VERGENNES — It’s Broadway time. The Vergennes Union High School Music Department is excited to present their fall musical production of “42nd Street,” a celebration of everything New York — Broadway, Times Square and the people who create the magic of musical theater. The show runs Nov. 16 and 17, at 7 p.m. and Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. at the VUHS auditorium. 
The setting is 1933. People are still reeling from the Wall Street crash. Aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer (Caitlin Walsh) comes to the Big Apple from Allentown, Pa. Peggy, a great tap dancer, has always dreamed of getting in the chorus of a Broadway show.  She especially has her sights set on working with the famous Broadway producer Julian Marsh (Zeke Palmer), who is launching a new musical “Pretty Lady.”
Writers Bert (Kai Williams) and Maggie (Bess Gramling) have written a very lively and fun show filled with comedy and many dance numbers along the way. The cast of characters include the show’s romantic lead Billy (Kamren Kiefer), the leading lady Dorothy Brock (Maddie Smith), and some chorus girls who take Peggy under their wing, Annie (Sydney Tarte), Phyllis (Paiton Tolmer), and Lorraine (Cedar Winslow) to name a few.
As with all Broadway shows, there is lots of drama, love interests and twists and turns along the way.  When leading lady Dorothy breaks her ankle producer Julian is ready to call it quits. The cast convinces him that Peggy can save the day.  With just 36 hours to learn 25 pages of script, six songs and 10 dance numbers, can newcomer Peggy pull it off? Come to the show to see.
The student dancers have been learning and pounding out intricate tap steps since July. The music captures the bluesy jazz with uplifting songs and illustrates both the tough and joyous sides of musical theater. A full live orchestra includes students and community members. According to the directors, “the cast is perhaps the most enthusiastic and eager group of students they have ever seen”. With some of the most iconic Broadway songs, “42nd Street” will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face and a tap in your step. 
The VUHS production of “42nd Street” is directed by Robert Demic and choreographed by Barbara Demic. The producer and music director is Susan O’Daniel and the vocal director is Cailin O’Hara. The student stage manager is Kristina Jochum.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students/seniors with reserved seating and are available at Everywhere for Everybody in Vergennes and at the VUHS High School auditorium lobby Monday through Friday, 11:00 am-noon and evenings. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, please call VUHS at 802-877-2938.