Set at the height of 1933’s Great Depression, auditions are underway for a brand new Broadway show. Fresh off the bus from Allentown, Peggy Sawyer has arrived in New York with the hopes of making it big in New York and is noticed immediately by Billy Lawlor, who hopes to charm her into going on a date with him. Although Peggy misses the audition, Billy tells her that he can help, despite the choreographer Andy Lee having no time for another chorus girl. Peggy is embarrassed and runs off, straight into the director Julian Marsh, followed by fading star Dorothy Brock, is disgusted at being made to audition for a role. A prima donna and ultimate diva, Dorothy brings with her a lot of drama, but Julian decides to cast her in order to secure significant financial backing from her wealthy partner Abner.

Taking pity on poor Peggy, the chorus girls decide to take her to lunch. When they ask her to show them a dance routine, Julian spots her and instantly falls for her, deciding that there simply must be room for another dancer in the chorus. Later at a party, Julian discovers that Dorothy is cheating on Abner with an old flame and is worried about the future of the show. He decides to break up their relationship, hiring some thugs to threaten Dorothy’s old boyfriend.

Soon, the entire cast head to Philadelphia for an out-of-town tryout, but on opening night Peggy falls into Dorothy and knocks her over, breaking her ankle. Peggy is fired on the spot and forced to leave. Julian’s show’s fate hangs in the balance as Dorothy is unable to perform the production. The chorus girls are more than convinced that Peggy would be able to fill the part and convince Julian to bring her back. Rushing to the train station to fetch her, Julian realises that Peggy wants to leave town and showbiz and just go home. Instead, Julian persuades her to stay with “Lullaby of Broadway”.

Peggy begins to learn the role quickly and Dorothy even starts to offer some advice, being friendly towards her. On opening night, Peggy transforms from lowly chorus girl to instant Broadway sensation, changing her life forever. Choosing to attend the Chorus girls’ party instead of staying with Julian, 42nd Street ends with a rousing rendition of the title number.

Act I

• “Overture” – Orchestra
• “Audition” – Dancers
• “Young and Healthy” – Billy and Peggy
• “Shadow Waltz” – Dorothy, Maggie and Girls
• “Shadow Waltz (Reprise)” – Dorothy
• “Go Into Your Dance” – Peggy, Maggie, Annie, Phyllis, Lorraine, Gladys and Andy
• “You’re Gettin’ to be a Habit with Me” – Dorothy
• “Getting Out of Town” – Maggie, Bert, Pat and Chorus
• “Dames” – Billy and Chorus
• “Keep Young and Beautiful/Dames Reprise” – Maggie, Bert and Chorus
• “I Only Have Eyes for You” – Dorothy and Billy
• “I Know Now” – Dorothy, Billy and Chorus
• “We’re in the Money” – Peggy, Billy, Annie, Phyllis, Lorraine, Gladys and Chorus
• “Act One Finale” – Dorothy

Act II

• “Entr’acte” – Orchestra
• “There’s a Sunny Side to Every Situation” – Annie and Chorus
• “Lullaby of Broadway” – Julian and Chorus
• “About a Quarter to Nine” – Dorothy and Peggy
• “With Plenty of Money and You” – Boys
• “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” – Maggie, Annie, Bert and Girls
• “42nd Street” – Peggy and Chorus
• “42nd Street (Reprise)” – Julian
• “Finale Ultimo” – Company

1981 Tony Awards: Best Choreography (Gower Champion), Best Musical

1981 Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Choreography (Gower Champion), Outstanding Costume Design (Theoni V. Aldredge)

1984 Olivier Awards: Best New Musical

1984 Evening Standard Awards: Best Musical

2001 Tony Awards: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (Christine Ebersole)

2001 Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Revival of a Musical

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark