Instead of shying away from the fact that the musical is based on a famous movie, this production embraces its origins, with stills from the movie providing the border for the stage.
Stills from the movie border the stage, as seen on the right of this photo from "Make 'em Laugh"
Kyle Dixon's minimalist scenic designs truly bring the show to life, going so far as to create actual rain on stage during the titular number "Singin' in the Rain." Each set feels like a real location, and immerses audiences in Hollywood in the 1920s. David Costa-Cabral's glamourous, glitzy costumes are the finishing touch on the illusion, and are absolutely stunning.
Some of Costa-Cabral's glamorous costumes during "Beautiful Girls"
The musical follows the plot of the movie: Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are Hollywood's sweethearts on the 19020's silent screen, but off screen Lockwood doesn't much care for her, nor does his childhood musician buddy Cosmo Brown. When their next picture is to be a talkie, Lockwood and the studio find themselves in a difficult position, due to Lamont's grating voice. Luckily unknown actress Kathy Seldon, Brown, and Lockwood come up with a plan to have Seldon dub Lamont's voice in the upcoming film.
Tim Falter (who plays Don Lockwood) and Sean McGibbon (who plays Cosmo) are both tremendously talented performers. Their double acts during "Fit as a Fiddle" and "Moses Supposes" is sure to wow audiences, while Falter's song "You Stepped Out of a Dream" shows off his singing talents, and McGibbon's performance during "Make 'em Laugh" cements him as a true comedic talent.
Falter and McGibbon during "Fit as a Fiddle"
Mychal Phillips is very funny as Lina Lamont, especially during her solo "What's Wrong With Me," while Allsun O'Malley is wonderful as Kathy Selden, whose "You Are My Lucky Star" is sweetly rendered.
O'Malley and Phillips during "Would You (Reprise)"
The production also features several short black and white videos, which add a lot of charm and fun to the show about Hollywood. The shortest is a video that studio head R.F. Simpson (played by Curt Denham) shows to demonstrate the newest innovation in film: talking pictures. Those in the know may recognize none other than Theatre By The Sea 's owner Bill Hanney in the fun cameo role.
Singin' in the Rain will be playing at Theatre By the Sea Tuesdays through Sundays through July 13th; show times vary. Tickets are $54 to $77 and can be purchased in person or by phone at the box office (401-782-8587) or by visiting their website www.theatrebythesea.com.
Falter performing Singin' in the Rain
Photos by Steven Richardson Photography
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