuck, head of production at Warner Brothers film studio, dreamed up a backstage musical which would be brash, bright and punchy, and above all uplifting.

The result was 42ND STREET, with a script by Rian James and James Seymour, songs by Al Dubin and Harry Warren. The director was Lloyd Bacon, with the dance numbers staged by Busby Berkeley, and it starred Warner Baxter, Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler and Bebe Daniels.

Its overwhelming success turned 42ND STREET into a milestone in the history of Hollywood musicals and was immortalised by a line of dialogue, variations on which were to become a cliche of the show-biz musical: "Sawyer, you're going out a youngster, but you've got to come back a star!" The bemused recipient of this remark was Ruby Keeler, a former Broadway chorus girl who had appeared earlier in WHOOPEE and who married Al Jolson in 1928. On her own admission Miss Keeler's talents, both as singer and dancer, were modest, but 42ND STREET - which incidentally grossed over $2.4 million, a colossal sum at the time - made her a star overnight and she made a further eight films for Warner Brothers, in most of which she was teamed with the romantic heart-throb of the thirties, Dick Powell.

The real star of 42ND STREET, though, was Busby Berkeley. It sealed his reputation as the foremost dance director in Hollywood and launched him into the famous GOLD DIGGERS series of 1933, 1935 and 1937 and a number of other films which were enlivened by his astonishing inventiveness. Hundreds of beautiful chorus girls were disguised as flowers, musical instruments, fountains, coins and whatever else came into his mind. Hundreds more played on hundreds of mobile white grand pianos or scraped at violins as they swirled around huge art deco sets and went tap-tap-tapping up and down staircases. His best known trademark, however, were the famous overhead shots in which his girls were deployed as geometric mosaics, furling and unfurling as flowers, flags and far more unlikely objects transformed by his skill into stunning patterns of movements.

During the four years between 42ND STREET and the GOLD DIGGERS of 1937 Berkeley worked purely as choreographer and dance director on other people's films, but thereafter he became a full-time director himself, working mainly for Warner Brothers before moving to MGM where he directed a number of minor classics, including BABES IN ARMS, STRIKE UP THE BAND, BABES ON BROADWAY and FOR ME AND MY GIRL.

Ultimately, he will perhaps he best remembered for 42ND STREET, the film that rejuvenated the Hollywood musical and which cheered the hearts of millions of cinemagoers during the Depression and has gone on doing so for morethan half a century with a score that has become part of the folklore of popular American music.

After a successful tryout at the Kennedy Center, Washington, the stage version opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on Monday August 20+h 1980 to standing ovations and critics' raves. At the end of 14 curtain calls David Merrick the producer appeared on stage and asked for silence. "This is a tragedy", people laughed the show was a hit. Then he said "You don't understand, Gower Champion the director and choreographer died this afternoon". No one except Mr. Merrick knew of the sad event. The cast and audience were plunged from exultation to tears.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Our Patrons' and you the public for your continuing support.
The Manager and Staff of the Grand Theatre
United Reform Church, Penn Road for rehearsal facilities
The support of our advertisers
Sheila and Kelly of Centreprint
Wigs by Showbiz of Southampton

PEGGY SAWYER - Claire Farr

Claire joined the company in 2002 for Guys and Dolls, playing the role of Miss Adelaide and she is no stranger to the Grand Theatre i stage, having performed with the Kathryn Taggart Dance Academy since the age of six. As a member of South Staffs Musical Theatre Company, Oldfallings Players and Rainbow Pantomimes, previous roles have included Eliza Doolittle MY FAIR LADY, Babe Williams THE PAJAMA GAME, Nellie Forbush SOUTH PACIFIC, Julie Jordan CAROUSEL, Sarah Brown GUYS AND DOLLS, Fatima SINBAD THE SAILOR, Jill MOTHER GOOSE, Cinderella CINDERELLA, Tom Cat PUSS IN BOOTS, Dick DICK WHITTINGTON, Aladdin ALADDIN and Jack JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. More recently Claire has played the role of Doreen in the musical Wallop Mrs Cox at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, working alongside Radio WM's Malcolm Boyden. As a student of Brenda Arnold, Claire has achieved her L.L.C.M. and is currently working towards her F.L.C.M. in Musical Theatre.

