Musical theatre review: Singin’ in the Rain

Singin’ in the Rain is the Hollywood musical most closely associated with the late Gene Kelly, who directed the film as well as choreographing its dance scenes. The movie transfers brilliantly to musical theatre. Well loved songs such as ‘Make ‘em Laugh’, ‘Good Morning’, ‘Moses Supposes’ and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ had the audience of the Liverpool Empire singing along throughout.

The plot explores the film industry’s move from silent flicks to ‘talkies’ — with several diversions into romance, professional competition and rain showers. The film within the show is premiered onstage for the cast — the inside-the-scenes glimpse of early Hollywood cleverly transports the audience right back with them.

The ensemble has some big names. Maxwell Caulfield of Emmerdale, is convincing as studio boss ‘RF Simpson’. Former Coronation Street actress Vicky Binns is cracking as the loudmouth ‘Lina Lamont’ from the wrong side of the tracks. Binns does a super villain who we grow to love.

James Leece plays Don Lockwood, the central figure, tasked with near non-stop singing and dancing. He keeps up the vigorous pace and is a dab hand at tap dancing under 12 tonnes of onstage rain water. Gene Kelly is revered for the original film role, but Leece will not leave Kelly fans disappointed.

Amy Ellen Richardson as ‘Kathy Selden’ and Stephane Anelli as ‘Cosmo Brown’ join Leece as leads for several song and dance numbers, and are truly a sight to behold. Anelli, time and time again, has the audience in laughter with this perfect comic timing. Richardson, in a stand-out performance, plays the love interest who puts her man in his place from the get go.

This feelgood show is a hit with all generations. A mature audience will be satisfied with the top quality delivery of classic tunes and dance numbers, while the kids clamour to fill the front row to get a drenching from the impressively flooded stage.

Singin’ in the Rain runs at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from May 20 — 31.