Curtains Up Theater Review by Camille Bounds: “Singin’ In The Rain”

From the silents to the talkies in early Hollywood history

Broadway By The Bay closes its 2017 season with the delightful “Singin’ In The Rain” at the Fox Theater in downtown Redwood City. Adapted for the stage by Camden and Green with songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed “Singin’ In The Rain” originally opened on Broadway in 1985 featuring the choreography by Twyla Tharp and a state-of-the art set designed to accommodate the torrents of rain during the splash dance title number.

The musical, like the film, revolves around a fictional pair of celebrated silent film actors, Don Lockwood (Ryan Blanning) and Lina Lamont (Jen Brooks), whose careers are in danger with the advent of “talkies.” A delightful Kathy Selden (Amanda Farbstein) accidently comes into play and saves the day.

Director Alex Perez ably takes this satire of Hollywood in the frantic transition from silent to talking pictures in the 1920s. Adapted for the stage from the 1952 film starring Gene Kelly, “Singin’ In The Rain” was noted for its state-of-the-art set designed to accommodate the torrents of rain during the famous “Singin’ In The Rain” title number.

Broadway By The Bay’s outstanding choreographer Robyn Tribuzi delivers all the wildly energetic routines that have become standards today, from the original stage play from, “Fit As A Fiddle”, All I Do Is Dream Of You,” “Make Em Laugh,” “You Were Meant For Me,” “Moses Supposes,” “Good Morning” and of course, “Singin In The Rain” with theatrical rain pouring down.

The wild “Make Em Laugh” number that Cosmo (Randy O’Hara), Don’s buddy, propels with gusto as he wows the audience by flipping off walls, tumbling off the back of a sofa, twirling into complicated chorography that was solid and wore you out just watching it.

Leandra Watson’s’ costumes fit the time with scenic designer Kelly James Tighe’s applicable set, with Michael Ramsaur’s lighting and Jon Hayward’s sound. Joe Murphy leads a fine orchestra to bring in a solid production.

“Singin’ In The Rain” energetic cast gives the audience the best in a fabulous musical that entertains.

Broadway By The Bay’s 2018 season will include “The Music Man,” “The Million Dollar Quartet,” “Saturday Night Fever,” and Elton John and Tim Rice’s hit musical “Aida.” This is truly the best value in great musical theatre anywhere. Close to the South Valley, easy free parking and fantastic subscription and single seat rates.