Submitted Photo “42nd Street” will be shown in the Fredonia Opera House’s Stage on Screen series Friday and Saturday.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present one of musical theatre’s most beloved musicals, “42nd Street,” in an exhilarating, high energy production from London’s West End as part of the Opera House’s Stage on Screen series. Captured live via satellite from the stage of London’s Theatre Royal, it will be presented twice, on Friday, July 26, at 7 p.m. and in a matinee screening on Saturday, July 27, at 1 p.m.

Set in 1933, the musical tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway.

Peggy arrives in New York City from her hometown of Allentown, Pa., and her talent catches the attention of legendary Broadway director Julian Marsh. She gets a spot in the chorus of the musical-within-the-musical, Pretty Lady.

Dorothy Brock, the classic Broadway diva and star of the show, takes a dislike to the new girl. When Dorothy is injured, Pretty Lady looks like it will have to close, unless a new girl talented enough to lead the show can be found – a new girl like Peggy Sawyer!

This 2018 glittering extravaganza is directed by the original author of the show, Mark Bramble, and is full of crowd-pleasing tap dances, popular musical theatre standards (“Lullaby of Broadway,” ” We’re in the Money,” “Dames,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “42nd Street” and more), and show-stopping ensemble production numbers.

The show opened on Broadway in 1980, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Choreography; in London’s West End in 1984, it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The 2001 Broadway revival then won the Tony for Best Revival.

A night at the theatre doesn’t get larger-scale than 42nd Street, so come and meet those dancing feet, tapping away at the Theatre Royal in this incredible cinematic production. It runs approximately two hours, 35 minutes, with one intermission.

“42nd Street” is part of the Opera House’s Stage on Screen series of events which is generously sponsored by Dr. James and Marcia Merrins. Tickets are $15 ($10 Students) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org. Stage on Screen Flex Subscription tickets (eight tickets to be used all at once or in any combination at Stage on Screen series events) are $116.

The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.