Rehearsing TriArts’ ‘42nd Street’

“The Red Shoes,” 1948’s gorgeous, technicolor film about ballet, choice and tragedy inspired little girls to strap into toe shoes. Not any more. Now it’s the Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” that turns young people on to the power and glory of dancing on a stage. Among those smitten by that musical about Broadway “gypsies” was Kate Vallee, dancer, Rockette member, teacher and, right now, choreographer for TriArts’ “42nd Street,” opening June 23 at the Sharon Playhouse. “I was the little one dancing in the aisle while my older sister was performing on stage,” Vallee tells me after rehearsal. “I knew really early it was my dream.” Then she saw “A Chorus Line” and that did it. Friday afternoon, Vallee is working with Rachel Perin from Ohio (who got her part here via a YouTube video), and Jenny Piersol, “originally from Pennsylvania, now New York City” where she auditioned for a leading role in this show. In tap shoes with high heels and cute rehearsal garb (Perin sports a Batman logo, Piersol, a big silky gardenia), eyes glued to a vast mirror in the Bok Gallery, the dancers follow Vallee’s words and moves. Then Vallee works with the young men. She tells them to dance as though “light were reflecting from their chests,” making them look “masculine and debonair. Like Fred Astaire.” “Feel that line,” she tells them. “I want energy like ballet.” But this is definitely tap: throbbing, clipped, crackl-ing, breathtaking tap. “It’s part of being a musician,” Vallee says about this dancing. “Your feet are your instrument.” As for “42nd Street,” the story of a newcomer tapping her way into the big time on Broadway, “It’s very inspirational for ensemble dancers.” For anyone, really. “42nd Street,” with D.J. Salisbury, director; and music director Michael Berkeley, opens at TriArts’ Sharon Playhouse June 23 and runs through July 10. For tickets, 860-364-7469.

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less