When the cast takes to the stage for the showstopping title number in the Theatre Under the Stars production of 42nd Street, you’ll see dazzling smiles and effortless movement.
You won’t see the amount of sweat that dripped off the performers getting to opening night.
That’s the promise from Paige Fraser, the New Westminster performer who stars as Peggy Sawyer in this summer’s production at Stanley Park.
Fraser spoke to the Record the day after a full-cast rehearsal of the show’s biggest ensemble number.
“By the end of the rehearsal, I think the whole cast was dripping with sweat,” she said with a laugh.
Fraser, in her TUTS debut, is thrilled to be taking the biggest lead role of her performing career so far. She noted the role of Peggy, the wide-eyed new chorus girl, doesn’t leave much downtime – and it requires plenty of triple-threat ability as a dancer, singer and actor.
She pointed out that tapping brings its own particular brand of skill, since the dancers are required to create the “classic Broadway pictures” of beautiful lines with their upper bodies, while focusing on the intricate rhythms of their feet.
“Not only do you have to be a dancer, but you also have to be a musician,” she said.
Surprisingly, Fraser came into tap dance relatively late in life; she didn’t take it up until she was 15 or 16. But she made up the gap with kids who started dancing much younger by dint of what she calls “a lot of hard work.”
“What I lack in years, I make up for in my passion and dedication,” she said.
Fraser’s passion for performing is longstanding. She credits Lori Mazey, her drama teacher at Georges P. Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay, for sending her off to pursue it after high school.
“She really facilitated the belief in myself,” Fraser said.
She got her musical theatre diploma from Capilano University and then, after a two-year break to perform and start building her resumé, went back to school to study theatre at Langara’s Studio 58 – where she’s just finished her second year.
Fraser is excited to be in a show like 42nd Street, which was adapted from the classic 1933 film starring Ruby Keeler in the role now played by Fraser.
“It’s been really fun,” she said. “There’s a lot of really iconic moments in the show.”
She said director Robert McQueen and his team have done a good job contextualizing those elements that were in need of some updating for contemporary times, while still keeping the classic musical intact.
The directing team has given her a lot of freedom to explore her role and Peggy’s character, she said.
“They let me play and do a lot with it,” Fraser said.
She has watched the movie but says she tries not to dwell on the thought of how iconic the whole production is.
“It’s acknowledging the things that make the role and the show what it is .. and letting go of a lot of expectations,” she said.
Fraser said the production will appeal to all ages. For young people, especially those interested in theatre, the story and the character of Peggy hold timeless appeal. For older generations, she notes, there’s all the familiar music – think such tunes as We’re In the Money, Lullaby of Broadway, Shuffle off to Buffalo and the title song.
“It’s nice to be able to bring the whole family, from grandparents to grandkids,” she said.
“The show is written as such a love letter to theatre, and I think theatre can be for all ages. … I’m really excited we get to share this show with everyone.”
NEW WEST TALENT
Paige Fraser isn’t the only New West talent involved in Theatre Under the Stars this year. Also part of the shows this summer are performers Amanda Lourenco, Blake Sartin, Caleb Lagayan, Erin Spence, Jolene Bernardino, Scotia Browner and Tyler Felbel. Christina Sinosich is the costume designer, Brent Hughes is the music director for Cinderella, and Nicol Spinola is the choreographer for Cinderella.
CHECK IT OUT
What: 42nd Street, presented by Theatre Under the Stars, alternating with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
When: July 4 to Aug. 18, 8 p.m. nightly (on fireworks nights, show begin at 7 p.m.). Previews run from July 4 to 10, with opening nights July 11 (Cinderella) and July 12 (42nd Street)
Tickets: $30 to $49. Buy through www.tuts.ca or call 604-631-2877
