Singin’ in the Rain splashed into Sydney’s Lyric Theatre over the weekend after a wildly successful sell-out season in the West-End and a roaring debut in Australia at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre. Thanks to Nuffnang, we were in the audience for the preview night and what a night it was!
As many of you would be aware, Singin’ in the Rain was originally a 1952 motion picture starring the iconic Gene Kelly. It’s a film that even today, a good sixty years after its release evokes wonder and nostalgia for the tinseltown of old. I was uncertain how this would articulate to the stage. Could it really be pulled off?
Within the first few minutes of “Singin’ In the Rain” I was hooked. The production crew seamlessly captured the Hollywood aesthetic across the choreography, script and song, and easily transported the audience back to old Hollywood.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, it follows three fictional film stars in Hollywoodland in the 1920s, Don Lockwood, Cosmo Brown and Lina Lamont, who transition from silent films to the new ‘talkies’. Of course, not everything runs smoothly and not everybody is comfortable with change…especially where Lina is concerned. In fact, it is soon agreed that a voice double is needed to save the studio and Kathy, a chorus girl and Don’s love interest, is talked into filling the role.
It was when Don Lockwood started singing Singin’ in the Rain and water began pouring down that I realized that REAL water was being used. In fact 12,000L of water is used through each performance. The first three rows of audience seating are classified as a splash-zone with ponchos provided to ensure no one gets saturated. If we return with the kids I’m booking these seats!
And there was Erika Heynatz’s portrayal of Lina Lamont. She was hysterical, providing comedic element to the show. She was by far my favourite character although certainly not a triple threat like Don, Cosmo and Kathy….in fact, all she could really do was look pretty!
If you’re looking for the perfect date night theatre show or even one that’s a good fit for the kids, “Singin’ in the Rain” will not fail to delight. It’s a hit with the perfect amount of splash dancing to keep you enthralled for the entire show.
Singin’ in the Rain has FINISHED its season in Sydney.
*Due to recent injury suffered by Mr Adam Garcia, and until further notice, the role of Don Lockwood will be performed by Mr Grant Almirall, Mr Rohan Browne and Mr Rob Mallett.
