“˜Splash”™ hit musical comes to St. Jacobs

Grab your umbrella and put on your raincoat because one of the most beloved movie musicals of all time is coming to Drayton Entertainment.

Full of dazzling dancing and memorable tunes, rehearsals are now in full swing for Drayton Entertainment’s much-anticipated stage production of Singin’ in the Rain.

This fun-filled musical spectacular is expected to make a splash as it pours onto the stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from March 22 to April 15.

Singin’ in the Rain is a shining example of musical comedy at its best,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.

“Incredible dancing, fun characters, a wonderfully romantic story and unforgettable songs that will have everyone humming along – and yes, it will rain on stage.”

The beloved classic Singin’ in the Rain captures the historic transition from silent films to new-fangled “talkies” during 1920s Hollywood.

Monumental Studios is scrambling to keep with the times and embrace the chaos of sound film as they convert their newest film, The Dueling Cavalier into The Dancing Cavalier.

In the midst of these comical changes, it becomes apparent that their established star, Lina Lamont, has a grating voice that should be relegated to silent films. When leading man Don Lockwood, and his best friend Cosmo Brown, have the clever idea to overdub Lina’s voice with aspiring actress Kathy Selden’s sweet voice, it seems like the perfect fix – until Lina’s jealousy rears its ugly head.

Featuring a score of Hollywood favourites including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Moses Supposes and of course the title song, Singin’ in the Rain will leave audiences smiling, rain or shine, theatre officials state.

The musical is brought to life on stage by director and choreographer David Connolly, who has worked on numerous Drayton Entertainment productions including Mamma Mia!, Red Rock Diner and Cinderella: The Panto.

Connolly is joined by music director Michael Barber, set designer David Boechler, costume designer Kimberly Catton, and lighting designer Jason Hand.

Timothy Gledhill takes on the iconic role of Don Lockwood, a successful actor with modest beginnings as a musician, dancer and stuntman.

Kitchener-born Jay T. Schramek will keep audiences laughing as Don’s wacky best friend and confidante Cosmo Brown.

Drayton Entertainment newcomer Kayla James will appear as Kathy Selden, the would-be star with the charming voice.

Audience favourite Jayme Armstrong steps into her diva shoes as Lina Lamont, the demanding actress whose discordant voice stands in the way of her transition into sound film.

This movie-within-a-musical also features a host of other entertainment industry type characters: Keith Savage and Kristen Peace are the diction and vocal coaches tasked with teaching the stars how to speak for film; Kristian Truelsen is R.F. Simpson, the extremely successful film producer for Monumental Studios; Michael Donald is Rod, the overeager agent; and Matt Palmer is Roscoe, the demanding director.

Ashley Arnett, Conor Scully, Kyle Golemba, Graeme Goodhall, Jessica Horn, Sarah Matton, Melanie McInenly, Tim Porter, Reece Rowat, Sarah Lynn Strange, and Margaret Thompson round out the cast.

Produced by MGM in 1952, Singin’ in the Rain is one of the most celebrated movie musicals of all time.

Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults and $27 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select discount dates and groups of 20 or more are $37.

Singin’ in the Rain runs March 22 to April 15.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).

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