PICK 1
Photo Credit: Nytix.com
Photo Credit: Playbill.com
1.) Name of Show : 42nd Street ( 2001 Revival)
2.) Name of song/dance number: "We're In The Money"
3.)
4.)APA reference for video: 42nd Street Broadway Revival Tony Award Presentation (2010). [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEVi5oug7Rk&feature=player_embedded
5.)Choreographer : Randy Skinner
6.)Dancers (if credited): Original Cast of the Revival of 42nd Street
7.)Ranking in your Fab Four: # 1
8.)Comments & Notes: After watching all three of the videos in Unit 3, I immediately knew that this one was my favorite. All the dancers had such a lively energy and danced with smiles on their faces throughout the performance. There were both male and female dancers; they all wore bright, gold outfits. The dancing mainly consisted of rigorous foot movements, and all the dancers were synchronized with their dancing. The performance was done on a staircase, which made it more challenging for the dancers, because they had to be very aware of the space around them and had to keep their movements very precise.
"That smile doesn't fade when the curtain rises just a foot or so to reveal several dozen sets of legs tapping to beat the band. It's a marvelous sight gag, a literal-minded rendering of the invitation of the show's title song: 'Come and meet those dancing feet.'" -- New York Times
"Inside, everything was bright and colorful. Houselights dimmed, the curtain rose – only partially – to reveal the rapidly tapping feet of a chorus line – and there we were, immediately captured. No longer in rainy Florida, we were in the Big Apple, tapping our own toes to the beat of 42nd Street." -- Chicago Critic
"Come and meet, those dancing feet! 42nd Street is the ultimate Broadway fairy tale as a small town chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, gets her chance to become an overnight star. Filled with amazing production numbers such as "We're in the Money", "Lullaby of Broadway", "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" and "42nd Street", this fast-paced, dance-filled classic musical celebrates the stuff that dreams are made of." - TheaterMania
5.)Choreographer : Randy Skinner
6.)Dancers (if credited): Original Cast of the Revival of 42nd Street
7.)Ranking in your Fab Four: # 1
8.)Comments & Notes: After watching all three of the videos in Unit 3, I immediately knew that this one was my favorite. All the dancers had such a lively energy and danced with smiles on their faces throughout the performance. There were both male and female dancers; they all wore bright, gold outfits. The dancing mainly consisted of rigorous foot movements, and all the dancers were synchronized with their dancing. The performance was done on a staircase, which made it more challenging for the dancers, because they had to be very aware of the space around them and had to keep their movements very precise.
Expansion:
1.) More info about the dance/show: Context of dance in the show, reviews, pics, posters, gossip:
1.) More info about the dance/show: Context of dance in the show, reviews, pics, posters, gossip:
Reviews:
"That smile doesn't fade when the curtain rises just a foot or so to reveal several dozen sets of legs tapping to beat the band. It's a marvelous sight gag, a literal-minded rendering of the invitation of the show's title song: 'Come and meet those dancing feet.'" -- New York Times
"Inside, everything was bright and colorful. Houselights dimmed, the curtain rose – only partially – to reveal the rapidly tapping feet of a chorus line – and there we were, immediately captured. No longer in rainy Florida, we were in the Big Apple, tapping our own toes to the beat of 42nd Street." -- Chicago Critic
"Come and meet, those dancing feet! 42nd Street is the ultimate Broadway fairy tale as a small town chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, gets her chance to become an overnight star. Filled with amazing production numbers such as "We're in the Money", "Lullaby of Broadway", "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" and "42nd Street", this fast-paced, dance-filled classic musical celebrates the stuff that dreams are made of." - TheaterMania
Poster: 
Photo Credit: http://www.unitedshow-music.com
Pictures:
Photo Credit: http://www.robertaonthearts.com
Photo Credit: http://images.broadwayworld.com
2.)Role of the Dance:
In the 42nd Street musical, the hit number "We're in the Money" plays many roles. Not only is the dance full of eye - catching glitz and glamour, it is also a musical number that is relatable to most New Yorkers. From the shinning lights to the glittery outfits to the non-stop footwork based dance moves, this number was full of entertainment for the whole audience. The upbeat routine was full of positive energy and showed the audience a glimpse of the chaotic life in New York City.This dance number also really allows the audience to feel apart of the show. Due to the change in sets throughout the performance, the audience is able to visualize that they are actually taking part in the scene rather than just watching a show. For example, when the dancers shift to the subway set, the audience members can feel as though they are traveling on that subway with the rest of the cast. The subway scene is actually very relatable to the average New Yorker that rushes to work in a subway on a daily basis. The chaotic New York City life is shown in a positive light due to the happy-go- lucky attitudes of the dancers. The way the dancers have smiles on their faces throughout the performance of scurrying through the city makes the stressful city lifestyle seem much more friendly and appealing.3.) Evidence of Dance Influences:
