News Summary
The Lexington Theatre Company celebrated its 10th anniversary by premiering ’42nd Street’ at the Lexington Opera House, featuring a special cameo by Governor Andy Beshear. Although his role was brief, his comedic delivery added a unique charm to the performance, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. The show, which stars Elizabeth McGuire as Peggy Sawyer, runs through the weekend and highlights the theater’s commitment to professional and local talent in the community.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Lexington Theatre Company celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday night as it premiered its production of “42nd Street” at the Lexington Opera House. This event marked the theater’s 10th anniversary season and featured a surprise appearance by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who played a brief role as a doctor.
Beshear’s involvement in the production, albeit for just about a minute, added a unique twist to the evening. The governor incorporated one of his well-known COVID-19 phrases, “You can’t be doing that!”, into his character’s lines, which resonated with the audience and contributed to the comedic tone of the scene. The crowd welcomed him with a large round of applause upon his entrance.
According to producing director and co-founder Jeromy Smith, the theater sought out special guests to enhance the celebration of their 10th anniversary. Beshear was one of the first individuals contacted for participation, although he did not attend rehearsals prior to the performance. The theater provided him with his lines, which he practiced during intermission with some of the other cast members.
During his scene, Beshear delivered a comedic announcement to three actors regarding a woman’s broken ankle, leading to humorous disputes over medical advice. While his cameo was warmly received, Smith confirmed that the governor will not return for the remaining five performances as they have other guest appearances lined up.
The cast of “42nd Street” features Elizabeth McGuire, a native of Cynthiana, who takes center stage as Peggy Sawyer, the show’s lead role. McGuire’s history with the production is notable, as she was part of its original cast. The storyline celebrates Peggy’s journey from a chorus girl to a Broadway star, embodying the show’s themes of ambition and perseverance.
Additions to the performance schedule include shows on Friday and Saturday, with evening performances starting at 7:30 p.m., and matinees at 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. This revival of “42nd Street” signifies not only a significant moment in the theater’s history but also reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting professional theater in Lexington.
The Lexington Theatre Company has evolved from its early nomadic beginnings, which involved performing in various spaces, to establishing a permanent home equipped with rehearsal, costume, and set-building facilities. This growth has been pivotal in fulfilling the company’s mission to showcase both professional talent and local performers, enriching the cultural fabric of the Lexington community.
As the theater continues its 10th anniversary season, the enthusiastic response to “42nd Street” highlights its successful integration of local and professional talent, making it a cornerstone of Lexington’s performing arts scene.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Governor Andy Beshear Makes Stage Debut
- WKYT: Weekend Roundup of Events
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Theatre Company’s 42nd Street
- Wikipedia: Theatre in the United States
- Smiley Pete: Lexington Theatre Company Presents 42nd Street
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
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LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
