Review by Grace Eichler
It’s opening night at the Monument Theatre and the stars are coming out! Old Hollywood is the backdrop for the stage production of “the greatest movie musical of all time,” “Singin’ in the Rain.” The Carnegie brings the movie magic to life in Covington. “Singin’ in the Rain” is a dancing spectacle, with catchy songs and laughs throughout.
The silent film duo of Lina Lamont & Don Lockwood has been leading box offices for years, but the rise of the “talkie” prompts changes in Hollywood. Lamont’s speaking voice, however, leaves much to be desired. Finding a young actress, Kathy Selden, to cover her vocals, Don and his longtime friend, Cosmo Brown, set a plan in motion to save “The Dancing Cavalier.” Plus, of course, singing and (real!) rain.
Logan Anthony and Delaney Benson star as Lockwood and Selden. Their dancing is remarkable, and the addition of Andy Donnelly as Cosmo Brown makes for show stopping numbers, like “Fit as a Fiddle” and “Good Morning.” Benson’s voice shines, and her elegance and grace on stage add to her striking performance. Anthony’s tapping in the titular song yields an impressive act one finale.
Stealing the show, however, is the choreography. Director/choreographer Maggie Perrino has crafted beautiful numbers, from juggling large ensemble scenes, to tricky tap numbers, this is really an incredible dancing production.
This production partners with The Carnegie’s Education Programming, and features a youth ensemble and teen ensemble. Noteworthy is Jameson Zoller who stands out as the “Production Tenor” singing the tune “Beautiful Girls.” The age diversity was well blended throughout the ensemble and integrated seamlessly into the production.
If you’re familiar with the Gene Kelly movie, it helps to tie the story together, as some dialogue is hard to understand over the recorded musical track.
With laughs and lots of dancing, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a treat suitable for all audiences that is sure to make a splash. Singin’ in the Rain runs January 28 – February 12 at the Carnegie in Covington, KY. Tickets are available at thecarnegie.com
