Two hit Broadway musicals, captured live from their journey across the pond to London’s West End, are about to hit the big screen at Damariscotta’s Lincoln Theater. Mark your calendars because you will not want to miss “42nd Street”, the song and dance, American dream fable of Broadway, followed by the winner of every major Best Musical award on Broadway and in the West End, “Kinky Boots!”

Set in 1933, “42nd Street” tells the story of a small-town girl from Middle America trying to make it on Broadway. Fresh off the bus, Peggy uses her naive charm to win a place in the chorus line of the biggest new show in town. And when the star gets injured, they need someone new to take the lead. Will Peggy’s raw talent be enough to win her a place in the spotlight? Based on the 1932 novel by Bradford Ropes, “42nd Street” became a Hollywood film starring Ginger Rogers who made her breakthrough appearance in the film. Despite being a backstage story about a Broadway show, it didn’t make it onto the stage for almost 50 years until 1980, when producer David Merrick took a gamble and decided to stage the classic musical film. With its giant cast, big numbers from Al Dubin, Johnny Mercer and Harry Warren, plus its glitz – “42nd Street” was a huge success going on to win the Best Musical Tony Award and run for nine years.  Filmed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Theatreland’s oldest stage), “42nd Street” is playing on the big screen Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m.

With over 50 cast members appearing on stage every night, the show has the biggest cast in the West End, and the stage at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of the few stages in the West End that would be able to comfortably host a tap-dancing cast that size. Pure musical magic, and filled to the brim with glamour, sequins and familiar songs such as “42nd Street”, “We’re In The Money”, and “I Only Have Eyes For You”, 42nd Street is a hark back to traditional musical theatre. If you like massive dance spectaculars with some heart-warming tunes, plus an inspiring story, then step right up! It’s a joyful show for the whole family that will make you want to run right out and buy a pair of tap shoes!

Captured live at the Adelphi Theater, playing Thursday, Aug. 1 at 2 and 7 p.m., is the hottest show in town – “Kinky Boots”! Based on the 2005 film of the same name written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, “Kinky Boots” tells the true story of Charlie Price, a young man who inherits a shoe factory in Northampton. Unfortunately, the business is failing and if he doesn’t do something fast, his whole workforce will face unemployment. But, on one fateful night, Charlie meets Lola – a cabaret performer in need of some rather sturdy stilettos. With Lola’s help, Charlie creates a brand new line of shoes for a very particular clientele, and both their lives change forever. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible … and discovers that when you change your mind, you can change the world.

“Kinky Boots” made its Broadway debut in April 2013, going on to win a season-high 13 Tony Award nominations, winning 6 (including Best Musical and Best Score).

The West End production of Kinky Boots features a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and direction by Jerry Mitchell, whose credits include “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical”, “Hairspray” and “Legally Blonde The Musical”. It’s a heartwarming story of acceptance and triumph, and features some of London’s best drag performers. If you like fun, you’ll love “Kinky Boots!” It’s great fun for the entire family and it will make you want to invest in some spangly thigh-highs and live your best life!

Tickets for both “42nd Street” and “Kinky Boots” are on sale now through the Lincoln Theater box office and may be purchased in person at 2 Theater Street, Damariscotta or by calling 563-3424. Ticket prices are $15/adult, $13/members, and $5/youth 18 and under.  They will also be available at the door starting one hour before show time. Come and meet those dancing feet!