Colorizing ‘42nd’

Broadway producer David Merrick, who had great success with an all-black “Hello Dolly” in the ‘60s, will try it again with “42nd Street” in April.

According to sources, final terms are being worked out for Lou Rawls to take on the role of director Julian Marsh. Also in negotiations: singer Marilyn McCoo, who would play Dorothy Brock (the “star” who breaks her ankle) and actress Isabelle Sanford (from “The Jeffersons”), possibly for the part of confidante Maggie Jones.

Merrick is reportedly after singer (and de-crowned Miss America) Vanessa Williams for the juicy role of ingenue Peggy Sawyer.