Freed Center Presents ‘42nd Street’

Ohio Northern University’s Freed Center for the Performing Arts presents “42nd Street” from April 28 to May 1 at 8 p.m. and a matinee performance on May 2 at 2 p.m.

“42nd Street” is one of the largest and most elaborate musicals ever performed at the Freed Center. Set during the height of the Great Depression, the story follows hardworking characters who have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. The story focuses on the journey of aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer. Musical hits include “You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me,” “Dames,” “I Know Now,” “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “42nd Street.”

Watch scenes from "42nd Street"

Norb Joerder will direct and choreograph. Joerder reunited Robert Goulet and “Camelot” for a critically acclaimed revival on Broadway and a record-breaking national tour. He also staged the Richard Harris “Camelot” that toured Australia and Europe. In New York, he has directed and choreographed revivals of “42nd Street” with Jerry Orbach and Tammy Grimes, “La Cage Aux Folles” with Gene Barry and LeRoy Reemes, “Gypsy” with Lanie Kazan, “Guys and Dolls” with Vic Damone, “The Music Man” with John Schneider, “Annie Get Your Gun” with Andrea McArdle and “My Fair Lady” with Michael Moriarty.

Lloyd Butler, music director of the ONU Musical Theatre Program and director of the Freed Center Orchestra, will serve as the musical director for this production.

Michael Doyle, a senior communications art major from Delaware, Ohio, plays Julian Marsh, while Michael Bizzaro, a senior music education major from Port Allegany, Pa., plays Pat Denning. Rounding out the lead roles are Kara Dombrowski (Peggy Sawyer) of Brecksville, Ohio, Patrick Mulle (Billy Lawlor) of Tiffin, Ohio, Valerie Witherspoon (Dorothy Brock) of Hudson, Ohio, Micah Hein (Bert Barry) of Wilmington, Ohio, Caitlin Hamm (Maggie Jones) of Northfield, Ohio, Amanda Fannon (Ann Reilly) of Kenton, Ohio, Mark Blowers (Andy Lee) of Toledo, Ohio, and Kyle Roby (Abner Dillon) of Bluffton, Ohio.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and non-ONU students, $9 for children and $5 for ONU students. The Freed Center box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone orders are accepted with American Express, MasterCard, VISA or Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets are also available online at www.freedcenter.com

Published: Thu, 04/15/2010 - 9:00am