Production Company: Singin’ In the Rain
Singin’ In the Rain is a feel good musical production guaranteed to stir your laughter and get your toes tapping to those familiar tunes immortalised by the 1952 film of the same name, starring Gene Kelly.
It is a tale of legends at the cusp of change as silent film becomes talkie and the world is turning from the excessive parties at the crescendo of the Roaring ‘20s towards a looming financial collapse.
If your heart lightens at a soft shoe shuffle, shiny costumes, high kicking chorus lines and corny dialogue then the Production Company’s version of this time honoured classic directed by Gary Young will not disappoint. It showcases some fine Australian talent choreographed by Simon Lind and accompanied by a rousing show orchestra conducted by conducted by John Foreman.
This is a cast of standout performers. Rohan Browne as Don Lockhart has all the suave and soignée presence of a screen legend and dances the fine line between narcissism and charisma with impressive fancy foot work. Not to be outdone his best pal Cosmo Brown played by Matt Lee is an arresting performer as he steals the show with his smooth tapping solos and his dazzling duos with Browne.
Caught in the wave of metamorphosis is the unfortunate starlet Lina Lamont played marvellously by Christie Whelan-Browne. This platinum blonde screen siren is a honker from the wrong side of the tracks whose broad vowels will never adapt in spite of the indefatigable efforts of the voice coach played masterfully by Robyn Arthur.
One of the highlights of this production was Alinta Chidzey’s performance as Kathy Selden, the jobbing actor turned showgirl who steals Lockwood’s heart and is enlisted to cover up for Lamont till her secret is revealed. Selden is commanding as she sings and dances her way into the spotlight.
The State Theatre is a wonderful backdrop for a musical production of this kind, and the audience were invigorated by the energy and fun of this fine ensemble cast.
