CRYSTAL LAKE, IL, Feb. 16, 2022- Crystal Lake Central High School will perform 42nd Street for its winter musical. Performances will occur on Thursday, March 10 at 7 pm, Friday, March 11 at 7 pm, Saturday, March 12 at 7 pm, and Sunday, March 13 at 1 pm.
Forty-Second Street is a stage adaptation of the classic 1933 movie with music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. The production was nominated for eight Tony Awards, winning two including Best Musical. Come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway! 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square, and the magic of show biz with wit, humor, and pizzazz. At the height of the Great Depression, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star? The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “Forty-Second Street.”
This year’s musical is produced by CLCHS choir director Kimberly Scherrer, featuring the choreography of Chesney (Murphy) Lofgren. Chesney has been an integral part of the directing team for over ten years at CLC. Her exceptional talent is showcased through the students in every tap and jazz production number. Leading characters played by CLCHS students include junior Ian Farrell-Freeland (Julian Marsch), junior Raina Thiegs (Peggy Sawyer), freshman Corey Atkinson (Billy Lawlor), senior Natalie Virgil (Dorothy Brock), junior Bethany Sternberg (Ann Reilly), senior Connor Hershey (Andy Lee), senior Evie Iwin (Bert Barry), senior Katelyn Santoro (Maggie Jones), junior Nathan Szadowski (Abner Dillon) and senior Micah Kellerman (Pat Denning).
A strong supporting cast of minor leads and ensemble members carry the weight of the show through tap choreography. These CLCHS students include senior Ida Alt (Gladys), senior Madi Blackmore (Lorraine), freshman Riya Gumidyala (Millie), freshman Ava Heldt (Robin), senior Kiera Majzner (Ethel), senior Maddie Novotney (Phyllis), junior Naomi Virgil (Diane), junior Avery Wilson (Winnie) and several other ensemble members.
In total, approximately 100 Crystal Lake Central students will be involved in the production as part of the cast, pit, and crew. Additional production team support is provided by Cris Kingston (Director), Eric Thiegs (Ensemble Director), Keith Levin (Pit Orchestra Director), Steve Knope (Set Director), Becca Polk (Costume Director/Dance Captain), Steve Scherrer (Lighting Director) and Anders Stadler (Sound Director/Assistant Director).
“We hope this high energy and the infectious show brings you to your feet. The tap choreography has brought new life to our theater following a year of Covid shutdowns. We look forward to having audiences back in our space to root for Peggy and to fall in love with musical theater, just as she does.”
Tickets can be purchased online at www.clchs theater.ludus.com
