The curtain lifts slowly to reveal two dozen pairs of tap-dancing feet … and the times steps, buffalos and shuffle ball changes don’t stop, all evening! John Jay High School Theater Workshop’s production of “42nd Street” is a dazzling presentation that showcases students’ talent on stage, in the pit, and behind the scenes.
The show runs March 13, 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday matinee on March 15 at 1:00 p.m. Purchase tickets online.
Because the dancing is major in this musical, Broadway veteran and choreographer Anne-Marie Gerard Galler is also directing. She’s supported by Managing Director Jim Panzer, Producer Dan Longhurst, Assistant Director Elena Dunn and Student Assistant Director Cade Schwark.
Gerard Galler also invited a surprise guest coach to several of the rehearsals—Tony Parise, who was in the original Broadway production of “42nd Street”! He told students stories from the original show and tightened up their tap, as well as taught them the final dance number just as it appeared on Broadway.
The cast highlights the challenges and thrills of being part of the show.
Sami Sperling, who shines as the multi-talented, wide-eyed innocent Peggy Sawyer, said it was a rewarding new experience to do an all-tap show. “I took a few classes when I was younger, and I’m getting good at it!”
Gracyn Holm-Joergensen, who breaks out into a show-stopping tap solo as Billy Lawlor, agrees. “I haven’t tapped since elementary school!” she said. “It’s a lot of fun!”
Avery Gatrell, who plays the demanding Broadway director Julian Marsh, drives the show forward with power. The actor highlights the cast’s countless hours of practice at rehearsals and on their own to make the show work.
Aya Greenspan, who plays the fading diva Peggy Brock, said that she loves being in a musical with so many people that she’s performed with since middle school.
Producer Longhurst gives a shout out to the crew.
“There are a lot of costumes—around 250 unique pieces—and our student costumers have gathered and prepped all of them,” he said. “A team of students also worked many weekends on building the set.”
Throughout the show, John Jay’s auditorium is filled with rhythm and swing from the 21-person pit ensemble led by band teacher Jared Henderson. He highlights all the moving parts on stage, including props, lights and dancing, that the musicians must respond to. “We are all cueing off of each other and it’s a very wild and fulfilling experience.”
“Congrats to all of the students in involved,” said Director Gerard Galler. “I knew you would rock it!