`42nd Street sizzles and shines

Crab rolls, buffaloes, and shuffles are keeping dancers tapping this weekend as the Bangor-Brewer YWCA presents the song-and-dance extravaganza “42nd Street” at Peakes Auditorium.

Onstage and off, nearly 100 people have had a hand in this show, directed by former Bangor High teacher James H. Pike. But the real feat of the production belongs to choreographer Kelly Holyoke, who definitively captures the sass and sparkle in the en masse group numbers of this dreams-really-do-come-true musical comedy. Even with the most trained of dancers, it’s not easy to make a stageful of people look snazzy, but Holyoke’s handiwork makes this show sizzle and shine.

And considering that the musical, written in the 1980s, is one of the least interesting of the genre, the success of the dance numbers is vitally important. The archetypal backstage story of the green kid who comes from Smalltown, U.S.A. (in this case, Allentown, Pa.) and fatefully becomes an overnight sensation, “42nd Street” has all the impetus of a 1930s hit. But it isn’t quite as clever, romantic, and funny as it should be. So the showmanship of the dancing and the greatness of the songs carry this popular musical.

They also carry the YWCA community production. Amy Torrey, an Orono High student whose innocent good looks make her perfect for the role of the fledgling showgirl Peggy Sawyer, is pleasingly entertaining with a sweet singing voice and unpretentious flair as a tap dancer. When big-time director Julian Marsh, played with finesse by Richard Robinson, says those immortal words “You’re going out there a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star,” it’s tempting to think the prophecy has come true for Torrey, too.

As her suitor Billy Lawlor, newcomer Steve Schley has a tenor voice made for Broadway, and is an energetic model of the “young and healthy” freshness he attributes to Peggy.

Pam Martin and Luke Hedger make a charming pair as the writers of “Pretty Lady,” the large-scale musical that sets the stage for the backstage actions of “42nd Street.” Be ready to laugh at their bright-eyed, intelligent shenanigans.

Whenever Anne Pooler, as the has-been stage star Dorothy Brock, takes the stage, she takes it with gusto. Whether belting a show tune or shedding a tear, Pooler has that old Broadway style. Her “Shadow Waltz” with Robert Libbey and Todd Greenquist is one of the funniest moments of the evening, and the good-luck speech she gives to Torrey is admirably layered with humor and wisdom.

The show would be incomplete without the enthusiastic endurance of the chorus. In group numbers, such as “Getting Out of Town,” “We’re in the Money,” and “Lullaby of Broadway,” the auditorium fills with the charisma of good fun. Judy Savage, Megan Gass, Kimberly Horn, Max Shipee, Scott Therrien, and Sandy Pasternak give particularly amiable and talented performances.

The overall design of the show, however, isn’t as enjoyable. Costumer Susan McGinley has constructed outfits that are annoyingly unflattering to both sexes. Set designers Mike Clyve and Mike Stenger haven’t gone for the glitter that this show needs. And music by John M. Haskell’s seven-piece orchestra is perfectly lovely, but too often drowns out the voices of the performers.

“42nd Street” will be performed 8 p.m. Nov. 14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in Peakes Auditorium at Bangor High School. Tickets are available at the Bangor-Brewer YWCA, Libby’s Card Shop, and Bryant’s Gift Gallery.