42nd Street

What do you go for
Go see a show for?

In the 1930s, according to the lyrics of a 42nd Street song, they went for the beautiful dames. Substitute 'stars' and you'd probably be closer to revealing what gets 21st century crowds into touring musical theatre productions.

The absence of any celebrity names perhaps explains why the 'Broadway musical for people who love Broadway musicals' isn't pulling in huge numbers at the first Scottish venue of its current tour, although its vintage is likely another contributing factor.

Based on a 1933 film and paying nostalgic tribute to the song-and-dance shows of a bygone era, 42nd Street offers a classy, restrained telling of a simple story. It may lack the oomph and sass of later offerings such as Chicago and Guys and Dolls, but it has some gorgeous sequences.

We're in the Money is a fabulous excuse for skimpy gold costumes and dazzling dance, while Shuffle off to Buffalo adds seaside postcard sauce as chorines in even briefer outfits ride in sleeper carriages and sing a train whistle chorus.

The show-within-a-show format allows room for these lively numbers alongside the more restrained likes of Shadow Waltz and You're Getting to be a Habit with Me. However, the central plot - a young wannabe graduates overnight from chorus girl to leading lady - poses a casting dilemma.

On one hand, it's made clear that Dorothy Brock, playing the title role in Pretty Lady, has not been cast on merit. On the other, the actress playing her is required to entertain the audience until Peggy Sawyer gets her act together in Act 2, Scene 2.

Julia J Nagle and Jessica Punch fit the bill as an imperious Dorothy and a wide-eyed Peggy respectively, but can't quite overcome the show's lack of off-stage emotional pull. Dave Willetts delivers a sincere Lullaby of Broadway as producer Julian Marsh, but doesn't convince as Peggy's love interest, and from the circle bears an unfortunate resemblance to Donald Trump.

Don't expect to fall in love with the characters, but prepare to be wowed by precision tap dancing, inspired by show-must-go-on optimism and serenaded by songs that rely on sweet tones and careful phrasing as opposed to exaggerated gestures and powerhouse belting.