In the honky-tonk world of marathon dancing in Atlantic City in 1933, a captivating assortment of depression-era souls gather on the Steel Pier, hoping to dance their way to fame and prizes.
Get an estimateIn the honky tonk world of marathon dancing in Atlantic City in 1933, a captivating assortment of depression era souls eager to dance their way into fame and prizes gather on the Steel Pier. The spectacle is presided over by an oily tongued emcee who is secretly married to Rita Racine, the champion dancer. Her usual partner doesn't show up, so she is paired with a handsome pilot on leave. As the hours of dancing whirl on, Rita becomes increasingly disillusioned with her sleazy, conniving husband and more and more infatuated with the handsome young aviator and a vision of life in a peaceful cottage. Songs by the creators of Chicago, Cabaret and other Broadway classics perfectly capture the rhythms of the 1930's dance era.
Steel Pier first premiered on Broadway at the Richard Rogers Theatre on April 24, 1997. Directed by Scott Ellis and choreographed by Susan Stroman, the production featured Joel Blum, Kristin Chenoweth, Daniel McDonald, Debra Monk and Karen Ziemba.
BILL KELLY - Late 30s. A daredevil who has crashed his plane. Ever since he first saw Rita at an airshow, he has been in love with her. He is a hot-dog flyer. An American classic. Someone who still believes in the power of having a dream. Strong tenor with good high notes – Ab.
RITA RACINE – late 30s. Was "Lindy's Lovebird" – the first woman to kiss Lindbergh when he crossed the Atlantic. Was the darling of the press and the Vaudeville circuit. Over the last few years, however, she has been performing in stage shows. side shows. air shows. And now, as the Depression takes hold of the country – dance marathons. Rita is full of life. Wildly charismatic. And vulnerable. High belt with a good mix.
SHELBY STEVENS – 40s. She is one of the marathon's featured performers. Quick. Dry. Biting. “Everyone's Girl.” Loves the life of the marathon dancer. Loves the marathons. She dances with Luke. Strong low belt with a good head voice.
MICK HAMILTON – 40s. The marathon's promoter. He serves as the marathon's master of ceremonies. Smooth. Stylish. Performs for the crowds. He has fought all his life for what he has been able to call his own. Beneath the polish, he's a street fighter – willing to do anything to get what he wants. Baritone with a strong F.
MR. WALKER – 55-60. The floor judge. He has been traveling with Michk to the different marathons. A kind man in a dirty business. He is Mick's henchman – the go-between. Must sing. High tenor.
BUDDY BECKER – 40-45. Vaudevillian. A non-stop talker. Always quick with a story. Even if no wants to hear it. Oblivious to those around him. Dances with his sister, Bette. Tenor.
BETTE BECKER – 35-40. Buddy's sister. Always tries to be optimistic. Tries to see the bright side of everything. Must sing.
JOHNNY ADEL – Early 30s. An athlete. Imposing. Someone who wrestled in the Olympics. Sees the marathon as just another sport. Disciplined. Someone who would probably win. Dances with Dora. Baritone.
DORA FOSTER – 45-50. An attractive woman who at one time in her life had money. Now she has nothing. Still tries to keep up the facade. Dances with Johnny Adel. Mezzo.
HAPPY MCGUIRE – Early 20s. Precious' husband. Raised on a farm. Strapping. Despite his and and inexperience, he is much smarter – and even more worldly – than he appears. Lyric baritone.
PRECIOUS MCGUIRE – 18-20. The young newlywed. Married to Happy. On the surface seems innocent. Wide-eyed. Fresh. She is however, drive, steely. Determined to get her show so that she never has to return home. Soprano with a lovely high C and an E above that, if possible.
LUKE ADAMS – 30-35. Quiet. Keeps to himself. Plays instruments. Must play at least one of the following instruments proficiently: harmonica, fiddle, guitar, ukulele, concertina, accordion. Dances with Shelby.
MICK'S PICKS – 3 women who sing back-up for Mick during the radio show. They must be oustanding singers with talent for blending and singing tight harmony. Two sopranos. One alto. Must also be able to dance.
CORKY
DR. JOHNSON
SONNY
PREACHER
THE FLYING DUNLAPS – 5 actors
CHORUS – Dancers in the marathon. Must be outstanding dancers who can sing. They must also span a wide range of types and ages. 5 women and 8 men.
Plus a chorus of 8 male and 5 female.