This fun filled hit number has many dance influences but the one influence that went on throughout the whole performance was tap dancing. From the moment the curtain rised at 0:00 until the show ended at 3:00, the dancers were constantly tapping their feet. Whether they were spinning in circles, walking down a set of stairs, or marching to a subway station, they were constantly tap dancing with elegance and poise. Around 1:45-2:00, there is some influence of Vaudaville. As the female dancers enter the subway and take their seats, they begin to criss cross their legs and immediately start doing high kicks from their seats, mixed with some tap as well. Around 2:14, the dancers show influences of precision dancing. The dancers are very coordinated as they spin in a circle while tapping, they then elegantly come together and form a line while tapping their feet. The dancers that were once scattered all over the stage came together with such precision in their movements, they made the group dance movements look effortless. Other influences include: Connection to Earth, Freedom of Movement, and Syncopation.4.) Impact of the dance on musical theatre/ evolution of Broadway Dance:
I definitely think this dance number set the bar high for future Broadway Dance performances. Not only did this show go above and beyond with all the pizazz, it was incredibly creative. The producers of the show made the performance very visual for the audience. The producers could have easily kept the dancers on one stage throughout the performance but they went the extra mile. The different backdrops and sets during this number made it feel like a real city rather than just a set behind the curtain. They created a real life scenario for the audience, the different sets helped the performance come to life so that the audience members could feel apart of the scene. Producers of future Broadway shows will have to try and match up to the standards of 42nd Street. This dance has definitely increased the audiences expectations of Broadway. Future shows will need to be equally engaging and creative to keep the audience interested.5.) Deeper Personal Connections:
The personal connection I had with this show was because of how relatable it was to my life. Watching this number brought back so many memories for me of when I used to live in New York. Anyone that is a New Yorker would know what a fast-paced lifestyle it is in the city. Regardless of where you have to go or when you have to reach there, people are always rushing to get to their destination. Sometimes being in that atmosphere can be stressful because it feels like you never have a moment of ease or relaxation. However, I really enjoyed this number because it depicted the city in a positive light. The whole cast was friendly and constantly smiling throughout the performance. The dancers were tap dancing in such a fast manner as they were moving across the stage to show the speedy city lifestyle. Watching this number really helped me appreciate the beauty of New York and it's city life. It made me realize that no city can ever have the charm that New York City has.6.) Society in which the dance took place:
Since this show was the revival of 42nd Street, it took place in 2001. During the time of this performance, society was recovering from the terrorist attack on 9/11 in New York City. At the time, being in the city was very hectic, everyone remained on edge and worried that they would witness another tragedy. Although it was a terrifying time for America, it was also a time when people came together and became united. In times of tragedy, people tend to befriend each other and offer any help or support they can give. I would imagine that watching this performance after the 9/11 attacks must have been comforting to know that one day the city of New York would return to its normal city-like lifestyle.7.) 2001 Society compared to 2011 Society:
2001 was definitely a challenging time period for most Americans. Society in 2001 has definitely become more carefree as the wounds have slowly healed. Americans now know that in times of need they all come together as a support system and can fight against anything. In today's society, people roam through the city without any hesitance, they enjoy the beautiful weather, the tourist attractions, and gorgeous skyline with smiles on their faces. It is definitely comforting to know that America has evolved for the better and no longer lives in fear. We can walk around in our cities and enjoy everything they have to offer without any fear. I am sure that watching the performance in today's society would be fun for a lot of people because it pertains to their daily lives.8.) Response of Current Society to Show:
I am pretty sure that almost every Rutgers student would by tickets to this show. This musical hits so close to home for most students being that our campus is so close to New York City. Most students from our school spend their nights out in the city when looking for something fun to do. The upbeat and entertaining show highlights the beauty of New York City and it's attractions, making city life so appealing. I am sure that all Rutgers students would be honored that their main place to hangout is being portrayed in such a positive light in a Broadway show. The students would be able to relate to the whole scenario in the show, making it even more enjoyable for them.
