Singin’ In the Rain, which opened Thursday night at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center is a production of many fine qualities, not the least of which is a wonderfully talented cast. Adapted from the well-known 1952 musical starting Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, the 1985 stage version closely follows the story line of the original film along with the same wonderful Alfred Freed songs as the award winning musical film. Many of the songs are actually reprisals of earlier songs from Alfred Freed musicals, including the title song, Singin’ In the Rain, You Are My Lucky Star, Good Mornin’, and Broadway Melody.
The 1952 production is considered one of the greatest of the MGM musicals and is included in the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest Films. The 1985 stage version ran for a year on Broadway and continues to tour. The show is set in the 1920’s during the transition from silent movies to talkies. The plot is told as a Hollywood satire on the vocal challenges many stars of the silent screen faced when trying to adapt to talkies.
The Performing Arts Department of Yavapai College has produced a Singin’ In The Rain of exceptional high quality. The visuals are amazing with an elegant set, lavish costumes and clever, high velocity dancing. The performers are all locals who have greatly benefited from the direction of co-directors Craig John Ralston, and professional singer and actress, Kate Howell.
Photo: (from left to right) Isaac Jackson, Hope Olsen, and James Howell
In a production of many good performances, one in particular stands out. Seventeen-year-old high schooler, James Howell showed remarkable maturity and presence as Cosmo, the wise-cracking best friend of movie star Don Lockwood, played by Isaac Jackson. Mr. Howell is familiar to audiences for his role as Barnaby in last year’s production of Hello, Dolly. As a dancer, he has a natural sense of timing and flow. He makes complicated choreography look easy. His rendition of Make ‘Em Laugh was a show stopper, reminiscent of the infectious, over the top energy of the original screen Cosmo, played by Donald O’Connor.
Mr. Howell delivered his wise cracks with a sureness that belied his age. His vocal talents in the many ensemble pieces are on full display. As a performer, he projects an engaging personality that builds connections with the audience with an instinctive warmth and charm. Quite simply, he steals the show.
The lead role of Don Lockwood was played by 18-year-old Prescott High School graduate, Isaac Jackson. Although somewhat improbably cast as the movie star boyfriend of Lina Lamont, his very fine gifts as a dancer and actor see him through. His rendition of the lamp post and umbrella scenes in the title song, Singin’ In the Rain show a genuine mastery of his craft. Mr. Jackson clearly has a love for the stage. On opening night, his confidence and maturity as a performer earned him an ovation from the audience.
Other noteworthy performances include Allyssa Ebert who plays movie star Lina Lamont with humor and panache. Hope Olsen lent her lovely voice to the role of Kathy Selden, as Lockwood’s true love interest.
As is usually the case, this reviewer was impressed with the remarkable talent available in our own community. Performances staged by YCC’s Performing Arts Department are presented with students and local volunteers with technical direction, choreography, and music overseen by trained professionals associated with the college. Some regulars were recognizable including the versatile Marnie Uhl, who plays film columnist, Dora Bailey and Brian Eckles who plays studio boss, R.J. Simpson.
Co-Director Kate Howell shared with us that preliminary work on the show started in the early summer with casting, scene and costume design and choreography of the elaborate dance numbers. Cast rehearsals began in August. The months of preparation have paid off handsomely with a remarkably smooth, professional looking production.
When the lights first dimmed and the overture began, I assumed I was hearing recorded music from the Performance Hall’s state-of-the-art sound system. But from my seat in the mid-orchestra section, I noticed an arm waving from the orchestra pit. It was Music Director Chris Tenney with a 20 piece orchestra. They sounded great. The staging, costumes, set design and special effects were of exceptional quality, including the “rain” in the big Singin’ In the Rain production number.
Photo: From left to right, Hope Olsen, James Howell, the reviewer, Alyssa Ebel, and Isaac “AJ” Jackson
Singin’ In the Rain is a wonderfully entertaining night of song, humor and musical history. Performances run thru November 13th. Tickets are available online or by calling the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center Ticket Office at 928-776-2000.
