Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre presents the stage version of “Singin’ in the Rain” to Hoosiers and theater lovers.
The celebrated MGM film starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor.In this theater presentation, characters Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are famous actors in the silent movie industry. Lamont’s squeaky voice spells trouble for the production, which leads to them seeking out the help of talented young actress Kathy Selden, to do the talking and singing for Lamont. When she discovers this, Lamont is furious. Her co-star, Don Lockwood, has eyes for Selden which further raises the stakes for the actor and her career-defining struggles.
Classic musical numbers such as “Good Morning,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” and the show’s title song, “Singin’ in the Rain,” filled the production with lively tunes to hum into the night.
As I ventured back to my car in the parking lot, another guest from the audience and I were both still singing the show’s songs and had a good laugh about our shared jubilance.
Joseph Rafael Davila makes his Beef and Boards debut as Don Lockwood. Sarah Hund and Kimberly Doreen Burns reprised their roles as Lina Lamont and Kathy Selden respectively. Burns will play the role of Kathy Selden from April 9- April 26. Sarah Daniels will play Kathy Selden from April 28-May 23. James Garrett Hill plays the role of Lockwood’s fun-loving friend Cosmo.
“Singin’ in the Rain” is expertly directed by Eddie Curry and wonderfully choreographed by Doug King. The choreography for numbers like “Moses Supposes” transformed a typical vocal coaching scene into a jubilant dance where Lockwood and Cosmo combat the rigidity of their supposed lesson. Kevin Casey and Brandon Magid served as the stage manager and musical director respectively to give the setting of the musical the perfect ambience and score to accompany the actors amazing delivery.
The musical featured a plethora of energetic performances that captivated the crowd from beginning to end. Even though the story and music to this production is not new, the rapid scene changes coupled with the actors’ enthusiastic delivery of the classic tunes rang out into the night.
This production featured high quality prop usage and a set that gives you a window into the rainy Hollywood streets. As Davila whistled through the man-made rain on stage, the audience was treated to snappy tunes and a portal to California’s bustling movie industry.
Cosmo, my personal favorite character, played by James Garrett Hill, had the crowd snickering at his many fast quips and animated dance numbers. According to Hill, “Singin’ in the Rain” was always his favorite movie, and it showed. From performing “Make ‘Em Laugh” in the living room at seven years old, Hill brought that energy to this performance and soared on stage.
Hund portrayed Lamont as a colorful character who viewed herself as bigger than the movies she and her supposed lover Don Lockwood starred in. While her voice placed the movie in jeopardy, Hund wielded the character’s quirks with confidence and delivered when her number “What’s Wrong With Me” painted Lamont’s emotions perfectly.
“Singin’ in the Rain” was not only lively, but impactful in its delivery. The show had a heartbeat and served as a great Beef and Boards debut for Davila.
“Singin’ in the Rain” is on stage for 51 performances through May 23. The musical is rated G and appropriate for all viewing ages.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit beefandboards.com.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
