42nd Street: Broadway or Bust?

The FHS Production team has been known for putting on some of the best amateur shows in Fredericton. But, with showtime fast approaching, people are wondering whether three years of discombobulated schedules have affected the students in any way. So, we interviewed a Production senior about how the show is going, as well as the effect Production has had on them.

Full cast in “We’re in the Money”. Photo taken by Keith Minchin.

Can it be Done?

The 2022 play will be "42nd Street”, a show within a show (or at least that is how most Production kids explain the plot to family and friends). It follows the making and debut of a new Broadway performance, “Pretty Lady,” in the 1930s. When the star breaks her ankle, and without an understudy already chosen, they are forced to find someone who can take on the role in only a matter of hours.

42nd Street was written in the 1980s and has won the Tony Award for best musical and choreography. It is an intense musical to organize, with lots of tap-dancing (a skill that most kids in production had no experience with before the start of the school year). Many think it is impossible to learn to tap dance in such a short amount of time. But as our interviewee said: “It is the type of environment that pushes you to develop new skills… [and] to learn more about yourself as a person.”

Cast member dressed in a snazzy costume. Photo taken by Grace McAllister.

With approximately seven full chorus dances to organize in just 10 weeks, and rehearsals lasting up to 13 hours, they are finally ready to put on the show this week. But many seniors are feeling emotionally overwhelmed given that this is their last time performing onstage. One of the senior leads said, “I have been doing shows since the 3rd grade and it’s hard to think that this is my last [performance] with all the people that I have known and formed relationships with before we will all go separate ways.”

It is the end of an era so to speak. Yet, the beginning of a new era is right around the corner.

Is Production the Club for Me?

This is a club for anyone and everyone, and we would definitely recommend you join next year. It is the sort of raw experience that our interviewee recommended everyone try at least once. It is an opportunity to make friends and it teaches you not to be self-conscious. As Mr. Niles, the assistant director, would say: “Everyone in Production is a ‘Friendship Junkie.’”

Cast organizing bows near the end of their twelve-hour double dress rehearsal. Photo taken by Margaret Andow.

We hope to see you in the audience for our matinee shows Tuesday, November 22nd and Wednesday, November 23rd, or at one of our evening shows, Wednesday, November 23rd through ‘til Saturday, November 26th. See more precise timing on the poster below.

Poster for 42nd Street. Designed by Sophia Pacione.

The amount of work, time, and money these students and teachers have put into the play is unmatched, and your support would be much appreciated. Use the following link to buy tickets to the evening shows: https://theplayhouse.ca/en/schedule-and-tickets/42nd-street Students can also receive a discount at the door on opening night, tickets for only ten dollars!