DeSales University has brought together all three majors in the School of Performing Arts, including Act 1 theater, the school’s dance division and the TV/film department to stage an exhilarating and breath-taking production of the classic musical “Singin’ in the Rain.”
The thrilling musical features great performances, outstanding tap dancing, eye-popping visuals and ear-worm songs.
Through May 3 at the Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, “Singin’ in the Rain” is based on the classic 1952 MGM film that tells the story of a movie studio and its leading actors, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, as they realize they must transition from silent films to the new “talkies.”
Noah Schnabel is appealing and suave as leading man Don Lockwood. He has a warm baritone voice that sounds just right on songs like “You Were Meant for Me,” “You Stepped Out of a Dream” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” Not to mention, he’s a pretty impressive tap dancer as well.
As Don’s sidekick Cosmo Brown, Tommy Gray is phenomenal. Gray has a great comic physicality and looseness that is highlighted in songs like “Make ‘Em Laugh” and his outstanding tap dancing is on display in “Gotta Dance.”
Rosie Dunphy is memorable in the comedic role of Lima Lamont, who has a grating voice that is definitely not conducive to sound movies. She is hilarious singing purposely off-key in “What’s Wrong With Me.”
Kathy Seldon is a young actress who is tapped to dub Lina behind her back. As Kathy, Maya Jean Marino Cappello has an appropriately soaring voice.
Cappello, Schnabel and Gray are energetic together and provide nice harmonies in “Good Morning.”
The title tune is a show-stopper thanks to Schabel’s effortless charm, playful hoofing and technical director Kevin Oleksy’s spectacular rain on stage.
Stephen Casey’s choreography is impressive and Andrew Mannion’s scenic design is top notch, while Janus Stefanowicz’s costumes are picture perfect and the orchestra sounded great.
Adding another dimension to the show was the filmed scenes of both the silent pictures and the talking picture shown on stage. The films look very professional and were created by the school’s TV/film students on location as well as in the school’s virtual production studio.
Director Anne Lewis made everything look smooth and flawless.
Ticket prices are $34 for adults and $32 for students and seniors Monday through Thursday and $38 for adults and $36 for students and seniors Friday through Sunday.
There will be a Royal Rascal Wrap Party May 2 after the performance. Celebrate the Golden Age of Hollywood with popcorn, concession candy, and Shirley Temples. Audience members can place their handprint on a star and enter a raffle to win swag and Act 1 and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival gift cards.
There will be talk-back performances with the cast after the April 27 and 29 shows.
The May 3 performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Tickets are half price for patrons using these services. Call the box office at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for information.
The performance is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. April 26, 30, May 1 and 2; 2 p.m. April 27 and May 4; 9:45 a.m. April 29 and 2 p.m. and 7;30 p.m. May 3.
For information, call 610-282-3192, or go to www.desales.edu