Character guide
Maggie Jones
from 42nd Street
Maggie Jones is one half of the wisecracking songwriting duo behind "Pretty Lady," the show being rehearsed within "42nd Street."
- Show
- 42nd Street
- Broadway premiere
- 1980
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Harry Warren
Maggie Jones: from the film to Broadway
Broadway compared with the 1933 film
Maggie Jones did not exist as a woman in the 1933 film. The screen version has a male producer named Jones, played by Robert McWade, alongside Ned Sparks as Barry; the 1980 musical turned Jones into Maggie, co-writer and producer of the show-within-the-show, Pretty Lady, working alongside Bert Barry. Carole Cook originated her on Broadway.
The change gave Maggie real musical duties. She leads Shadow Waltz with Dorothy Brock and the girls, Go into Your Dance with the chorus girls, Getting Out of Town, and Shuffle Off to Buffalo, a number the film gave to Ruby Keeler and Clarence Nordstrom.
Who is Maggie Jones?
Maggie is a brassy, quick-witted writer working alongside her partner Bert Barry to shape the fictional musical at the center of the story. She moves comfortably among directors, producers, and performers, and she is usually the one keeping everyone's spirits up, or their egos in check, as opening night approaches.
Her presence adds comic energy and a sense of showbiz camaraderie to the backstage world of "42nd Street," grounding the more melodramatic turns of the plot with humor.
Maggie's role in 42nd Street
Maggie is a supporting player rather than one of the leads, but she is a memorable one, often paired in scenes and comic bits with Bert Barry. The role rewards a performer with sharp comic timing and confident delivery, since much of Maggie's material is built on banter and one-liners rather than big solo numbers.
Because the part leans on personality and comic chemistry as much as vocal range, it tends to go to a versatile character actress who can hold her own in a large, busy ensemble cast.
Maggie Jones: frequently asked questions
What show is Maggie Jones from?
Maggie Jones appears in "42nd Street," the 1980 musical scored by Harry Warren.
Is Maggie Jones a lead or supporting role?
Maggie Jones is a supporting role, known for comic banter with her writing partner Bert Barry.
Who wrote the music for 42nd Street?
Harry Warren wrote the music for "42nd Street."
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