DOROTHY BROCK - Gail Hutchison

Gail joined the company in 1991 as an enthusiastic chorus member and played her first leading role Katie Brown in CALAMITY JANE, followed by Irene in CRAZY FOR YOU, Ado Annie in OKLAHOMA, and Gladys Murphy in COPACABANA. Gail started her theatrical career at the age of seven as one of the children in THE KING AND I. She has also played numerous parts with the Cosford Amateur Dramatic Society and the Shifnal Spotlights, including the lead role in DICK WHITTINGTON. After auditioning for the Italia Conti Stage School she was accepted as a student but was unable to complete the course due to lack of sponsorship. She did however complete a one year course at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama. For the Birmingham and Midland Operatic Society she appeared as Milly in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS.

MAGGIE JONES - Veronica Bould

Joined the Company in 1987, has since played Hattie KISS ME KATE, Poopsie THE PAJAMA GAME, Kate HALF A SIXPENCE,Lady Beekman GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, Mrs Smith MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, Aunt Eller OKLAHOMA. Other theatre work, Eliza Doolittle MY FAIR LADY, Jane CALAMITY JANE, Ado Annie OKLAHOMA, Miss Adelaide GUYS AND DOLLS.

JULIAN MARSH - Tim Jones

Tim joined the company in 1995 playing Pat Denning in 42ND STREET. He then left the area to 'tread the boards' professionally and worked throughout the UK before moving to Gambia and then on to cruise liners. Since his return Tim has been busy performing and producing for Willenhall Operatic, GODSPELL, THE HOT MIKADO and played Bill Sykes in their production of OLIVER. He has appeared with most of the local companies with parts as Curly OKLAHOMA, Sky Masterson GUYS AND DOLLS, Ravenal SHOWBOAT, Henry Higgins MY FAIR LADY, Joe CHARLIE GIRL, Tommy BRIGADOON, Wild Bill Hickock CALAMITY JANE, Bob Cratchit SCROOGE, Ali Hakim OKLAHOMA, Nathan Detroit GUYS AND DOLLS. Tim also co-directed THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE, and SOUTH PACIFIC for Bilston Operatic Company. Last year played Rico Castelli in COPACABANA, following this came a second opportunity to play Henry Higgins in MY FAIR LADY for South Staffs Musical Theatre. Since then he has produced two shows for B.M.O.S., THE PAJAMA GAME and GODSPELL, and later this year WEST SIDE STORY.

BILLY LAWLOR - Matt Elson

Matt joined the company in 2000 for MACK AND MABEL and last year played the lead role of Stephen in COPACABANA. After training at the Betty Fox Stage School for two years he appeared in a new musical version of GREAT EXPECTATIONS for BCC Ltd. With other local companies he played Nick Piazza in FAME, Mickey in BLOOD BROTHERS, also took part in 42nd STREET, ME AND MY GIRL and THE MIKADO, and last year Benny Southstreet in GUYS AND DOLLS. Television saw him in DANGERFIELD and BACK UP both for BBC. During a company sponsored week at the NODA SUMMER SCHOOL, he played Baby John in WEST SIDE STORY.
Matt is also a keen songwriter and pianist. Recently Matt stepped in at two days notice to play Paul San Marco in the City of Wolverhampton College production of CHORUS LINE at the Wolverhampton Arts Centre.

BERT BARRY - Stan Till

While appearing with South Staffs Musical Theatre, Willenhall Operatic Society and Muscom,numerous roles have come his way including Luther Billis SOUTH PACIFIC, Nathan Detroit GUYS AND DOLLS, Will Parker OKLAHOMA, Sam Harris GEORGE M., Chief Sitting Bull ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Marcellus Washburn MUSIC MAN, Stewpot SOUTH PACIFIC, Francis Fryer CALAMITY JANE, Custus CRAZY FOR YOU and Jamie MY FAIR LADY

PHYLLIS DALE - Kimberley Robinson

Kimberley has been singing and dancing since the tender age of 3 and has appeared in many musical productions with her Dance School in Penn, Wolverhampton. She joined Muscom in 1994 as a junior member at the age of 8, firstly taking part in the Summer Shows then from the age of 14 joined as a dancer in many productions at the Grand Theatre. Very proud of her longstanding family connections with Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company, she is eager to follow in their footsteps and prove her ability in this production of a favourite of hers - 42nd Street.

