Curve, a theatre located smack-bang in the city centre, provides visitors with an experience usually associated with only some London-based theatres. As you can tell I am a huge fan of the theatre and I was fortunate enough to be able to catch a performance of Curve's production of 42nd Street as its run in Leicester comes to an end.
For those of you who are not familiar with 42nd Street, let me fill you in. The show is about a small-town American girl called Peggy Sawyer (or 'Allentown' as she is frequently called throughout the show because that's where she comes from) and her journey from chorus girl to fully-fledged Broadway star. Originally conceptualised to cheer people up during tough economic times, it is packed with dazzling show-stopping numbers and impressive dance routines. It is accompanied by an incredible score,
which includes a song that I am sure everyone knows called We're in the Money.
Speaking of the original production, the 1980 Broadway show won the Tony Award for Best Musical and went on to become a long-running hit. When the show was produced in London, it went on to win an Oliver Award for Best Musical. The 2001 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Revival. Impressive, right?!
Drawing your attention back to Curve's production of the show, I loved the fact that it went straight into the story without beating about the bush. I also liked how the 14-piece ON-STAGE orchestra were used to draw the audience in and the way it was interwoven throughout the show, it was flawless. Paul Kerryson used the stage in such an imaginative way and I especially liked how the backdrop was used to recreate the feel of the Great Depression. As I previously mentioned, the dancing was incredible and I am sure that the vocals were some of the best that I have heard at Curve. In addition, the talented cast were fantastic, particularly Ria Jones as Dorothy, Geraldine Fitzgerald (that is my all-time favourite surname!) as Maggie and Tim Flavin gave an extremely strong performance as Julian Marsh.
Speaking of Paul Kerryson, March sees another one of his shows called Gypsy take to Curve's stage. I know what you're probably thinking; it's going to be about someone that lives in a caravan, a la My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. However, I'm pleased to tell you that you're completely wrong.
Gypsy is actually about a woman named Mama Rose and her determination to live out her own dreams of stardom through her two daughters. Originally performed on Broadway in 1959, this production of Gypsy at Curve (which will be running from 10 March - 15 April 2012) is the first in the UK for a number of years. Directed by Paul Kerryson and staring Caroline O'Connor as Mama Rose, this is definitely a must-see.
To book tickets to see this show and for prices, click HERE.