42nd Street

Until January 15, 2023
Location
1 place du Châtelet, 75001 Paris
Capacity 2010 seats
Duration
2h 45m
With intermission
Details
Musical
Suitable for all ages
In English, surtitled in French & English
Highlights: 42nd Street
Tap, tap, tap! 42nd Street, the dazzling musical about the backstage life of those in show business, returns to the Théâtre du Châtelet, bringing joy to the whole family.
It’s an end-of-year spectacle that you simply cannot miss, for a number of reasons. Firstly, for its virtuosic demonstration of tap dance. Secondly, because glitter rains down and lights up the room. Thirdly, the show features an extravagant series of 16 sets and 300 sparkling costumes. Finally, 42nd Street won the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Choreography in 1981 and has been touring the world ever since. What could ever top that?
Story: 42nd Street
Meet the fabulous Peggy Sawyer, 42nd Street’s beautiful heroine. She arrives straight from Pennsylvania, suitcase in hand, and winds up getting hired to be a Broadway understudy. Billy Lawlor, the show’s romantic lead, takes a shine to the young singer; he works his charm and manages to score himself a date with her. He explains to her that, although she didn’t make the cut to perform with the cast, he can help her by introducing her to the choreographer Andy Lee. At first, Andy is hesitant, but after seeing her dance, he decides to give her a supporting role.
The show has its star in the shape of Dorothy Brock, whose declining career has not prevented her from winning the lead on account of her wealthy boyfriend, who is the wallet behind the show. On opening night, disaster strikes, and Peggy falls on Dorothy, breaking her ankle. We are plunged into the glamorous and not-always-shiny backstage world of show business. Will Peggy succeed in making a name for herself in this world of sharks? Will her talent be recognized for its true value? Will her love for the show and her job win out? You'll be sure to find out when you visit the Théâtre du Châtelet for this spectacle of tap dance and musical theatre.
Reviews
Théâtre du Châtelet
Théâtre du Châtelet
It is hard to miss the grandiose building that is the Théâtre du Châtelet, which towers above the busy Place du Châtelet, directly opposite its twin, the Théâtre de la Ville. The larger of the two playhouses, with 2,046 seats, the Théâtre du Châtelet specializes in musical productions, whether that be musical theatre, dance, concerts, or opera. Its history stretches back 150 years to the time of legendary city planner Baron Haussmann. Having destroyed another theatre during his renovations of Paris, Haussmann ordered that the Théâtre du Châtelet, then called the Cirque Imperial, be constructed as its replacement. Since then, the theatre has played host to a wide variety of genres. Back in 1862, its programme centered around militaristic performances and fairy tale plays. At one point the theatre was best known for its extended run of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, which spanned 64 years and 2,195 performances, and ended only with the Nazi occupation of Paris in 1940.
Since 1979, the theatre has been fully funded and operated by the City of Paris, during which time it has undergone two major renovations. The first saw the theatre become ‘Le Théâtre Musical de Paris’ – whilst the theatre has yielded the name, it has retained the specialization. More recently, the theatre’s focus has shifted away from classical music and opera and towards musical theatre, particularly Parisian reimaginings of Broadway musicals. American classics like Kiss Me, Kate, Singin’ in the Rain, and An American in Paris have all appeared on the bill. Surrounded by the bustling downtown neighborhood of Châtelet, a trip to this theatre makes planning an evening out easy.
Fast facts Capacity: 2010 Handicap Accessible: Yes, though we recommend contacting us with your requirements so we can ensure the best possible placement. Air conditioning: Yes Heating: Yes