The story takes place in the late '20s and centers on the transition from silent films to "talkies." Everyone's favorite Hollywood pair (on screen but not off) Lockwood and Lamont are poised to make it big, except that Lina Lamont has a less than pleasant voice. Don Lockwood and his friend / comic sidekick Cosmo conspire to have rising star Kathy Selden, with whom Don is falling in love, do the singing and talking for Lina. But when she finds out about the dubbing, and the relationship, Lina is not happy, and tries to derail both.*
Highlights of this production include:
- The best part of this show is the dancing. So much fantastic choreography, including some iconic moments from the film, walking over the couch, splashing in puddles, it's just pure joy to watch it.
- The score is filled with familiar songs like "Good Morning," "Would You?," and of course the title song. Music Director Sanford Moore directs the nine-piece pit orchestra, smaller than we sometimes see at Artistry but they still sounds great.
- The aforementioned Danny McHugh as Don Lockwood is a total charmer, a real triple threat (quadruple if you count choreography). I saw him perform at Musical Mondays a few weeks ago, soon after he moved home from NYC, and I was instantly a fan, especially when he said his song choices were an unintentional Gavin Creel tribute. Danny has endless charisma, a gorgeous voice, and incredible dancing skills. I look forward to seeing him on more #TCTheater stages in the coming years.
- Danny is surrounded by a huge and hugely talented cast, including #TCTheater newcomer Brittany Mendoza-Pena who is absolutely lovely as Kathy, with a genuine and pure performance both vocally and emotionally.
- If you're looking for comedy, Serena Brook as Lina Lamont and Armando Harlow Ronconi as Cosmo have got you covered. Serena puts everything she used and learned as a member of the radio acting company of Chris Thile's Live from Here into creating the most hilariously annoying voice for the silent film actor who could never make it in talkies, even more impressive when you know what a beautiful voice she actually has. And Armando is perfectly cast as Cosmo, hamming it up in the best way and throwing his body all over the stage in "Make 'Em Laugh" (he always does).
- The movie sequences are very cleverly done. When our characters go to the theater to watch their movie premiere, we see it play out in silhouette behind a screen, in delightfully overexaggerated style.
- The versatile art deco set includes a large stationary piece with stairs to a grand entrance, as well as panels that slide in and out. Characters are dressed in so many fab '20s era costumes (scenic and costume design by Sarah Bahr).
Singin' in the Rain is a joyful journey into nostalgia, a beloved classic that's so well done by the cast and creative team at Artistry in a way that feels fresh and fun.
