Review

Musical dances on the edge but keeps its balance

CLEARWATER - It would be easy to enjoy 42nd Street as a lightweight and innocuous piece of entertainment, or even to dismiss it as trite and saccharine.

But what really gives this show its spark - aside from a staggering number of classic songs and some rousing dance numbers - is the deftness of the writing and staging.

42nd Street is very much a parody of the exact genre that it represents, the old-fashioned glitzy Broadway (or Hollywood) musical with cliched characters, horribly hackneyed dialogue and predictable plot lines.

It's a delicate balancing act, because the show has to make fun of itself and still maintain enough credibility that the audience remains engaged.

For the most part, the current touring production, part of Ruth Eckerd Hall's Broadway Series, keeps that balance beautifully.

Oh, sure, there are a couple of performances that teeter on the edge or even stumble over. The acting style is intentionally hammy, and it's almost inevitable that it will sometimes get out of hand.

On two occasions on opening night, a stagehand was clearly visible behind a set for several minutes. And for fans of the show's music, one huge disappointment is a singularly bland rendition I Only Have Eyes for You.

And some of the dialogue is just plain stupid, instead of charmingly corny. One example: "He's a tenor, but he has base intentions." It's no funnier when it's spoken than it is in print.

But for the most part, the show and the production are just loaded with old-fashioned charm, backed up with some gorgeous stagecraft, charismatic performances and the amazing choreography of Gower Champion, the director and choreographer of the original 1980 production, who died on that show's opening night. All the dancing here is a joy, and the tap numbers are pure bliss.

The performers do justice to the choreography, and most have great voices and substantial acting chops to go along with their footwork.

It's a large cast, about 50 performers including the chorus, and singling out the best isn't really fair. But Shannon O'Bryan was, deservedly, a clear audience favorite as the Broadway newcomer who becomes an overnight star. She wielded a strong, clear voice and danced with grace and confidence.

All the technical and design work was first-rate, especially the flashy and elegant costumes by Roger Kirk.

42nd Street continues through Sunday at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Show times are 2 and 8 p.m. today and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets prices $47, $57 and $62 for tonight's performance and $40, $50 and $55 for all other performances. (727) 791-7400 or rutheckerdhall.com.

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