The Kiwanis Club of Excelsior Springs announced that reserve seats are now available for its annual summer musical, "42nd Street". "You can call the Edward Jones Ticketline at 637-2175 and reserve today," said Executive Director Tony Fanska. This new production of the ultimate Broadway show will delight the entire family with its grand settings, jaw dropping tap dancing and knock-out score written by lyricist Al Dubin and Academy Award-winning composer Harry Warren. 42nd Street will tap its way onto the Excelsior Springs Performing Arts Center stage June 13, 14, 21 and 22nd.

42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed chorus girl and her goal of making it big on Broadway. Julian Marsh, the Great White Way's most brilliant director, is preparing his biggest show yet, Pretty Lady, in the depths of the Great Depression. He is faced with one obstacle after another, culminating with leading lady Dorothy Brock (played by Carolyn Vogler) breaking her ankle at the last minute. Thrust into center stage is young Peggy Sawyer, a chorus girl from Allentown, PA. Peggy (played by Melinda Barret) is beautiful and talented but can she overcome her fears and give the performance of a lifetime? As Julian Marsh explains to Peggy before the big show: "You're going to go out there a youngster, but you've got to come back a star!" It's a big, bold, glitzy musical that celebrates what dreams are made of as well as the dreams of performers everywhere.

Rehearsals have been underway since January with the cast of 40 meeting in segments to bring the dance, vocals, musicians and actors together for this dynamic show. Talent was brought in from Plattsburg, Richmond, and Lawson as well as the Excelsior Springs cast. 42nd Street set the bar for Broadway musicals and is one of the 10 longest running shows in the history of Broadway. Tanya Duncan, who has directed the Kiwanis musicals since they began in 2003, noted the many elements brought together for this show. "This is an exciting show to put together for several reasons - it is the biggest dance show we have ever done, we have talented new people working with us, and it is very rewarding to see some of the young people who began performing as children in Annie have now matured to take on principal roles. One of our goals when we began these productions was to nurture young talent and and now with this production we are realizing the fruits of our efforts and theirs," said Duncan.

Backed by an experienced production staff, Jeri Bowen (musical director), Wayne Day (vocal director), Mac Rogers (set design/ production stage manager), Jane Bertram (lighting designer), and Kristi Shewell (house manager) have done all of the Kiwanis productions and their talents in leading the group to a final, polished production. Carolyn Vogler, is just perfect as the leading lady Dorothy Brock,and exemplifies the talented, adult role models that Kiwanis have provided for the youthful casts.

42nd Street follows five seasons of successful summer Musicals performed in Excelsior Springs. Last years production of "Fiddler on the Roof" drew crowds from all over the metropolitan Kansas City area and showcased area talent. The Kiwanis Club tradition is to introduce youth into the performing arts by providing them with the opportunity to participate in a professionally produced and directed Broadway musical. Proceeds go to benefit the Excelsior Springs youth arts programs. The summer musical program has provided over $50,000 since its inception in 2003. Sponsoring businesses for this years production are Gregg Williams Foundation, Inc., C & G Storage, LLC, The Excelsior Springs Standard, North American Savings Bank, AmerenUE, Bank Midwest, Edward Jones - Carolyn Schutte, Excelsior Dance Theatre, Morgansites.com, Rite-Way Auto, UMB Bank, Browns Prescription Drug, Scott Craven, D.D.S., P.C., Good Samaritan Center, Shannon Ivie, Jim and Ginger Nelson, Outpost Grille, Unicorn Sound, Beacon Tire Service, Inc., Good Times Restaurant & Lounge, Family Time Bakery, Drs. Foster & Gilley, Optometrists, Nathan and Jerrie Johnson, Mill Inn Restaurant, Mook & Mook, PC, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, W. Kent Powell, D.D.S., Re/Max Area Real Estate - Kim McElwee, SunStar Promotions, Broadbent, Houts & Co., PC, Bross & Spidle Chapels, Jinx Fisher, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Greim, Meet the Need Flea Market, State Representative Bob Nance, ReCon North America, Rodney & Judy Rounkles and The Wharton Agency. This year promises to be an especially exciting season as the production of 42nd Street is on its way.

The musical will be held at the Excelsior Springs Performing Arts Center at 614 Tiger Drive. Performances are Friday and Saturday June 13th and 14th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday June 22nd 7:30 pm and matinee on Sunday the 22nd at 2:30 p.m.

Proceeds go to benefit arts programs for youth in Excelsior Springs.