Max Clayton as Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain” at Ogunquit Playhouse. Photo by Gary Ng
Saturday’s weather was an apropos setting for the opening weekend of Ogunquit Playhouse’s “Singin’ in the Rain,” with rain falling throughout Maine, creating what Executive Artistic Director Brad Kenney joked was an “immersive experience.”
Art imitated reality in spectacular effect at the end of the first act when “rain” began falling on the indoor stage, dousing the cast as the musical’s main character joyfully splashed through puddles and danced with an umbrella. The climatic scene was one of many delights in Ogunquit’s toe-tapping romp into the golden age of Hollywood.
The evening marked the official start of the Playhouse’s 91st season, delivering a timeless romantic tale, set on the transitional cusp between silent film and talking pictures. Jayme McDaniel helms the production as director, a role he initially assumed at Ogunquit nearly 15 years ago when the Playhouse first staged “Singin’ in the Rain.”
The reimagined production features the cast in several hysterically overacted black and white “movie” clips that just get funnier as the characters attempt their first talkie. Kenney even makes a surprise guest appearance that is pure fun.
Broadway song-and-dance man Max Clayton stars in the musical as the iconic film star Don Lockwood, a role made famous by Gene Kelly in the 1952 film. It truly is “a glorious feeling” to watch him sing and tap-dance across the stage with his character’s comedic best buddy Cosmo Brown, played by the quick-witted Christian Probst.
Clayton weaves a dream-like spell on such classics as “You Stepped Out of a Dream” and the ever-popular “Singin’ in the Rain.” Probst is equally enjoyable, delivering feel-good humor on such songs as “Make ‘Em Laugh.”
The pair are matched by Chiara Trentalange as Don’s love interest, Kathy Selden, and Kate Loprest as silent film star Lina Lamont. Trentalange is a triple-threat as the sassy actress with a golden voice. She gracefully keeps step with her male castmates, whether it’s tap-dancing on “Good Morning” or sashaying through the Charleston.
Loprest is delightfully effervescent as Lina, delivering a squeaky-voiced performance that never fails to bring a smile and adds to the overall comedy of the classic love story. And the fun just keeps coming with such secondary cast members such as Lance Roberts as R.F. Simpson and a multi-talented ensemble that dazzles. Roberts’ impressive resume includes nine original Broadway companies, acting with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson and Glenn Close.
“Singin’ in the Rain” has been captivating audiences for 71 years, and Ogunquit’s rendition holds the tradition. The 3-D set by scenic designer Andy Walmsley draws patrons into the musical, where the unforgettable song and dance numbers welcome them like old friends before sending them on their way “happy again.”
For those interested in learning more about “Singin’ in the Rain” and Gene Kelly’s legacy, on June 25, the Playhouse will be hosting an evening with Gene Kelly’s widow, Patricia Ward Kelly, called “Gene Kelly: The Legacy.” The show will feature film clips, audio recordings and keepsakes, as well as stories and personal insight.
April Boyle is a freelance writer from Casco. Contact her at: aprilhboyle@yahoo.com.
Twitter: @ahboyle
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