Golden era Hollywood hits the stage at Beef & Boards

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre presents Singin’ in the Rain, the iconic musical based on the famous 1952 film version starring Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood, Donald O’Connor as Cosmo Brown, and Debby Reynolds as Kathy Selden.

This is a strikingly lively staging, directed by Eddie Curry, with choreography by Doug King and musical direction by Brandon Magid. A high-energy tone is set very early by the duo of Joseph Rafael Davila and James Garrett Hill performing as Lockwood and Brown, an old vaudeville two-some. Their “Fit as a Fiddle” number kicks things off in a flurry.

Several performers recreate roles from previous Rain productions at B&B – Kimberly Doreen Burns reprises her role as Kathy Selden, Sarah Hund returns as silent film star Lina Lamont, Eddie Curry resets his part as Director Roscoe Dexter, while Jeff Stockberger plays movie mogul R.F. Simpson again.

Ms. Lillian Baxter takes the part of Hollywood gossip columnist Dora Bailey in what I believe to be her Beef and Boards debut.

The cast of Singin’ in the Rain performs “Broadway Melody.” The classic musical is on stage through May 23. (Photo provided by Beef & Boards)

The stage show is an almost direct remake of the film. Highlights for me were several big production numbers including the “Fiddle” number, but also the costume highlight “Broadway Melody” (with the plethora of red by designers Meghan Warren and Kathy Henry), Cosmo’s “Make ‘Em Laugh”, the lead trio’s “Good Morning,” and of course Lockwood’s ever-pleasing “Singin’ in the Rain” in which Davila sings and dances in a real onstage cloud burst. Sarah Hund’s turn in Lina Lamont’s lament “What’s Wrong With Me?” is noteworthy as a comedy highlight of the show.

And as is typical in B&B musicals, the ensemble plays a big part in the action. All the ladies in “Beautiful Girl” are stylishly attired and compliment Ian Black’s fine performance. And in the “Broadway Melody” number, a lot of impressive hoofin’ in the background makes it sparkle brightly.

Beef and Boards’ Singin’ in the Rain continues through May 23. Show times and reservations can be found at BeefAndBoards.com or you may call the box office at (317) 872-9664.

Please note: Ms. Burns will be replaced in the role of Kathy Selden after April 26 by Sarah Daniels for the remainder of the run.

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