A classic MGM film is refreshed on the Drayton Entertainment stage in reverent homage to its screen original.
Singin’ in the Rain was made for film in 1952, boasting brilliant technicolour and glorious cinematography. It took multiple retakes, unrelenting talent and $2.5 million to achieve its goal.
The stage version, which premiered in London and on Broadway in the ‘80s, brings the story alive in flesh, blood and breath.
The dramatic expression generates spirit and energy. It is an inventive and original accomplishment of its own.
Hollywood in the 1920s is abuzz with the advent of “talkies”. Unfortunately for Monumental Studios, Lina Lamont, its silent movie star, has a tragic flaw: an annoying, Bronx accent-ridden, screeching voice.
Enter mild mannered Kathy Selden with the voice of a bluebird and a sweetness in direct contrast to Lina’s “reptilian” ways.
Efforts to include both women to the best advantage on film run amuck, as do their romantic ties with leading man Don Lockwood.
The story is clarified in a constantly dynamic, seamless flow. Every moment is packed with bright energy in song, dance and amusing dialogue.
Jayme Armstrong plays Lina Lamont, who is at once an irritating, beautiful and endearing villain. Armstrong has graced the stage in many Drayton Entertainment productions, such as Mary Poppins, the Little Mermaid and the Sound of Music. Her confidence and talent contribute much, with many extra coos and screeches thrown in for fun. She had to focus on singing badly, in denial of her own strong singing voice. Her number What’s Wrong With Me? clinches it.
Jay T. Schramek as Cosmo Brown in the sidekick role is a powerhouse of energy, coordination and charisma, a tap dancing charmer in numbers such as Make ‘Em Laugh and Moses Supposes. Schramek is also the production’s assistant choreographer.
Timothy Gledhill in the role of Don Lockwood takes on a huge task, made famous by Gene Kelly so many years ago when the expression on his face was enough to invoke joy even in the hardest of hearts.
Gledhill sings and dances gingerly through the downpour on cue, happy and “in love” despite the weather.
Kathy Selden is played by Kayla James, whose lovely voice and quiet composure is perfect for the role that was played by the late Debbie Reynolds at 19 years of age in the film version.
Directed and choreographed by David Connolly, the wonderful ensemble of some 20 members exhibit precise timing with each entrance and exeunt and in every manner of charming interaction.
Ensemble cast members such as Ashley Arnett, Sarah Matton, Kristen Peace and Graeme Goodhall bring whirling vitality that inspires.
Drayton Entertainment treasure Keith Savage plays several roles and lends his own special animated charm to each. He is the hilarious greenhorn demonstrating the new talking film and the beaming tap dancer in ensemble numbers.
Set designer David Boechler has created an ingenious, steady stream of silently descending backdrops and an actual waterfall that thrillingly enhance the performance.
One of the backdrops is a screen on which film of the silent and new talking movies are shown to illustrate their dilemmas. The audience is treated to actual footage of our actors in smart imitation of old black and whites in The Dancing Cavalier.
In another intriguing moment, the quiet arrival of the famous lamp post has the audience in rapt anticipation of the beloved Singin’ in the Rain number.
In the movie the title number was filmed on a long street set on the MGM backlot, taking days and hours of fake rain. Milk was mixed into the water to make the rain more visible on camera, but resulting in a shrunken suit and feverish Gene Kelly. The onstage version seems much simpler and effective.
Music Director Michael Barber leads a five-piece band that complements all of the classic numbers, including Good Morning and All I Do is Dream of You.
Costume Designer Kimberly Catton offers a dazzling array of ever changing costumes, from dowdy Kathy in Peter Pan collars to Lina in feathers and fur to showgirls in seemingly impossible headgear.
Utter escapism for a revitalized audience, this buoyant performance leaves them happy again. Singin’ in the Rain runs until April 15.
Tickets may be purchased at the box office, at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling 1-855-372-9866.
