We all love a story where the underdog wins or the American Dream comes true right before our very eyes. The story of 42nd Street The Musical chronicles one such story where a young performer gets her big break on Broadway with fantastic results.
Let’s explore the storyline, themes and backdrops appropriate for this classic Broadway musical often seen as a revival in local and regional theaters.
The Story of 42nd Street
42nd Street The Musical is an adaptation of the 1932 novel written by Bradford Rope and the subsequent Hollywood adaptation in 1933. This 1980 Broadway production won many accolades including the Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography and the Olivier Award for Best Musical in London.
This beloved Broadway production tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a young performer from a small town in Pennsylvania who travels to the Big Apple in the hopes of making it big on Broadway. With stars in her eyes, naive Peggy is thrust into the sometimes political and seedy side of Broadway when she is late for her first audition for Pretty Lady.
Dorothy Brock, the show’s leading lady and typical Broadway diva, takes an instant dislike to the newcomer and her positive and hopeful outlook. Peggy is cast in the chorus of the show and quickly becomes friendly with many of the other girls who show her the way of Broadway.
When Dorothy is injured during the show’s preview, the director and producer scramble to find a talent that can take on the leading role. Peggy and her talent for dance and acting fit the bill and she earns her chance to make it on Broadway.
While the story of 42nd Street focuses on the life of young Peggy, it is set in New York City during the difficult and desolate Great Depression era of the 1930s. The show captures the vast difference between the glitz and glamor of the Broadway world and the depression of the post-Stock Market Crash world.
Backdrops for 42nd Street
The setting of 42nd Street ranges from the streets of New York City to the stage of Broadway theaters. Let’s take a closer look at some of our more popular backdrops that can boost your performance.
Stage Scenes
This Bare Backstage Backdrop shows a brick wall with a theater door, spiral staircase, catwalk, and scenery flats leaning against the wall.
Or, this Bare Backstage Backdrop #2381 which shows a backstage wall with a ladder, pipes, and scenery sets leaning against the wall would be a perfect choice for your production.
This Pretty Lady Scrim Backdrop shows a vintage Pretty Lady design for use in 42nd Street performances.
New York City Backdrops
There are several cityscape and NYC backdrops to choose from for your performance of 42nd Street. This Cityscape Backdrop # 2419 would be ideal as it shows a black-and-white version of the skyscrapers juxtaposed with the glitz of Broadway.
This colorful art deco version of NYC shows a more positive view of the city titled NYC Skyline Backdrop. To view all 57 backdrop options offered please visit show suggestions under 42nd Street The Musical.