‘42nd Street’ On Richter’s Outdoor Stage

DANBURY — Musicals at Richter, Fairfield County’s longest-running outdoor summer theatre, is presenting the classic tap-dancing musical 42nd Street through August 12 on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road. Performances are under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8:30 pm.

42nd Street celebrates the star-making magic of the Great White Way. Chorine Peggy Sawyer, newly arrived from Allentown, Penn., gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she substitutes for the ailing star of a Broadway show on the opening night.

In addition to exciting dance numbers, the production features many standards by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, including “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re In The Money,” “About a Quarter to Nine,” “I Know Now,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and, of course, the title song.

The cast is comprised of over 30 area performers, including many Richter veterans and a number of newcomers. Taking on the role of the determined ingenue Peggy Sawyer is Nikki Sanders, who also serves as the production’s associate director and choreographer. Matt Johnston is her leading man and love interest, Billy Lawlor; Al Recchia is the tough-talking producer Julian Marsh; and Lori Novella-Murphy is Peggy’s wisecracking friend Anytime Annie.

The show’s writers, Bert Barry and Maggie Jones, are portrayed by Donald Leona and Juliette Garrison, and the temperamental star Dorothy Brock is played by Priscilla Squiers. Rounding out the cast are John McMahon as Abner Dillon, the Tulsa millionaire bankrolling the show, and Ric Daunis as Pat Denning, Dorothy Brock’s former vaudeville partner.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for children or students. Grounds open at 7:15 pm for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30. Chair rentals are available with advance reservation. For reservations and further information, call the Musicals at Richter box office at 748-6873.