While it seems like edgy, high-tech Broadway productions are all the rage these days, there are some things that never get old, like catchy showtunes and extravagant dance numbers. The Tony Award-winning “42nd Street” is all that and more. Salt Lake audiences will have a chance to experience that for themselves at the Capitol Theatre.
“42nd Street” is a musical based on the novel by Bradford Ropes as well as a 1933 film adaption of the same name. The musical originally premiered in 1980 and won a Tony Award for Best Musical, while its 2001 revival took the Tony for Best Revival. The story follows the rags-to-riches rise of a starry-eyed young dancer who leaves her small hometown for the bright lights of New York and becomes a star.
“’42nd Street’ is about the American dream — it’s the quintessential Broadway musical,” said Steven Bidwell, who plays Bert Berry in the musical. “I read the original book from 1933, and it’s still applicable to the life of an actor in 2015.”
Bidwell knows quite a bit about the life of a modern actor. He pursued a degree in Recreation Management from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, but it wasn’t until he worked at Disney World and met other actors that he realized he could turn that love into a passion and a profession. He went back to school to study acting at the Vancouver Film School and eventually graduated from the prestigious Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City.
“It took me a while to figure out where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do,” Bidwell said. “But I’m happy with the way I did things, and coming into acting as an adult instead of a child gave me a different perspective.”
Bidwell has a unique outlook on life because he didn’t take the normal path to success and is pursuing a career he loves. As a result, his experience of finding himself and having the courage to follow his dreams serves as a blueprint for any student still unsure of what they want to do with their life.
“The best advice is to persevere. It certainly doesn’t happen overnight,” Bidwell said. “I have many friends who were very talented but didn’t want to take the time to wait to find their mark and chose different career paths. Find other interests, explore other things, don’t stress and do what you love. If you do what you love, it will all come together.”
Bidwell has followed his own advice, which has led to a fruitful career and a role in “42nd Street” that he states is “amazing” with “some of the most well-known songs in musical history.” Bidwell isn’t exaggerating, as the musical is chock full of catchy memorable showtunes like “We’re In The Money” and “I Only Have Eyes For You.” Bidwell also said that he often stands backstage in the wings to watch the closing dance number, which he describes as “powerful.”
“I love watching the show. The cast is phenomenal, and the production team is amazing,” said Bidwell. “It’s a spectacle, the show never lets up and you will leave with a huge smile on your face. It’s a very powerful experience.”
“42nd Street” arrives in Salt Lake City for a limited run Sept. 22 through 27. Tickets are on sale at the Capitol Theatre box office and online at arttix.artsaltlake.org/.