42nd Street: The Classic Broadway Musical Inspired by the Iconic Hollywood Film
42nd Street is one of the greatest backstage musicals ever created. Packed with spectacular tap dancing, unforgettable songs and dazzling production numbers, it celebrates the glamour and excitement of Broadway’s Golden Age.
Based on the classic 1933 film of the same name, the stage musical has thrilled audiences for decades with its uplifting story of ambition, perseverance and show business magic. Whether you’ve seen the West End production, a touring revival or the original film, 42nd Street remains one of musical theatre’s most spectacular productions.
What is 42nd Street About?
Set during the Great Depression in the early 1930s, 42nd Street follows young chorus girl Peggy Sawyer, who arrives in New York hoping to make it on Broadway.
Peggy lands a place in the chorus of a new musical, Pretty Lady, produced by the demanding Julian Marsh. The show’s leading lady, Dorothy Brock, is an established star whose personal life threatens to derail the production.
When an unexpected accident leaves Dorothy unable to perform on opening night, Peggy is thrust into the spotlight. Faced with the opportunity of a lifetime, she must prove she has what it takes to become Broadway’s newest star.
The famous line from the show perfectly captures the story’s spirit:
“You’re going out there a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star.”
The Original 1933 Film
Released in 1933, 42nd Street is widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most influential movie musicals.
Directed by Lloyd Bacon, with groundbreaking musical sequences choreographed by Busby Berkeley, the film revolutionised the movie musical through its elaborate dance routines, striking overhead camera shots and lavish production numbers. It became one of Warner Bros.’ biggest successes and helped revive the popularity of movie musicals during the Great Depression.
The film introduced audiences to many songs that would become Broadway classics and established Busby Berkeley as one of cinema’s most innovative choreographers.
The Stage Musical
The stage adaptation premiered on Broadway in 1980 with a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, featuring music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer. Directed and choreographed by Gower Champion, it won the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Choreography.
The musical opened in London’s West End in 1984, where it also became a major success, winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical. Since then, it has enjoyed numerous revivals on Broadway, in the West End and on international tours.
Although inspired by the film, the stage version expands the story with additional songs from the Harry Warren and Al Dubin catalogue, creating an even bigger celebration of classic Broadway entertainment.
Famous Songs from 42nd Street
The score features some of the most recognisable songs from Broadway’s Golden Age, including:
42nd Street
We’re In the Money
Lullaby of Broadway
Shuffle Off to Buffalo
Dames
I Only Have Eyes for You
Keep Young and Beautiful
About a Quarter to Nine
These timeless numbers continue to delight audiences with their infectious melodies and spectacular choreography.
Spectacular Dance and Choreography
Few musicals are as synonymous with tap dancing as 42nd Street.
The production is famous for its precision choreography, enormous ensemble cast and dazzling dance routines. Large-scale tap sequences, glamorous costumes and impressive Art Deco-inspired sets recreate the excitement of Broadway during its golden years.
Many productions feature more than 50 performers, making it one of the largest and most visually impressive musicals regularly staged.
Themes of Ambition and Opportunity
Beyond its spectacular musical numbers, 42nd Street tells an inspiring story about determination and believing in yourself.
The musical explores themes including:
Following your dreams.
Hard work and perseverance.
Unexpected opportunities.
Life behind the scenes in the theatre.
The excitement of live performance.
Peggy Sawyer’s transformation from unknown chorus girl to Broadway star continues to inspire audiences of all ages.
42nd Street in London’s West End and on Tour
Over the years, 42nd Street has become a favourite with audiences in London’s West End and across the UK.
Large-scale productions are renowned for their lavish costumes, stunning scenery and exhilarating choreography, making the musical a favourite among fans of classic Broadway entertainment.
The celebrated 2017 West End revival at Theatre Royal Drury Lane featured the largest staging of the musical seen in London and introduced a new generation of theatre-goers to its timeless appeal.
Is 42nd Street Suitable for Families?
Yes. Although its backstage setting and 1930s romance are primarily aimed at older children and adults, 42nd Street is generally suitable for families.
Its colourful costumes, energetic dance numbers and uplifting story make it an enjoyable introduction to classic musical theatre, particularly for anyone who appreciates spectacular live performance.
Individual theatres may publish their own age recommendations.
The Legacy of 42nd Street
More than ninety years after the original film and over forty years since the stage musical premiered, 42nd Street continues to rank among the greatest Broadway musicals ever written.
Its unforgettable songs, breathtaking tap dancing and feel-good story have secured its place as a true musical theatre classic. Whether experienced on stage or on screen, 42nd Street celebrates the magic of theatre and reminds audiences that, with talent and determination, dreams really can come true
Last Updated on July 17, 2026
