42nd Street will run at the Solano Performing Arts Center through April 26, 2026. Tickets cost $26 for adults, $18 for seniors/military/staff, $10 for students and children under 18. Special dates to keep in mind are Apr. 23 (pay-what-you-can night) and Apr. 24 (American Sign Language interpreting provided in a certain section of the theatre).
Spoiler Warning
Act 1 In Review
Opening with a vivacious tap number, Solano College Theater’s Spring 2026 production of 42nd Street, directed by Christine Mani, immediately captured the attention of the audience.
The story begins in 1933 New York amidst the Great Depression, where playwrights Maggie Jones and Bert Barry work alongside demanding director Julian Marsh to create the next big musical on Broadway titled Pretty Lady.
Amidst chorus auditions, small town girl Peggy Sawyer from Allentown PA hopes to find her big break in show business by being cast in this production. She soon proves just how talented she is, and lands a spot in the chorus.
Alexis Bueno who stars as the role of Peggy Sawyer captured the essence of Peggy’s timeless character, showcasing her peppy nature, determination, bright vocals, and quick feet. In doing so, Bueno brought a refreshing twist to the lead, by inserting Filipino Heritage into a traditionally white role. This choice felt fitting for a modern production of the show, presenting a realistic depiction of modern Broadway.
Broadway diva Dorothy Brock is cast in the lead role of Pretty Lady for her reputable career in the theater world, despite her lackluster dancing experience, which causes tensions later in the show. Beth Ellen Etheridge was incredibly hilarious in this role, highlighting the prima donna attitude of the character, and a strong vocal performance in the number Shadow Waltz. Upon her first number, it was clear that Etheridge was more than qualified for this role, with her golden-age soprano range.
Amidst the lead cast, Solano’s production did an amazing job at featuring a key aspect of the show, which is the chorus line. The line was highly impressive in each number, considering that not every cast had professional tap experience. The tap routines felt synchronized and clean, making it pleasing to watch.
Act 2
The second Act opens with Marsh deciding to cancel Pretty Lady, as the star, Brock, gets injured. A devastated cast convinces him that there is another opportunity in Sawyer.
Marsh sheepishly convinces Sawyer to lead in Pretty Lady. With less than two days to perform, Sawyer’s anxiety builds during rehearsal as Marsh pressures the lead into perfection.
Later confronted by a supportive Brock, Sawyer gains the confidence to take on the lead role.
In a hilarious scene before opening night, two cast members perform Shuffle Off to Buffalo, as they eloped prior to show-time.
Sawyer and cast Pretty Lady on Broadway. It goes off without a hitch, turning her into a star.
Solano College Theatre’s production of 42nd Street showcased a funny and captivating story through musical comedy, with a little bit of drama sprinkled in. The tap choreography shined as the cast’s feet became another musical instrument apart from the orchestra. The music and set embodied the Great Depression era way of life while costume and lighting amplified the hairstyles and ensembles of the time. Director Mani’s casting was inclusive and diverse, as she gave a different version of the 1930’s.
In her program notes, Mani says, “this version of 42nd Street is set in an alternative version of the 1930’s, in which LGBTQ members of society didn’t have to hide, but instead were honored and respected.” Adding, “another interesting element of this alternative world is one where the Filipino heritage and Tagalog language would be commonplace within a regular Broadway production.”
Many of the cast belong to the LGBTQ community. Look for some moments wherein Mani includes Tagalog into the show.
The next show at the Solano Performing Arts Center is a student-directed production (produced by Mani) of Rabbit Hole That will run from Apr 29 to May 3.
