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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Singin' in the Rain Also see Gil's reviews of Later Life and Caroline, or Change
Set in late-1920s Hollywood, Singin' in the Rain follows silent film star Don Lockwood, who finds his career and his studio's success threatened by the arrival of talking pictures. With the help of his comical best friend Cosmo Brown, aspiring actress Kathy Selden, and studio head R.F. Simpson, the group find a way to reinvent the silent film they are working on for the new world of "talkies." Unfortunately, they also have to deal with the shrill-voiced diva Lina Lamont, whose lack of vocal talent threatens to derail the studio's first sound film. The story lovingly pokes fun at the chaos of Hollywood's transition from silence to sound while celebrating the sense of creativity and perseverance. For the stage version, all of the beloved songs from the film remain intact, including "Good Morning," "Make 'Em Laugh," "You Are My Lucky Star," and, of course, the iconic title song. A few small changes have been made to the structure, but the spirit and joy of the original film shine brightly throughout. The stage adaptation does include a fun added number for Lina, which is great, and allows for dance sequences and ensemble moments that fill the theater with non-stop excitement and energy. Hale's cast is great. Liam Boyd brings charisma, a bright singing voice, and impressive dance skills to the role of Don Lockwood, especially in the title number that remains one of the greatest moments in movie musical history. His chemistry with Brie Wadsworth-Gates as Kathy Selden feels genuine and heartfelt, and she delivers a performance full of both warmth and wit along with a lovely singing voice. As Cosmo Brown, Joshua South is a comic standout, earning big laughs in "Make 'Em Laugh" due to his endless amount of energy, athletic prowess, and sharp comic timing, while Amanda Valenzuela has a winning and hilarious blend of vanity and vulnerability as Lina Lamont. In supporting roles, Rob Stuart brings the right blend of gravitas and charm as the studio head, R.F. Simpson, Justin Howell is appropriately exasperated as the frazzled film director, Roscoe Dexter, and Kathleen Sasnett charms as gossip columnist Phoebe Dinsmore. Reece Harris has fun playing the dual roles of the bright-voiced Production Singer and the infuriated linguistics teacher who gets pulled into the showstopping song, "Moses Supposes." The ensemble cast play an assortment of characters, from film extras to Hollywood residents with spunk and charisma. Cambrian James' direction keeps the pace brisk, and his choreography pays homage to the film while adding some fun, fresh steps. Visually, Hale's production is a treat. The bright costumes by Brielle Hawkes, elegant sets with art deco touches by Adam Devaney, and colorful lighting by Ashton Michael beautifully evoke the glamour of 1920s Hollywood. The film sequences are perfect. My only quibble has to do with the rain effect that ends the first act. While the sheets of rain that surround the in-the-round stage on all sides are a lovely touch, and provide a constant stream of rain between the audience and the actors, it plays it safe, as Boyd doesn't appear to get a single drop of water on him while he dances around and sings the title song. Seeing the character of Don Lockwood splashing around and singing while getting drenched can be a joyous event; when Hale last presented the musical in 2019, it featured an abundance of water that fell on the main character and made for a giddy experience. Fortunately, that's the only small shortcoming I can see in an otherwise perfect production of the stage adaptation of what is, arguably, the greatest film musical ever made. Singin' in the Rain runs through November 22, 2025, at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue in Gilbert AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.haletheatrearizona.com or call 480-497-1181 Producers & Casting Directors: David & Corrin Dietlein Cast: |
