Review by Angela Eckhardt, Front Row Reviewers
August has been full of rain along the Wasatch Front this year, but one rainstorm stands out from the rest. With a magnificent set, 42 talented cast members, and costumes that bring the story to life, Singin’ in the Rain at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem is one storm you do not want to miss.
Silent film darlings Don Lockwood (TJ Thomas) and Lina Lamont (Tia Trimble) are living the high life, until the introduction of the “talkies” puts their careers in jeopardy. Lockwood is quick to adapt, but the voice of his co-star Lina makes her transition to “talkies” laughable. This unfortunate turn of events puts their latest project, The Dancing Cavalier and the entire studio in jeopardy. Don and his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Tanner Frederickson) come up with a plan to save “this one movie” and put the studio back on track. Along the way, this story is complicated and then eventually saved by the talented Kathy Selson (Heidi Hughes), who Lina Lamont is determined to ruin, and Don Lockwood is hoping to marry.
I often leave shows at the SCERA in awe that they can find so much talent in our valley. 42 cast members-each talented and an important part of the show, sang and danced their way through production numbers big and small to share the story with us. Director DeLayne Bluth Dayton showed her skill at using background players and often overlooked opportunities to strengthen the show and tell the story. She masterfully chose a gifted cast, and then utilized their talents to create the show stopping numbers this show is known for-on a grand scale.
Thomas is the perfect leading man, and this actor is truly a triple threat-acting, singing, and dancing into this role in a way that makes us believe he is Don Lockwood. Thomas shares believable and genuine relationships with all of the characters in the show, especially Kathy Selson, the love of his life. He plays Lockwood’s level-headed dreamer with just the right amount of cockiness and humility. When faced with actual rain while performing the title number, Thomas showed true delight at the chance to be Singin’ and dancing’ in the rain, and he pulled off the number with ease.
Heidi Hughes in the role of Kathy Selson used a quieter technique than I have seen before, but the results are fantastic. Hughes’ character brings a calm assurance to the craziness of the plot, and creates a space for a more genuine and real Kathy Selson. Her beautiful voice showers (pun!) life to many of the show’s most memorable songs, and she dances through all of the numbers with grace and enthusiasm, whether she was the main dancer or one of the chorus line.
Often thought of as the comic relief, Fredericksen’s Cosmo was one of my favorite parts of the show. Tanner’s strong musical and dance talents are only matched by his comedic timing and seemingly authentic concern for his friends. Cosmo Brown may work behind the scenes of the cinematic world, but Tanner Frederiksen shows that he deserves to be out front.
Trimble seems to effortlessly bring the right amount of annoying ditz to the role of Lina Lamont. Lina is not the heroine of this show, but I couldn’t help but cheer her on, especially after her impressive and heartfelt rendition of “What’s Wrong With Me”. Trimble plays the character with confidence and it is obvious she is enjoying every syllable. Her enthusiasm is contagious, helping the audience to become part of the fun.
Without a grand drape, Cole McClure’s set design is the first thing that audiences see, and sets the stage with excitement long before any of the players makes an entrance. Twelve magnificent steps, embedded with lights and glamour, as well as the front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater and a darling and versatile street corner, a set that took us to the movie theater, a sound stage, apartments, and even served as the backdrop for the iconic rain storm.
Kelsey Seaver’s costumes set the period with glamour and sparkle in all the right places. My favorites were the chorus girls’ teal and silver dresses in the iconic “Broadway Melody Ballet”, but each piece-even Kathy Selson’s rehearsal dress, and the suit and tie choices for the men add to the magic of the production.
SCERA is a wonderful space to bring friends and family to see top notch musicals all summer long. Singin’ in the Rain is filled with fun, romance, and comedy. If you’ve never been to the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, you can buy tickets to sit on chairs, or bring blankets to sit on the large expanses of grass. Patrons are welcome to bring snacks and drinks, even dinner. Just no glass or coolers.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre presents Singin’ in the Rain, screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. Based on the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film. Presented by arrangement with MTI.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, 600 South 400 East, Orem, UT 84058
August 4-22, 2023 Monday, Thursday – Saturday, 8:00 PM
Gen. Adm. $14 $12 Reserved B $18 $16 Reserved A $20 $18
Contact: 801-225-ARTS, boxoffice@scera.org
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre Facebook Page
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