OYK at Stratford’s 42^nd Street

By Halia Wawryshyn

On a wet and drizzly morning, 36 enthusiasts waited for a bus in front of the Ukrainian National Federation Community Centre on Evans Ave. in Toronto. They were pleased to be met by the friendly Ukrainian bus driver, Suzanne, who had recently driven them to see the play “Ragtime” at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This day, September 14, they would be driven to see the musical “42^nd Street” in Stratford, Ont. The theatre going outing was organized for members of the Ukrainian Women’s Organization (OYK) - Toronto Branch, the UNF and guests.

In 1933, “42^nd Street” became a Warner Brothers film based on a novel by Bradford Rope. In 1980, it became a Broadway musical. This year, the musical is being presented at the Stratford Festival until October 28.

The story takes place during the Great Depression of the early 1930s.

The theme is simple. A young girl with lots of talent wants to get into show business. Just when she feels she has failed and is ready to return to small-town Allentown, Pennsylvania, by a stroke of luck, she is asked to return to the company because the star, played by Cynthia Doyle, has broken her ankle. The young heroine, Peggy Sawyer, manages to save the company’s production of “Pretty Lady,” at a time when jobs are almost non-existent. She also endears herself to the cast when, after she becomes a star, she chooses to party with the chorus rather than attend a glittering opening-night celebration at The Ritz.

Stratford’s production of “42^nd Street” was lively, with almost non-stop dancing and singing, leaving the audience marvelling at the number of costume and set changes. There was a small orchestra, positioned above the stage, providing musical accompaniment for the rhythmic tap dancers featured throughout the performance.

On the way to the show, we stopped at Tim Horton’s. After the performance, our UNF group dined at Swiss Chalet where we discussed the show. Most gave it a good rating, and everyone was pretty happy with the outing overall.

But we could not leave Stratford without visiting William Shakespeare. We gathered around the statue of the famous English Bard and took a group photograph.

We again have to thank Ulana Steck (though she was not able to join us this time) for organizing this delightful outing. Most of those who attended are members of OYK, though guests are cordially accepted on the outings. Some women even brought their husbands along. None were disappointed, and some even showed interest in repeating such a trip if offered again.

PHOTO

OYK Toronto members and guests at statue of William Shakespeare, Stratford, Ontario