Singin’ in the Rain in Concert

Who can ever forget the first time they heard the uplifting ‘Good Morning’ or saw Gene Kelly gleefully splashing around to ‘Singin’ in the Rain’? Well, now is your chance to refresh your memory of those wonderful songs and dance numbers. Presented by new Brisbane-based musical theatre group, Prospero Arts, this stage concert presentation celebrates the 70th anniversary of the classic Hollywood film starring everyone’s favourites – the multi-talented trio of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. I think the original stars and production team (screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolf Green, songwriters Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, choreographer Gene Kelly, and director Stanley Donen) would be chuffed to think that, 70 years later, their creative work would be remembered in a joyous concert production. But this is no mere impersonation, and nor is it a straight series of songs – the story is told in full, in a clever encapsulation of the overall plot, in an all-singing, all-dancing production (choreography and direction by Cameron Mitchell), with a live mini orchestra, led by conductor and Musical Director, Vanessa Scammell.

As everyone knows, the story revolves around the transition for box-office superstars, Don Lockwood (Bobby Fox) and Lina Lamont (Georgina Hopson) from silent-era films to the ‘talkies’. In this stage version, the Hollywood sound stage setting is cleverly brought to life by a talented production team, including starstruck lighting by Ben Hughes, cinema-worthy sound by Geoff McGahan, dreamy video by designer Craig Wilkinson, associate Jake Lodder, and the Optikal Bloc production team (with glorious rain achieved for the title song!) And did I mention the red-carpet 1920s-era Hollywood costumes by Anna Handford? Absolutely gorgeous! There are so many talented people involved in bringing this show to life – from the backstage crew to the simply stunning cast.

Prospero Arts have set their unique selling proposition as showcasing local talent alongside our nationally acclaimed performers. I’d say they can definitely tick the ‘success’ box after last night’s opening show – with most of the cast Queensland-born and trained. OK, Bobby Fox (Jersey Boys, Hot Shoe Shuffle) is from Sydney, but we’ll gladly adopt him. As Don Lockwood, he embodies the athleticism and charm of Gene Kelly, but his physical lightness, stature and strength also reminded me of Mikhail Baryshnikov. The leading trio is completed by Brisbane’s own Mark Hill (West Side Story, Tap Pack) as the comically charming Cosmo Brown and Angelique Cassimatis (A Chorus Line, Strictly Ballroom) as the fresh-as-a-breeze love interest, Kathy Selden. Both performers are simply knock-outs, and make singing and dancing seem effortlessly easy. Angelique’s voice has such a singular sound. Mark embodies Cosmo’s energy and cheekiness, even down to a little wink and nod to the film when he sings the classic ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’, famous in the film for its star’s backflips. Mark takes a high position on a ladder and then – well, you’ll see. In the original film, Jean Hagen as Lina Lamont threatens to steal the show as the sultry silent-screen siren with the unfortunate squeaky voice and broad Brooklyn accent. Filling those vintage flapper shoes to the hilt is Toowoomba-born Opera Australia star, Georgina Hopson (Jagged Little Pill, Jekyll and Hyde). Her version of ‘What’s Wrong With Me’ is superb – and let’s just say, it takes an enormous amount of talent for someone so vocally gifted to sing just bad enough, but not so bad as to be unlistenable. Classic Lina style!

The supporting ensemble cast are all standouts, featuring more local and interstate talent: Lena Cruz, Caitlin Quinn, Chloë Marshall, Courtney Bell, Gabriel Tiller, Shay Debney, and Sophie Zidar. Michael Tuahine is wonderful as the gruff studio head, R.F. Simpson. Isabella Roberts has her own Cyd Charisse moment in a stunning pas de deux with Bobby Fox.

And local Logan lad, Liam Head really does deserve a mention for his rendition of what basically is a screen filler, ‘Beautiful Girls’ – he made that song a star turn.

I don’t think you’ll find a more joyous musical evening out at the theatre, and with only four performances from 11 to 13 November, grab a seat quickly because I think many in Friday’s opening night audience will be queuing to see this show again and again.

Find out more: www.qpac.com.au/event/singinintherain_22

Beth Keehn