'42nd Street' will come tapping into Jackson
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

There will be dancing feet on the stage of Jackson Memorial High School as students and staff recreate the Broadway hit "42nd Street."

Performances will take place March 15 at 7 p.m., March 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. and March 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Advance purchases can be made at JMHS, Don Connor Boulevard, weekdays between 2:15-5 p.m. and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"It's a really positive cast," said director Jaclyn D. Somodi. "They have all worked hard together to produce the show and we're really excited about it."

Somodi is joined by assistant director Jaimy Schlossberg.

With choreography by Samantha Amaral and musical selections like "Lullaby of Broadway" and "42nd Street" under the direction of Edward Robertson and pit conductor Jason M. Diaz, the show is ready to soar.

"42nd Street" takes place during the Great Depression. Writers Maggie Jones (Erin Lynn) and Bert Barry (Michael Massano) create a play, "Pretty Lady," and convince the ingenious director Julian Marsh (Brandon Contreras) to produce what they are sure will be the first hit since the stock market crash of 1929.

Auditions run smoothly until Peggy Sawyer (Meghan Setser), a young girl from Allentown, Pa., enters. Billy Lawlor (Adam Vincent), the show's leading man, approaches Peggy with interest and regretfully informs her that she missed the auditions.

Peggy said she knows that, but tells him it took her an hour to gain the courage to walk through the stage door. Billy convinces her to try out on the spot.

As Billy and Peggy break into "Young and Healthy," Billy observes Peggy's talent. However, when choreographer Andy Lee (Adam Gold) catches wind of Billy's stunt, he kicks Peggy out of the audition.

The director then sits with the writers to discuss the cast. When Julian learns about his leading lady, Dorothy Brock (Summer Borelli), he is concerned that she will not possess the dancing ability to effectively conquer the role.

PHOTOS BY DAVE BENJAMIN Cast members in the Jackson Memorial High School production of "42nd Street" were hard at work last week putting the finishing touches on the play that will be presented March 15-18 at the high school, Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson.

Maggie convinces Julian that "Pretty Lady" needs Dorothy because the producer, Abner Dillion (Jursy Wallace) will not front the money without his love, Dorothy, in the lead.

Other cast members of "42nd Street" include Colleen Gorr, Jennifer Raccuia, Kimberly Serritella, Carly Dufford, Amanda McCawley, Cori Bott and Dominick LaRuffa.

As she prepared for opening night, Meghan Setser said, "I learned all the steps. There were a lot of people who worked with me and they had a lot of patience. The songs, the dances, the acting and seeing it all put together, everything just falls into place. I have a new appreciation for people who dance."

"She's a diva and that's something new for me," said Summer Borelli, describing her part as Dorothy Brock. "It's been exciting to do it."

Adam Vincent said he now loves tap, the songs and the people.

"I learned how to let go," he said. "Sometimes I get very self-conscious and insecure. This show has helped me learn to let go.

"I think the choreography is amazing," said Brandon Contreras. "It's very well put together. It's different from a lot of things we would normally do in a tap show. I think it's very well put together with a great ensemble and a great cast."

Singers and dancers include: Alyssa Acevedo, Alicia Ackerman, Molly Arney, Erin Bondi, Danyelle Becker, Briana Crisafulli, Tim Costagaliola, Mel Cromer, Tara D'Astoli, Rachel Dorsey, Melissa Durham, Corrin Dwyer, Nikki Eak, Kayla Festa, Gina Gomez, Alissa Kelman, Valerie Kirchner, Myckol Lugo, Melissa McClaughry, Anu Mysore, Jaime Netis, Amaka Orji, Tom Ranzweiler, Emily Reagan, Amanda Reed, Tanya Schaefer, Courtney Taskowitz, Brittany Traeger, Melissa Uhl, Danielle Vernon, Andrea Waksmundzki, Kahra Woolver-ton and Nicole York, with student dance captains Melissa McClaughry and Amanda McCawley.

Set design was created by Bobbie Allaire and assistant set designer Carrie Borgen, with set construction by David Feimster.

The technical portion of the production was created by Jim Lyle, lighting design, and sound technician James Schroder, with light and sound technicians Nancy Biese and Leigh Raney.