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Since its opening in 1980, "42nd Street" has delighted audiences with show-stopping favorites like "We're in the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "I Only Have Eyes for You," and of course, "42nd Street."
The original Broadway production won two Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography and two Drama Desk Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
In 2001, the show was revived, and it went on to win two more Tony Awards for Best Musical Revival and Best Leading Actress, in addition to a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival.
Based on the 1933 movie, "42nd Street" tells the fateful story of a young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her home in Allentown to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star.
California native Clara Cox plays the starring role of Peggy Sawyer. "I grew up in Los Angeles, California, and I performed at community and regional theaters there until I graduated high school. I then received a bachelor of fine arts in musical yheater from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and moved to New York about six months before booking this job," said Cox.
Cox's resume is impressively stocked with leading roles and dance experience. "Theatre was a hobby turned career for me. I grew up doing theater and seeing as many shows as I possible could, so it was always a given that I would pursue a career in this field," she explained.
For Cox, "42nd Street" is timeless and universal. There is a character that will speak to every audience member, and the music invokes both nostalgia and excitement for the audience and for the performers."
Being on a national tour of a musical is not for the faint of heart. Both the cast and crew work incredibly hard to bring the show to various tour spots. "42nd Street" is a dance-heavy show with difficult tap numbers and songs required intense vocal strength. "The physical stamina is extremely demanding," Cox said. "We have to dance this show eight times a week, sometimes in up to eight different cities in that same week, so being physically healthy is my greatest challenge."
But the effort is all worth it when the audience finds itself enthralled by the performance. Cox hope that the crowd walks away "with the reminder that truly anything is possible if you are willing to follow your dreams."
Carla Fisher, director of marketing and creative design at the CAC, is excited to host "4"2nd Street" for patrons. The CAC is making it even easier to see a show downtown through their shuttle service. "There will be a free show shuttle service to the performance compliments of the CAC and RVT. River Valley Transit will make a 15 minute loop from four parking lots right to the front of the theater starting an hour prior to the show performance. The shuttle will take patrons after each show safely back to their original destination," said Fisher.
To order tickets or to learn more about the shuttle service, visit www.caclive.com or call the Box Office at 570-326-2424.