LORRAINE FLEMMING - Holly Stringfellow

Holly joined the company in 1992 as one of the children in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, followed by another child role of Freddie in THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Appeared as a dancer in OKLAHOMA, GUYS AND DOLLS and COPACABANA. Also gained experience with Bilston Operatic Company, in ANNIE and SCROOGE, not forgetting BUGSY MALONE and LIL ABNER with the Funcky Chicken Workshop. Started dancing at the age of four with Marylin Harris School of Dance and at the age of thirteen spent three years with Carol Suttie, performing in many dance shows with both schools.

DIANE LORIMER - Anneka Dacres

Anneka is eighteen and joined the company in 2002 for COPACABANA. She has trained in Ballet, Tap and Modern for 13 years to a RAD and ISTD standard. Obtaining a drama A-level Anneka wishes to further her education and gain more experience at a university of Performing Arts and specialise in Musical Theatre. Being in a TV commercial for Dudley College shown on ITV1 promoting the performing arts course starts the list of her experience and taste of fame. Currently she has joined a West Midland based city band called Soul Vibe Train where she is a backing singer and sings all over the Midlands at different events. To her joy Anneka has recently performed at the London Palladium in the show called TO DIE FOR where she played a Club Backing Singer.

ANNE REILLY (Anytime Annie) - Jayne Blakemore

Jayne joined the company in 1999 as a dancer in CRAZY FOR YOU, the following year she played Lottie in MACK AND MABEL. Other theatre work includes Sally Smith ME AND MY GIRL, Poopsie PAJAMA GAME, and Kit Kat girl in CABARET.

ABNER DILLON - Greg Yates

Joined the company for COPACABANA playing the part of Sam Silver. Greg has appeared with the Bilston, South Staffs, and Willenhall Operatic Companies, not to mention the Lichfield Players and Punch Theatre. Some of his many roles include, Harry BLITZ, Hines THE PAJAMA GAME, Madam Lucy IRENE, Moonface Martin ANYTHING GOES, Jigger CAROUSEL, Jesus GODSPELL, Koko HOT MIKADO, Fagin OLIVER, Pellinore CAMELOT, Dr. Prospero FORBIDDEN PLANET, Lazar Wolf FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, also various dames in CINDERELLA, DICK WHITTINGTON, SNOW WHITE, and JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. During the past 12 months he has directed COPACABANA for the Brierley Hill Operatic Society, played Jesus in GODSPELL, Duke Frederick in AS YOU LIKE IT and Chief Sitting Bull in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.

ANDY - Neil Bromley

Neil has been with the company for three years as an enthusiastic chorus member. He is thrilled to be given the opportunity of playing Andy in this production. For the past three years Neil has been studying at the Wolverhampton Arts Centre, and hopes to continue his studies at Drama School.

PAT DENNING - Chris Wolverson

Chris joined the company in 1997 for SOUTH PACIFIC in the role of Lt. Joseph Cable. Since then he has played Pete CALAMITY JANE, Mingo CRAZY FOR YOU, Freddy MACK AND MABEL, Curley OKLAHOMA, Sky Masterson GUYS AND DOLLS. Made his stage debut in 1976 in OLIVER. His many roles include Perchic FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Bob CHRYSANTHEMUM, Judas GODSPELL, Gerald AN INSPECTOR CALLS, Sebastian TWELFTH NIGHT, Japhet A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER, Captain Barton TEN TIMES TABLE, and Bill Calhoun KISS ME KATE. Currently working as Director and Musical Director with the Albrighton Operatic Society, on their forthcoming production of HIGH SOCIETY. As a member of the British Motorsport Marshall's Club he assists at racing circuits around the Midlands for many events including the British Grand Prix.

MAC - Nick France

Nick joined the company as a chorus member in OKLAHOMA and has since played Lt. Brannigan in GUYS AND DOLLS, and the Maitre,D in COPACABANA. Although new to acting, he is not new to the stage and has been a lead singer and bass guitarist in many different bands since 1982. His current pop/rock band "The Special Stuff" are becoming increasingly popular on the pubs and bike rallies circuit.