Singin’ In The Rain

Boy, didn’t it rain…and didn’t we love it! There’s so much water on stage in the classic title number, that it might have been a Melbourne weather report, instead of the opening night of a much-loved musical. What it absolutely isn’t is the iconic 1952 Movie Musical, and that is both a good and a bad thing.

A fabulous band introduces us to the movie studio in the overture. It’s all jaunty and joyful and beautifully dressed (by Simon Higlett) in a clever set (also by Higlett). Jonathan Church’s direction is clever, creating an homage without being sycophantic, and Andrew Wright’s choreography is energetic and pays just enough tribute to the film to evoke fond memories. But once the action starts we’re reminded that the script is…to be kind … pretty hammy; or cheesy…ham and cheese on rye would seem appropriate. Yet the music is infectious, so many great 1930’s songs that many of the audience would never have heard before: “Would you?” “You are My Lucky Star”, “Broadway Rhythm”, You Stepped Out of A Dream”, “Good Mornin”; “Moses Supposes”, and of course the title song. It’s a stunning catalogue of music.

The casting works for the most part, but the truth is that Adam Garcia is not Gene Kelly, and it shows. He’s not even the Adam Garcia of yore, who wowed us in Tap Dogs all those years ago. He was a stupendous dancer/hoofer – but his chops are now mere cutlets. Age happens to us all, and the contentment of fatherhood is possibly a reason why he doesn’t look as fit as he should. He is at his best in the title song at the end of Act One, soaking wet and with exemplary handling of the umbrella, he totally nails the soft shoe/Schottische routine which is big on style but lighter on the muscles than the hoofing. However, that’s not enough to cover the vocal weakness, or the lack of sexual chemistry between him and his “Kathy”, or the fact that most of the male dancers can now outdance him, and I’m thinking Jordan Pollard, Jan di Pietro, and Nathan Pinell for starters. The persona is genuine and likeable and his acting is fine, but Don Lockwood needs a large dose of charisma.

Jack Chambers is a fine talent with great dance skills and strong vocals, and I do understand the limitations of certain theatres. But it was such a disappointment to see “Make Em Laugh” reduced to just another number, without any feel of vaudevillean humour. And if Wayne Scott Kermond could do the runs up the walls with the somersaults, (out Donalding O’Connor) ending with the crash through the wall, then I expected something a little less tame from this newer production.

Rather than “Raining Men”, this production highlights the female talent. Gretel Scarlett has finally come of age - the voice is richer and stronger, her dancing is terrific, and she has developed marvellous stage presence. She’s a fully rounded triple threat now, barely recognisable as the “Sandy” feeling her way through Grease. She’s great in this role. Erika Heynatz is the “POIFEK” Lina Lamont and she will leave you asking “Jean Who?”, making that star’s “Lina” in the film a dim memory. She’s hilarious and the one new song, a solo for her called “What’s Wrong With Me?” is sensational. She also looks far more beautiful than Jean Hagen ever did. And the superb Robyn Arthur - 41 years in the business - proves that impeccable timing comes with experience and knowing your craft, sensing exactly when the audience will laugh. She’s quite marvellous.

My last Bouquet must go to Nadia Coote who, in a black wig, has the unenviable task of re-creating Cyd Charisses’s contribution to the Broadway Ballet and succeeds in bringing gasps from the audience.

But it’s the rain that is the true star, and this production trick is perhaps the strongest reason for mounting another production of this show. We’re used to seeing special effects, tricks, magic on stage and screen; but to see a stage flooded with water and dancers splashing through it, not once, but twice is one night, is very special indeed.

If you can forget the movie, and Kelly, Reynolds and O’Connor, and settle for entertainment with a capital E – then you will surely love it.

Coral Drouyn

Photographer: Jeff Busby