It's been over 70 years since Singin' In The Rain took to the screens. It is a classic musical that is the stuff of legends. Originally a big screen movie that took the world by storm, this show has been adapted time and time again and wowed audiences the world over.
Whenever an am-dram theatre group say they are putting on a show as technical as this, I always wonder whether they will pull it off. Will the rain fall, and will the singin' happen? Well, BMT Productions have taken on this mammoth task, and let me tell you that this was nothing short of spectacular.
Singin' In The Rain is set in the roaring 20's, in an age where Monumental Pictures are trying to break into the world of talking pictures. Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the Hollywood sweethearts that the press can't stop talking about. But their on screen romance is not one that is reciprocated off screen by Don. And when Don falls for the upcoming star Kathy Selden, they must do anything they can to ensure the movie musical of their dreams is a success, with the help of mastermind Cosmo Brown of course. What ensues in the show is nothing short of classical humour, heartfelt romance, and a timeless story that stands the test of time.
Heading up the cast is James Doherty-Box and Michelle-Jane Wright as Don and Kathy, the star crossed lovers. James had the perfect leading man charm that just commanded the stage. His rendition of Singin' In The Rain as the first act closed was truly wonderful. Teamed with Michelle-Jane, who's acting was the perfect blend of innocent and headstrong, it was a winning match.
Suzy Hill brought the hilariously ditzy Linda Lamont to life and honestly smashed it. From a wayward accent, to a tantrum throwing scene, she smashed every line and totally won over the audience. To be able to sing a song perfectly out of key, in a way that still entertains the audience is something of a wonder to see and her comedic timing was nothing short of brilliant. Cosmo Brown was played by John Bishop, who's rendition of "Make Em Laugh" truly had the audience laughing. I loved the way that he seemed to have endless amounts of energy.
It's truly remarkable to think that a local production has managed to pull off such a brilliant show. The fact that there were huge numbers (choreographed by Beth Gibson-Green) that could have rivalled previous west end and touring casts is true testament to how brilliantly hard these local performers worked. I loved the way that the tied together projections, films, and used the whole theatre to give the audience a more interactive feel to the show. The stand out moment however was during the title song, where rain fell from the rafters, soaking the stage as our leading man danced our way to the interval. It truly was like nothing I could have imagined from a local production group.
The ensemble truly brought together the harmonious harmonies, endless energy, and creative choreography to put on a show that entertained and entranced the audience. With a cast as inclusive as this, it's clear to see that each part was truly matched to who would do it testament, and it shows. Each number, scene, costume and dance routine is a spectacle. Singin' In The Rain is a classic musical that continues to impress audiences time and time again. It's a show that is timeless, and simply superb. With a blend of humour and sincerity, it's a toe tapping night out. Well done BMT, you've truly outdone yourself.
Tickets are on sale now with the show running at the Regent, Christchurch until Saturday evening. They even have a relaxed signed performance too. Singin' In The Rain Tickets.
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