The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "42nd Street" wowed Shanghai audience Wednesday with a Chinese face among its cast.

Marsha Yuan, the runner-up of 1999 Miss Hong Kong Pageant, was among the tap dancers on stage.

Although not as notable as other leading actresses, the newbie tap dancer impressed many audience members with her performance, surpassing their expectations.

The long-time Broadway star-wannabe, however, told the media after the show that she had paid her dues, practicing intensively every day since joining the cast.

The musical's director Mark Bramble was quoted by earlier reports as saying that he believed Yuan could handle leading roles in the future if she continued to improve.

The musical will stage at Shanghai Majestic Theater till September 22, and then they will tour six other Chinese cities.

Marsha Yuan (C), seen on the stage at Shanghai Majestic Theater, plays in the Broadway musical "42nd Street" on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Marsha Yuan (L), seen on the stage at Shanghai Majestic Theater, plays in the Broadway musical "42nd Street" on Wednesday, September 5, 2007.

(CRI.cn September 7, 2007)