Singin' In The Rain

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN: The Broadway Musical (based on the film) is a feelgood show from start to finish. From the opening overture to the closing rousing finale the foot tapping numbers pile up and everything it contains is sheer delight. It's set at the time when the talkies were just arriving in Hollywood bringing problems when the studio’s leading lady has a hilariously squeaky voice, not suited to sound!  And there’s romance, jealousy, manipulation, back stabbing and adverse publicity thrown into the mix. 

The set worked well and the crew made the changes look simple. The props were handled with confidence.

The costumes were fantastic; colourful, vibrant and of the highest quality with numerous (and quick!) changes.  There was great attention to detail ranging from Lena’s gowns,  the massive headdresses of the ensemble, Don and Cosmo’s matching suits for “Fit as a Fiddle” as well as the Black and White theme for the afterparty scene. 

The lighting was effective throughout and well controlled. The music, under the direction of Trevor Defferd, proved a great asset to the show and kept the lively music going. The voices blended well with the music. The sound team were kept busy handling effects needed for the arrival of the talkies and Lina’s inability to speak into her microphone!  This was well executed. 

The spectacular staging of the title song with fully working rain set deserves enormous praise as does the use of multi-media showing the black and white films ranging from the silent films to the transition to talkies. These provided joyful complement to the live action.

Bryn Hughes as Don Lockwood was hardly ever off the stage and sang and danced with great emotion and gusto.  The duo “Fit as a Fiddle”, “Make ‘Em Laugh” and “Moses Supposes” were hugely popular and hilarious.  There were many memorable performances including the smooth singing of “Beautiful Girl” by Ian Mosley, Anneka Wass as Kathy’s “You are My Lucky Star” was gorgeous and Lina’s “What’s Wrong With Me” was as out of tune as it should have been!  Making his debut with BATS, William Keel-Stocker simply oozed charm and charisma as well as talent as Don’s sidekick Cosmo. This was a musical with heart and chemistry and so much to love; so many favourite moments for me, not least “Good Morning” and “Would You?”

Congratulations to Director, Ray Jeffery, who drew polished performances from the hugely talented cast and first-class choreography from Julie Morris and Karen McCloy. BATS should be proud to add this production of “Singin’ In The Rain” to their list of successes.  This was three hours of all singing and dancing entertainment with the aid of a massively skilled cast and crew.

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