MEMBERS of Abingdon Operatic Society will be setting the toes of their audience tapping with their latest production.

They have chosen to perform the award-winning musical 42nd Street, which boasts such well-known numbers as We’re In The Money, Lullaby of Broadway, and, of course, 42nd Street, from Monday to Saturday, April 7 to 12.

With lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Harry Warren, 42nd Street tells the story of rookie actress Peggy Sawyer, played by Kate Wilkins, who wants to audition for a new Broadway musical. But, overcome by nervousness, Peggy arrives at the audition too late and misses her chance to join the chorus. However, she catches the eye of famous director Julian Marsh (Rob Bertwistle), who is aiming to mount a successful stage production of a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression.

After Marsh gives Peggy her big break in the show, the leading man Billy Lawlor (Ryan Stevens) also falls for her, instantly adding complication to Peggy’s life, especially as the show’s leading lady and resident diva Dorothy Brock (Joy Skeels) quickly takes a dislike to her.

But, on the opening night in Philadelphia, panic spreads through the company when Dorothy falls and breaks her ankle, leaving the show seemingly doomed until it is suggested that Peggy steps up to the main role. But can she possibly learn 25 pages of script, six songs and ten dance numbers before the show hits the stage in New York in only 36 hours’ time?

With Jennifer Scott as production team director, John Nye as musical director and the show choreographed by Gemma Hough, the show is due to be performed at the Amey Theatre, Abingdon School, nightly at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinée at 2.30pm.

Mr Nye said: “42nd Street of itself is an exciting show for cast and audience alike. A powerful line-up of first-rate principals, sensational dancers and a very strong company guarantees that this will be a truly memorable production.”

The remainder of the cast is as follows: Maggie Jones (Katie Nye), Bert Barry (John Wilkes), Andy Lee (James White), Annie (Verity Ramsden), Phyllis (Jane Digby), Lorraine (Cat Johnson), Pat Denning (David Cousin), Abner Dillon (George Green), Mac (Adrian Amstead), Doctor (James Hellem), Dianne (Kerry Callaghan) and Ethel (Tara Hunter) And, making up the chorus, are: Alice Aldous, Alistair Ballard-Martin, Kat Ballard-Martin, Simon Blainey, Barbara Denton, Mark Denton, Jane Donovan, Dianne Farmiloe, Linda Harris, Laura Hughes, Phil Hughes, Sarah Hunt, Eli Johnson, Jane Maggs, Sophie Moul, Jo Pickering, Rob Rees, Jon Ridley, Jenny Willis, Lynne Winter, Nigel Winter

Tickets for the show are priced from £8.50 to £15, with concessions, special offers and group discounts available. A ten per cent discount applies to parties of ten-plus and a 15 per cent discount for parties of 20-plus. To download a booking form or to book online, visit: www.abingdonoperatic.co.uk (for tickets bought online, a £1 booking fee applies per ticket), or buy unreserved balcony seats from Newbury Building Society, Abingdon. For general inquiries or information about tickets, call the ticket inquiry line on 01235 834383.