“Back to the Future: The Musical”: Bringing the Screen to the Stage
Fans of the beloved film franchise “Back to the Future” can now experience the story in a whole new way with the stage adaptation, “Back to the Future: The Musical”. Co-creator Bob Gale, franchise composer Alan Silvestri, and songwriter Glen Ballard discuss the process of adapting this classic to the stage, the memories behind making the original films, and more. The highly anticipated musical will have its premiere at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre on August 3rd.
A Historic Day: “42nd Street” Opening at the Winter Garden Theatre
On this day in history, August 25, 1980, the iconic musical “42nd Street” made its grand debut at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. Known for its focus on the heart of Manhattan, the show captivated audiences and solidified its place in the hearts of New Yorkers. Remarkably, this was not the first theater to open on Broadway. In fact, the illustrious history of Broadway dates all the way back to 1735, with thousands of shows performing for audiences from around the world.
The Birth of “42nd Street” and its Memorable Performances
Based on the 1933 Warner Brothers original film, “42nd Street” tells the inspiring story of a small-town chorus girl who rises to stardom after stepping in to save the show. Broadway.com highlights some of the most memorable performances, including Jerry Orbach as Julian Marsh, Tammy Grimes as leading lady Dorothy Brock, Wanda Richert as Peggy Sawyer, and Lee Roy Reams as Billy Lawlor. The musical features unforgettable songs such as “We’re In The Money,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” and “Lullaby of Broadway,” as reported by Playbill.
A Notable Curtain Call: Remembering Gower Champion
During the curtain call of the first performance of “42nd Street” on Broadway, tragedy struck as the show’s director, Gower Champion, had passed away just hours earlier from a rare blood disease. The cast appeared in shock during this somber moment, captured in a poignant photograph. Despite this heartbreaking event, “42nd Street” went on to win a Tony Award for Best Musical in 1981, with Gower Champion also receiving a Tony for Best Choreography.
A Journey Through Different Theaters
Over its original eight-year run, “42nd Street” had several homes. It started at the Winter Garden Theatre in 1980 but eventually moved to the Majestic Theatre in 1981 to make room for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats”. The Majestic Theatre hosted the show until 1987. Following its departure from the Majestic, “42nd Street” settled at the St. James Theatre until its final performance in 1989. In total, the musical completed nearly 3,500 performances on Broadway, leaving a lasting impact.
Continued Success and International Revivals
The legacy of “42nd Street” didn’t end with its original Broadway run. The musical enjoyed a successful revival in 2001, performing over 1,500 times at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, currently known as the Lyric Theatre. This revival received the Tony Award for Best Revival before closing in January 2005. The global appeal of “42nd Street” led to numerous revivals in countries such as Asia, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany, captivating audiences around the world.
In conclusion, “42nd Street” remains a timeless masterpiece, with its captivating story, unforgettable music, and enduring legacy. From its historic opening night at the Winter Garden Theatre to its international success, this musical continues to inspire and entertain audiences, proving that the magic of Broadway theater knows no bounds.
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