Cast of Singing in the Rain Photo Credit: Kirk Tuck
Singing in the Rain at ZACH Theatre runs from September 27-October 29, 2017. We had a chance to see this incredible show last week and we all left with smiles on our faces. Make sure you get tickets to see this one!
It’s a classic song that everyone knows – Gene Kelly kicking up water and twirling around a light pole in the rain – the carefree notes of “Singing in the Rain” just makes you want to tap your toes and sing along. But could the ZACH Theatre take this nostalgic 1953 musical with dancing genius of Kelly and Hollywood sweetheart Debbie Reynolds and do it justice on the stage? Oh yes they can, and they did.
Kicking off ZACH’s 85th Anniversary season in the Topfer Theatre this month, Singing in the Rain is outstanding and a must see.
Photo Credit: Kirk Tuck
Singing in the Rain takes you back into the 1920’s right on the cusp of talkies – movies with sound. We laughed our way through the musical comedy as Hollywoodland mega stars – Don Lockwood and Lena Lamont overcome one funny drawback to moving from their silent movie stardom to the new age of sound (you’re going to have to see the show to get what that is). Along the way, Don falls for Studio Singer Kathy Seldon who helps him gain the confidence he needs to realize he is more than a studio figure piece and with the help of his best friend Cosmo Brown, they create a studio hit.
The songs are uplifting and even funny at times and brought to life with the terrific cast. All four of the lead are new to the ZACH stage. Both Luke Hawkins (Don Lockwood) and Sasha Hutchings (Kathy Seldon) come to Austin from Broadway. In fact, for you Hamilton fans, Hutchings was in the original cast of Hamilton alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. They both are wickedly talented – their versatile dancing is only outdone by their gifted voices. They couldn’t have been cast better to recreate the roles and fill the shoes of Kelly & Reynolds.
Photo Credit: Kirk Tuck
Blake Spellacy (Cosmo Brown) and Keri Safran (Lina Lamont) are comedic gold in their roles as well. Casting hit it out of the park for this one. Director Allen Robertson and choreographer Dominique Kelly worked so well together to bring this film musical to life for us.
Photo Credit: Kirk Tuck
Photo Credit: Kirk Tuck
So the real question is – do we get to see them singing in the rain? I debated telling you this because I love a good surprise when I’m watching a show, but if my above review hasn’t convinced you yet to see this, hopefully my promise of actual RAIN falling on the stage to dance in will. You will find yourself holding your breath as Hawkins slides across the stage, tapping his way thru “Singing in the Rain”. It is simply delightful.
Singing in the Rain is a perfect show for the whole family – we recommend 6 and up as ideal. I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it, the Topfer Theatre is my favorite stage in town to see a show. The intimate setting always pulls you into the story – there is not a bad seat in that theatre.
Make sure you see Singing in the Rain before the show closes on October 29.
Singing in the Rain at ZACH Theatre
Tickets start at $25 and are available online at zachtheatre.org, by phone at 512-476-0541 ext. 1, or in person at the ZACH Theatre Box Office, in the Topfer Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd. (corner of Riverside Drive and South Lamar BlMd.) Monday through Saturday, noon – 5 p.m. ZACH Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Discounts are available for groups of 8 or more. Student Rush Tickets are $18 one hour before show time (with valid ID).
