Singin' in the Rain

Movies musicals and Broadway shows are a natural match, especially those from Hollywood's golden age. A 1952 splash of a film kept audiences coming back for more and spawned one of the most recognizable dance sequences ever produced. From a time when film musicals were truly kings of the box office, comes a stage version of "Singin' In The Rain."

Only a modest success upon its initial release, it has since become one of the most famous films of its era. Most can identify the title tune and know Gene Kelly's tightly choreographed dance on a rainy street. Bill Hanney's Theatre By The Sea pumps in the water to recreate the famous moment, and the musical that contains it keeps the audience entertained with vibrant costumes, clever dialogue, and good performances.

New York director Kelli Barclay pulls double duty as choreographer, and how she takes those splashy, Technicolored dance numbers and brings them to TBTS's smaller venue is incredibly fun to watch. Casting is key, to be sure and Tim Falter as 1920s movie idol Don Lockwood has the footwork to mimic Kelly's moves, notably during the title number. His singing voice isn't the strongest, but then neither was Kelly's. As his love interest, Kathy Selden, Allsun O'Malley has the strongest and sweetest voice in the ensemble. She is pure magic.

Some of the best moments belong to Sean McGibbon as Cosmo Brown, bestie to Don and his on-stage antics are fascinating and funny. Mychal Phillips takes on the very funny role of Lina Lamont, the girl whose voice makes just about everybody cringe, with great comic timing. Rounding out the main cast are Curt Denham as R.F. Simpson the studio head and TBTS Associate Director Thom Warren as Roscoe Dexter. Warren hams it up and Denham is solid in his role. The ensemble is all up to the dance routines, notably during "Broadway Melody" and "Beautiful Girls," where the costumes are outstanding.

As for the aforementioned title song, rain does fall onstage during that and the closing number, it's a real treat -- something not often seen onstage, save for the New York productions. The night this reviewer saw the show it was pouring outside, which added something to the mood. This is a fun if dated show (it takes place in the 1920s, while the film was released in 1952); but pops with color and shines in its execution. Family friendly, this is a great way to introduce kids to the live theater.

"Singin' In The Rain" is running through July 13th at Theatre By The Sea 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02880. For information or tickets, call 401-782-8587 or visit www.theatrebythesea.com