Welcome to a new Musical Theatre Monday! This month we’re celebrating the stage adaptation of the 1933 film (and Pre-Code Essential), 42nd Street, which opened on Broadway 40 years ago this past August. A quintessential backstager, its score is comprised of songs written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, whose tunestack is filled with hits from the Great American Songbook.

So, for subscribers who comment below to alert me of their interest, I’ve got access to two rare audios of this gem-filled score — both taken from the original 1980 production. The first is from the August 25, 1980 Opening Night performance (which includes the curtain call announcement of Gower Champion’s untimely passing). Here’s “Lullaby Of Broadway.”

And the other is from the D.C. tryout in June. Here’s “Shuffle Off To Buffalo.”

Come back next month for another musical rarity! And stay tuned for more sitcom fun!