From the classic 1952 film 'Singin' In The Rain' comes the visually spectacular stage show of the same name, playing at Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
The cast features the tremendous trio of Rohan Brown as Don Lockwood, Gretel Scarlett as Kathy Selden and Jack Chambers as Cosmo Brown, creating an on-stage chemistry that is unmatched from beginning to end.
Erika Heynatz also stands out as the deliciously revolting Lina Lamont, a character the audience loves to hate with a voice that doesn't leave your mind, and not for the reasons you'd think. Australia saw her as the malevolent Charlotte in 'Home And Away' and although Lina is still relatively evil, she couldn't be more different. Lina's facial expressions and general presence are hilarious as she prances around the stage, effortlessly carrying her huge ego everywhere she goes.
Image © Darren ThomasThe stand-out performance in 'Singin' In The Rain' is without a doubt Jack Chambers as Cosmo Brown. He's the perfect sidekick, a loving friend, and a hilariously outrageous addition to an already shimmering group of performers. His song 'Make Em Laugh' is choreographed down to the last detail, and it's an absolute pleasure to watch his attempts at cheering Don up.
As soon as the lights go down, the show is full of energy. The music, directed wonderfully by Adrian Kirk, is upbeat, joyful and evidently mastered and rehearsed to perfection.
Image © Darren ThomasThe story is about Hollywood during the transition from silent films to 'talkies' (films with sound) in the 1920s, and the initial reactions of the entertainment industry. Heart-throb Don Lockwood (Rohan Brown brings this character to life and doesn't miss a beat) and his on-screen sweetheart Lina Lamont are only lovers when the cameras are rolling, and this is proven even further when he runs into stage actress Kathy Selden.
On a side note, Gretel Scarlett is faultless in this role. Her solo performances are breathtaking, as she soars through each song delivering awe-inspiring vocals and a simply indescribable vibrato.
Don and Kathy instantly share a connection, and with the help of Don's buddy Cosmo, the trio must find a way to catch the public's attention with their first ever talkie.
Image © Darren ThomasOf course, with a show that boasts 'raining, live on stage!' it's obvious what the audience truly wants to witness. And, as Don kisses goodbye to Kathy on her doorstep and the thunder rolls, the anticipation begins to build. The introduction of the show's title track plays, and the rain starts to fall. It's a sight to behold, for sure. The first four or five rows of the audience are all given ponchos to keep dry, because the water goes everywhere. It looks beautiful.
The show is filled with impressively blocked and choreographed numbers, with tap dancing aplenty and singing that soars to the ceiling.
Image © Darren ThomasNot a moment is lost in the entire performance. The audience is on their feet by the end for the bows, but a standing ovation does not feel like enough praise for such a heartwarming, enjoyable piece of musical theatre.
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES
22 September-30 October – QPAC Lyric Theatre, (Brisbane)1-18 December – Adelaide Festival Centre
29 December-15 January – Crown Theatre (Perth)
