OK, once you get past all the British actors doing American 1930s accents and settle into the familiar story, this is a solid and enjoyable production. You also have to get past this Dorothy Brock's being at least a decade too old for the part.
Bonnie Langford sings OK as Dorothy but seems likes she's doing an impression of Andrea Martin. Her Brock is too old and too nasty, which makes her gracious exit a bit hard to believe. Faring better is Tom Lister as the frantic Julian. He's the only cast member who actually acts well and his singing voice is fine.
Peggy Sawyer is portrayed by a semi-frumpy Clare Halse (it may be just the hideous wig) who never quite captures that "star quality" the show is all about. She dances better than she sings. But she seems too short.
But Philip Bertioli is a joyous Billy who brings a much needed pizazz to his character, and his dancing is excellent. Also noteworthy is Jasna Ivir as Maggie the producer. She brings a big Tessie O'Shea energy to the show.
The music of Harry Warren and Al Dubin is timeless. And it's a joy to hear and the dancing numbers are very well done. Some of the cuts to close-ups are jarring.
The 1933 film starred Bebe Daniels, Warner Baxter, Ruby Keeler, and Dick Powell. The original 1980 Broadway production starred Tammy Grimes, Jerry Orbach, Wanda Richert, Lee Roy Reams, and Carole Cook.
