Singing' in the Rain

This well known and popular musical show is very seldom seen on the Amateur circuit for obvious reasons – the necessary, and actual, dancing in the wet rain, which is pouring down on to a live theatre stage, and the “live” film sequences starring the company’s cast members as they perform in the “talkie” film “The Dancing Cavalier” – incidentally, filmed in the grounds of Glamis Castle. However, DMS grasped this nettle and brought forth this show to the stage in spectacular fashion. Most theatre people know this tale of the silent film industry embarking on the new sensation – “talking movies”. Don Lockwood is the silent film star paired up with his sensational leading lady Lina Lamont, who believes that their screen romance is for real. It’s not! Enter up-and-coming actress, Kathy Seldon, and the sparks start to fly! Ross Lesslie was an absolute natural and had the flair for the role of film star Don Lockwood with his acting, singing, and dancing, and it fell on his broad shoulders that the famous rain scene depended! He truly was Gene Kelly in this famous role and his “big rain number” went down an absolute storm (pardon the pun!) – this was a first class reconstruction of the famous song and dance sequence and Ross is to be congratulated for bringing this famous scene alive in song and dance in a most spectacular way! As his on-screen leading lady, Lina Lamont, Jen Shearer stamped her authority as the “dizzy” blonde screen star, who had to get her every way in any decision concerning her screen appearances despite being unaware that her squeaky, grating, high-pitched, voice would eventually, be her downfall! Jen had this voice down to a fine art and, by the end of the performance, I was glad she got her come-uppance for being “nasty” to both Don and Kathy Seldon by interfering in their romance! Allison Wylie was always a smiling, convincing and versatile Kathy and, like her leading man, was able to carry off her role in her singing, acting, and dancing – she was a complete eye-opener in this role and this was a triumphant, tour-de-force performance! I enjoyed their “You Were Meant For Me” sequence. Another star performer was Ewan McDyer as Cosmo Brown. Much of the show’s humour depends on this character and his “Make ‘Em Laugh” comedy number was a mark of genius – and a physical, demanding, and exhausting one at that as well! He was a complete natural in this role. As Monumental Studios’ head boss, R. F. Simpson, and often the person on the end of Lina Lamont’s sniping tongue, Graeme Smith’s long stage experience brought all his expertise to the fore in this role. The ensemble and dancers all added their attributes to make this show a highly entertaining evening as in the “Broadway Melody” musical number. Magnificent costumes and correct hair styles all created the period the show and, it has to be said - this was Downfield, again, at its professional best!

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