In The Press

Praise for 42nd Street

The full houses and the applause said it all. People had eagerly awaited the next production by the acclaimed Wimborne Musical Theatre, and they weren't to be disappointed.

It's an exacting show, and the commitment and efforts of so many members of the society to become proficient tap dancers was more than evident. They were joined by eight talented youngsters from the Footlight Dance Academy which has classes in Merley, Colehill and Corfe Mullen.

Director Roy Joseph has won many awards and this production could well add top his collection.

'Good, they've got live music,' said one member of the audience. This was under the directorship of Grahame Laurence who has been in the music business for more than 40 years.

The oh-so-vital choreography was provided by professional Suzi DeVilliers who also appeared as Teacher Sandy Lee.

There were some stunning performances, and as in previous productions by Wimborne Musical Theatre (WMT) heaps of praise must go to Heather Pretlove as one-time star Dorothy Brock, Sharron Pearcy as Maggie Jones and Sally Ager as Ann Reilly.

This talented trio becomes a quartet with newcomer to WMT Lisa Hopton having put in a stunning performance as Peggy Sawyer, who takes over the lead in the show, when Dorothy breaks her ankle.

Lisa, who has all the vibrancy and fizz of a young Doris Day, has appeared in the West End and in many TV adverts.

The part of the director Julian Marsh was in the safe hands of Phil Evans, one of the society's most popular performers, whilst 16-year-old Jackie-Ross Lavender as Billy Lawlor, the juvenile lead, is a promising young player.

With powerful support from the other 11 members of the cast and the 15-strong chorus, 42nd Street presented a feel-good fun evening of which the theatre group should be rightly proud.

MB (Stour and Avon Magazine, 4th July 2008)

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