SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

Salford Musical Theatre Musical Company

 

Director: Howard G Raw

Musical Director: Ed Nurse

Choreography: Christine Medows

 

On one of the hottest weeks of the summer this musical theatre group made a welcoming splash with its latest production, based on the 1952 Gene Kelly movie set in the pioneering days of the movies. Singin’ In the Rain is an all-talking, all-singing, all-dancing entertainment that stays true to the original film. This is a story of Hollywood’s transition to the talkies, a period that finished many silent movie star career.

 

A fabulous set (not listed) was well managed. The  S.M and crew enabled the story to move from location to location without hindrance. The title song was streamlined, the rain came and the puddles were playfully jumped in and out of. Maybe a little more lighting would have enhanced the overall effect.

 

The fit-up time, and the amount of technical rehearsal to get the production ready for an audience, deserves its own round of applause.

 

The lighting and sound captured the mood and era of the piece. 1927, the jazz age, was a very fashionable time and this was reflected in the costumes (not listed). They were worn well the men’s tails were excellent although it was a shame that footwear was not included.

 

The film inserts of the show’s stars, Lockwood and Lamont, received appreciative response from the audience.

 

The director brought out the tongue-in-cheek Hollywood life of its stars. The cast was well drilled and all members brought enthusiasm to their work. All the iconic music was well interpreted by the MD and his sophisticated musicians. Although there was some recognisable movement, the choreography was in harmony with the show’s concept.

 

It is a long first half and one that really doesn’t get going until the “Moses Supposes” number, although the storyline was well defined by strong character playing led by Sue Mallet, a very confident actress. Sue captured the radio host, Dora Bailey, with all the other supporting players giving credibility to the many movie studio personnel.

 

Head of Monumental Pictures is R.F. Simpson played with just the right amount of comedy by Jon Gardner. R.F’s cohorts, Roscoe Dexter (Ryan Hulme) and Rod (Jack Rawston) were good foils for each other.

 

Monument Pictures Studio’s head of music is Don Lockwood’s best friend and sidekick, Cosmo Brown. Adam Garnett, as the cheeky chappy, Cosmo, brought energy and fun to his scenes making himself popular with the audience.

 

The silent screen star, Lina Lamont, has to be brash and crass. She is left in the background to allow Don and Kathy’s romance to unfold. Lina, with her annoying character voice, shared the comedy with Cosmo. Alison Ruck delivered Lamont’s off-stage persona with panache and gave the centre stage highlight performance wwith her rendition of “What’s Wrong With Me?”

 

The “Royal Rascal” himself, Don Lockwood, is the much-loved charming movie star. Peter Rigney, as the “Dancing Cavalier”, suitably charmed his way into Kathy Selden’s heart. The chemistry between Don and Kathy, played by Alexandra Seven, added to the fairy tale image of Hollywood.

 

There was plenty to admire in this production even if the forecast for each performance might have been cloudy with a chance of some rain.