42nd Street is the address of the theatre that is home to the company whose fortunes we follow in the show. Voices are heard around the theatre announcing the new show 'Pretty Lady', as the curtains are opened on the audition scene. We are introduced to the full cast, choreographer, Andy Lee, the writers, Bert and Maggie, and the lead Billy Lawlor. Young Peggy Sawyer rushes in too late, and has missed her chance to join the chorus , because she had been trying to muster the courage to enter the stage door. Billy is instantly attracted to her and tries to help, but the director Julian Marsh has his own problems.

Dorothy Brock, the glamorously old leading lady, has not had a hit in 10 years and this show may be beyond her. What Dorothy does bring, however, is money in the form of Abner Dillon, her 'sugar daddy', (or as the gossip goes). Julian must attempt to cope with a temperamental Dorothy, a fussy Abner, and the annoyance of Dorothys old flame Pat Denning who is always there to stir up trouble.

After being invited to share lunch with one of the co-writers Maggie Jones, and the other dancers, Peggy impresses them with her fast tap feet, and is hired instantly by Julian. Things are going well for the looming opening of Pretty lady. Pretty Lady opens to much speculation, and when Dorothy rushes on stage she slips (or is pushed) and breaks her ankle. Panic spreads through the company, as the show is doomed for closure, until it is suggested that Peggy take the roll. Peggy, 'the novice', has 'exactly thirty-six hours to learn twenty-five pages, six songs, and ten dance numbers'. By the next evening Julian will either have ' a live leading lady or a dead chorus girl'.

Will the fresh chorus girl, now thrust into the spot-light, win the audience in the way she won the cast?

Song List

* Overture
* Audition
* Shadow Waltz
* Young and Healthy
* Go Into Your Dance
* You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me
* Getting Out of Town
* We're In the Money
* Dames
* Sunny Side To Every Situation
* Lullaby of Broadway
* About a Quarter To Nine
* Shuffle Off To Buffalo
* 42nd Street
* Finale: 42nd Street (Reprise)
* Bows