By LeAnna Hamblin
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse, nestled in Washington Terrace, will have you yearning for the simpler times of yesteryear as they present Singin’ In the Rain. Deemed the best musical movie ever made, Terrace Plaza does a wonderful job staying true to the film while bringing their own theatrical styling to the stage version of Betty Comden’s and Adolph Green’s original 1952 screenplay. This timeless classic has been seen on stages around the world since its original London, West End production in 1985 and never fails to please the audience.
As the show opens, it gives a peek into the glitz and glamour of 1920’s Hollywood as all the major players are quickly introduced including R.F. Simpson (Andrew Oliverson), the head of Monument Studio, and Roscoe Dexter (David Nielsen), director extraordinaire (or so he thinks). Together, they attempt to bring the studio and the actors into the new world of talking pictures or “talkies,” only to be thwarted by the lack of skill their talentless, self-proclaimed shining star Lina Lamont (Whitney Cahoon). Together, Lamont and Don Lockwood (Nicholas Balaich) form the perceived perfect duo, primed to take the studio to the next level. Balaich and Cahoon have the perfect chemistry on stage of a couple who loves to hate each other. Lamont is only in love with the idea of being in love simply for the publicity.
While Lockwood is searching for his perfect screen mate, he finds her in the most unlikely place, the trolley stop. Kathy Seldon (Margaret Dibble Simon) is the unsuspecting, struggling actress who is coerced into being Lockwood’s “lady” in order for him to escape his adoring fans. Simon gives the perfect combination of the coy but feisty actress who stands up for what she wants while offering Lockwood what he needs, both personally and professionally. Together, Seldon and Cosmo Brown (Zackery George), Lockwood’s sidekick since childhood, help Lockwood achieve all his dreams.
George’s energy throughout the performance is contagious and his comedic timing is on point. He is fearless in his tricks and his vocals are a real treat.
Music Director Jamie Balaich does an outstanding job with the talented cast. N. Balaich, Simon, and George, along with the rest of the ensemble, all sound perfectly delightful. Cahoon’s talent really shines through in the number “What’s Wrong With Me” while sounding screechy and off key, just as Lamont should. (As any singer/actor knows, this is no small feat.) It’s so bad, it’s good. But, J. Balaich’s shining musical moment is when the Production Singer (Andy Collin) flawlessly delivers the song “Beautiful Girl.”
Choreographers Dede Williams and Kemarie Jorgensen bring a classic style to the stage while incorporating creative use of the stage levels. While the ensemble dance numbers are somewhat lacking in energy and synchronicity, the solo, duet, and trio numbers are full of fun and surprises, especially “Moses Supposes” and the all-favorite classic, “Make ‘Em Laugh.”
Costumers Jacci Florence, Tami Richardson, Jim Tatton, Jamila Lowe, and Stephanie Petersen do a brilliant job transforming the cast through dazzling dress, haughty hats and headbands, and jaunty jewelry, with an assist from Lowe and her well-designed wigs.
Director Dennis Ferrin has assembled an immensely talented cast and crew. The set is beautifully designed by Ferrin, capturing the feel of an authentic mid-1920s film studio, and lending a romantic touch that only enhances the romance we feel from Lockwood and Seldon. One standout set piece is Graumanz Theatre, which we are able to enjoy even before the show begins. The detail and authenticity of this piece is striking. However, the pinnacle of the set design comes during the classic and familiar song “Singin’ In the Rain” when the stage is transformed into a charming city street and N. Balaich marries the classic stylings of Gene Kelly and Dick Van Dyke in his choreography. Let’s just say if you’re sitting in the front row, you might want to bring an umbrella. Kudos to Brent Taft for making that magic happen.
The sound in this theater is better than might be expected. The vocals and music are perfectly balanced while only a few entrance cues were missed, something that will likely not happen a second time. The lighting is adequate for the smaller stage, although during some scenes, the light is lacking, making it difficult to see the actors. The projection used during the show is very creative, designed to look and sound authentic to the era of the show. While there was one possible glitch during one of the projected scenes, the actors played it off very professionally.
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse’s Singin’ In the Rain is perfect for a date night or a family night out. Make sure you catch this delightful show before the rain passes and the sun comes out.
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse presents Singin’ In the Rain; screenplay by Betty Camden and Adolph Green; music by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E. 4700 S. Washington Terrace, UT 84405
August 3-September 15, 2018; Monday, Friday-Saturday evenings 7:30
Tickets: $10-$17
Contact: 801-393-0070
Terrace Plaza Playhouse Facebook Page
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