By Debbie Ditton
Singin’ in the Rain is the first show I have ever seen at the Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden and it won’t be my last. It is a fun, high energy show with lots of heart, and I felt a true sense of community from the moment we walked into the intimate theater space – complete with “opening night treats” in the lobby. The cast was obviously having fun and the audience was engaged throughout.
The 1952 silver screen classic, with screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and songs by Macio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, was adapted for London’s West End in 1983. Audiences will notice a few differences between the movie and the stage show, but will recognize all of their favorite songs, scenes and characters.
The story follows silent film stars Don Lockwood (Colton Ward) and Lina Lamont (Rebecca Stephens) as Monumental Pictures struggles to make their upcoming film into a “talkie”. Hilarity ensues as Monumental’s producer, R. F. Simpson (Tyson Allred), Lockwood’s best friend Cosmo Brown (unexpectedly play by a woman – Heather Luke) and love interest Kathy Seldon (Kali Kocherhans) work to save the film from Lamont’s less-than-harmonious vocal tones. This “testament to America’s love affair with Hollywood” (from the Director’s note in the program) is an evening of family friendly laughs, nostalgia and great dancing.
From the moment the lights come up on the show to the final curtain, the costumes are just about flawless. Costume Designer Alicia Kondrick, with the help of her assistant and head sticher Tis Olesko, does a fabulous job of making the audience feel like they are smack in the middle of the Roaring Twenties. The dresses are stunning and I can’t imagine that every woman in the audience wasn’t wishing she was wearing one as well. They also fit each body like a glove. My favorites were the stunning white gowns in the song “Beautiful Girls” and the flirty feather trimmed dressing gown worn by Lamont in her hilarious number “What’s Wrong with Me?” The hair, make-up and wigs expertly added to the polish and finish of each look.
The dance numbers, choreographed by Director/Choreographer Joshua Samuel Robinson are the high points of the production. The tap dancing of the entire cast is impressive and will only continue to get more precise as the show runs. I especially liked “Moses Supposes” and “Good Mornin’.” Kocherhans and Ward are both accomplished dancers and dance beautifully together. They also have wonderful chemistry onstage as Lockwood and Seldon. They are sincere and believable and their romantic and comedic scenes are spot on. Ward has a lovely voice and a boyish charm that makes him lovable and the perfect romantic lead.
I was surprised when I saw that Cosmo would be played by a woman, but I was delighted by Luke in this role. She is a great dancer, a witty and smart actress, and sings the part like a pro. The friendship between Cosmo and Lockwood is natural and audiences will enjoy their repartee. The supporting cast does a great job throughout, with standout dancing by Branton Burgess (Diction Coach) in “Moses Supposes” and singing by Maxx Teuscher in “Beautiful Girls.”
Even surrounded by all this amazing talent, Stephens absolutely steals the show as Lina Lamont. She proves over and over again that although Lamont is certainly “dumb or something,” Stephens is not. She plays Lamont honestly and never mugs for a laugh. She is gorgeous in everything she wears and her obnoxious voice is never screechy. Although a well-trained singer, she perfectly pulls off the bad singing in “What’s Wrong with Me?” – my favorite moment of the entire evening. That song alone is worth the price of the ticket.
The set is a bit underwhelming, but it is functional and does not take away from the wonderful dancing, acting and singing taking place on the stage. The set (Caleb Parry), lights (Caleb Parry-Ogden, Peter Mayhew-Park City) and effects do come together to create theater magic during “You Were Meant for Me,” and anytime there is actual rain onstage, audiences can’t help but being delighted. The filmed sequences are also well-done and add to the lighthearted, nostalgic feel of the show.
The Ziegfeld Theater community is welcoming and I loved that before the show they announced their remaining season, complete with age appropriateness, as well as all the upcoming shows, camps and offerings for children and teens. There is plenty of parking, it is easy to find, and the recently donated, repurposed seats are comfortable. As a bonus, you can buy theater style popcorn and treats in the lobby to enjoy during the show. Ticket prices are reasonable, so take your family, as it is sure to “make ‘em laugh.” The show runs in Ogden for two more weekends and then goes to the Egyptian Theatre in Park City through Sunday, June 2nd.
Ziegfeld Theater presents Singin’ in the Rain
The Ziegfeld Theater, 3934 S. Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT 84403
April 26 – May 18, 2019 Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 PM, Saturday 5/4 & 5/11 2:00 PM, Mondays 5/6 & 5/13 7:30 PM
Tickets: $17-$19
Contact: 855-944-2787
Singin’ in the Rain at the Egyptian Theatre
Egyptian Theatre – Park City
328 Main Street, Park City UT 84060
May 24 – June 2, 2019 Thursday – Saturday 7:30 PM, Sunday 6 PM
Tickets: $23-$45
Contact: 435-649-9371
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