42nd Street (2009) – Liverpool Daily Post

Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust’s choice of musical to put on at the Empire this year couldn’t be more apt, set as it is in the Great Depression of 1933. Harnessed to a pretty divine score … and an orchestra from the Royal Northern College of Music, the singing was the great joy of this production… even the most minor members of the cast excelled in scenes like the first in Act 2, where the cast arrive in Philadelphia. Graeme Henderson, a seasoned choreographer, created some mesmerising routines evoking all the leg-kicking dazzle of the30s… as in the final scenes of Pretty Lady, the fictional show. Gareth Casey-Morris as Julian Marsh stole the show with a performance that would credit any professional outfit… The cast and technicians of BOST had, incredibly, only two full rehearsals on the Empire stage before curtains went up, but the first night passed with barely a hitch. BOST put on a night of top notch entertainment that did exactly what a good musical should. For two hours it spirited the audience away from shrinking budgets, taxes, politicians and expense scandals – to an altogether sunnier side of the street. 9/10 Has Legs Liverpool Echo 14/05/09 Its the musical about performers’ love for theatre, music and dance. So its apt that Birkenhead Operatic Society members, all busy rehearsing in their spare time, chose 42nd Street as their Empire performance. Harnessed to a pretty divine score… you were reminded of the company’s operatic pedigree time and time again – even minor members of the cast excelled. Choreographer Graeme Henderson created some mesmerising routines… Jay Hardy’s bravura tap routine as Andy Lee in Go Into Your Dance was an obvious highlight… as were scenes of Pretty Lady… Gareth Casey-Morris as Julian Marsh stole the show… Versatile Amanda Lane,18, as Peggy Sawyer, will be a talent to watch in years to come…. It was a loud production… but the voices were so good, it wasn’t a problem. BOST put on top notch entertainment, thanks to their passion for performance, visible in every scene. It would hold its own next to many professional productions.