In a turn of poetic justice, the understudy wins the part as Steph Parry accepts the iconic role of Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street! Following a very eventful week, it has been announced that Steph will step into the glittery shoes and take on the role she’s been waiting for later this summer. The announcement comes the same week that the show celebrates its run’s 500th performance.
Last week, Steph shot to West End fame when she saved another world-famous show from peril by stepping into a leading role with just 20 minutes notice. After the lead was forced off the Mamma Mia! stage with an injury, Steph put that old saying – the show must go on – into action and wowed the audience.
Following her heroic actions, Steph has been awarded the starring role of Dorothy Brock, following in the footsteps of Lulu who is currently playing the iconic character. The role has also previously been taken by Sheena Easton. Steph’s first performance will be Monday 9 July.
Steph’s casting is a rare case of life imitating art as 42nd Street tells the story of a young actress being given her shot at stardom after the leading lady is injured, and charts the understudy’s rise from showgirl to star.
Based on the 1933 film of the same name, 42nd Street is one of the few great films to translate successfully to the stage. The show opened on Broadway in 1980, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Choreography and in London’s West End in 1984, when it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The 2001 Broadway revival then won the Tony for Best Revival.
42nd Street also stars Clare Halse as the young wannabe Peggy and Tom Lister as the big shot director Julian Marsh.
Get your tickets to see Steph in her starry role in 42nd Street, here.