While it rarely rains in the desert, it will be raining on stage nightly at The Phoenix Theatre Company, Feb. 2 through April 3, 2022, as the theatre enthusiastically presents Singin’ in the Rain. Join the talented cast and crew of the classic and heartwarming production as it makes a big splash this spring.
The larger-than-life romantic musical comedy, featuring the largest cast at The Phoenix Theatre Company since 2019, is guaranteed to put a smile on audience members’ faces. There will be singing, tap dancing and, yes, even an actual rain storm on stage!
“Singin’ in the Rain is a true American classic, a trip through Hollywood’s history as told by some of the world’s most recognizable songs,” said Jeff Whiting, Director. “Audiences of all ages will marvel to witness the magic of this dynamic cast, who deliver some of the funniest laughs, heartfelt singing, and some of the most iconic moments known around the world in a brand-new way.”
Whiting is no stranger to bringing classic movie musicals to life on stage. He also directed the wildly-popular Sound of Music production at The Phoenix Theatre Company in December 2019.
The film version of Singin’ in the Rain was originally released by MGM Studios in 1952 and starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. Like the 70-year-old film classic, the stage version, which premiered on Broadway in 1985, is about making movies, specifically, in a tumultuous time when Hollywood was transitioning from silent films to “talkies.” Unfortunately, many careers were on the brink of disaster when directors discovered some gorgeous-faced actors had impossible sounding voices.
The leading man in Singin’ in the Rain, Don Lockwood, is a popular silent film star with humble roots as a singer, dancer and stunt man. He can barely tolerate his shallow leading lady, Lina Lamont, who has convinced herself that the fake romance concocted by the studio for publicity is real. When their next film is converted into a talking picture, and Lina’s comically harsh and squeaky voice is uncovered, the studio must bring in aspiring actress Kathy Selden to voice all the leading lady’s speaking and singing parts.
Recognizable songs in this show include the title song, “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Make ‘em Laugh” and “Good Morning.”
The Phoenix Theatre Company production features Michael Starr as Don Lockwood; Elyssa Blonder as Kathy Seldon; Blake Patrick Spellacy as Cosmo Brown; D. Scott Withers as R.F Simpson; and Emily Mohney as Lina Lamont. Additional cast members include, Abbi Cavanaugh, Matravius Avent, Sally Jo Bannow, Mike Lawler, Geoff Belliston, Ben Massouras, Kade Bailey, Ryan Ardelt, Derek Luscutoff, Aidan Lutton, Hahnna Christianson, Shani Barrett, Elizabeth Stolper Falk, Dallyn Brunck, Tarnim Bybee, Katie Jurich, Stephanie Funk, Sarah Wiechman, Ellie Barrett, Jacqueline Breker, Wesley Bradstreet, Riley Clark and Kat Wolff. Lauran Stanis is the show’s choreographer.
Tickets for Singin’ in the Rain are on sale now.
To purchase call (602) 254-2151 or visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.
At The Phoenix Theatre Company, masks are strongly encouraged. Upon arrival to regular shows, all patrons will undergo a mandatory temperature check upon arrival. Seating is not socially distanced. Safety protocols will continue to be updated to ensure patron and staff comfort and wellbeing throughout the ongoing global pandemic. To provide patrons who would feel more comfortable in a fully masked and vaccinated environment with an opportunity to attend productions, the theatre has designated the following performances of Singin’ in the Rain as “Mask and Vaccination Required.” Those performances are Saturday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 pm; and Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m.
During these performances, masks and vaccines will be required for all patrons and staff in the lobby and theatres unless actively eating/drinking. No food or beverages will be allowed in the theatres. Patrons will still undergo the standard temp check at the door but also must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the theatre with their valid ticket. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Exceptions are being made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination. These guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time.
The Phoenix Theatre Company is the largest professional regional theatre company in the state. As the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District, The Phoenix Theatre Company is committed to advancing performing arts in the Valley with nearly 500 performances each year on multiple stages. Located at 1825 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences by using the arts to articulate messages that inspire hope and understanding.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.