SINGIN' IN THE RAIN @ NSMT

It doesn't matter what type of week, day, or hour you had leading up to you seeing SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, the latest musical at North Shore Music Theatre. All of your worries will be literally washed away instantly.

This is because Director/Choreographer Richard Stafford has created an easy-going production as light and refreshing as a summer rain. Everything happens so effortlessly, and the audience is invited right away to the party.

North Shore audiences will embrace Mark Evans, direct form the West End in England. His Don Lockwood is handsome and charming, but he knows how to handle physical humor as well. His mugging in the films is hilarious, and he and Sean McGibbon as Cosmo Brown work brilliantly together.

McGibbon plays the slapstick humor and wise remarks in an off-the-cuff manner. His "Make 'Em Laugh" is organic and spontaneous, which is what makes it funny.

The beautiful Emily Stockdale perfectly sustains Lina Lamont's infamous voice for over two hours. There are not many places in the Book for an audience to find empathy for the character, but she is such a gifted actress that she finds them on her own. Most Linas are portrayed as a runaway train, but thankfully not here. Stockdale gargles "What's Wrong With Me" until the answer is clear.

Tessa Grady is a lovely, gorgeous Kathy Selden who takes audience's breaths away during "Lucky Star" and "Would You?" She portrays the character with grace and finesse.

Credit must also be given to Kristyn Pope, the "Girl in the Green Dress," a part immortalized in the movie by Cyd Charisse. Kristyn's legs rival those of Cyd's, an accomplishment that should make her proud, and her sexy, sultry dance is joyous.

The lighting and set designs perfectly capture the feel of the 1920s as do the exquisite costumes.

Stafford's graceful, elegant choreography reminds one of Fred and Ginger.

This is a case where making less of a "splash" creates a more stylized, effective experience. Audiences will walk away from an incredibly impressive production with smiles on their faces.


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