Singin in the Rain

Singing and dancing in the rain is a little different for most people is a little unusual.   On stage, it seems almost impossible.   However, the Omaha Community Playhouse is successfully proving that you can sing and dance on stage with rain coming down.    Obviously, difficult and slippery put with an effect that is mind boggling.  Yes, it is raining inside the theater.   Don’t worry, you won’t need an umbrella.
With remembrances of the movie “Singin’ in the Rain” starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, the show is a remembrance of the past times in the world of silent movies emerging into talkies.   More than appearance is now needed and certain voices just wouldn’t be successful with the new technology.  
The story is about two silent movie actors, Don Lockwood (Nate Wasson) and Lina Lamont (Cathy Hirsch). Change is coming to the movie business after “The Jazz Singer.” which included sound.   For Don and Lina to transition to the talkies, something has to change, Lina’s voice.  She has a squeaky, difficult to understand voice.   To cover the problem, another actress Kathy Selden (Taylor Lempke Plank) sings and dubs her voice as Lina’s.   Added to that is the difficulty of Don secretly loving Kathy.  How will Lina react when she learns the truth about her career and her love?
Kimberly Faith Hickman demonstrated her talent with incorporating the technology of rain on part of the stage with a play being written from a movie musical.  How do you make the raining stage appear natural?   How do you keep the rest of the stage dry?
“Singin’ in the Rain” is full of delightful songs such as the title song and “Good Mornin’, “Make ‘Em Laugh,” and “Fit as a Fiddle.”   Each song is uplifting with the melody and the dancing.
OnPxl with Matt Bross and Chad Eacker excelled with their movie productions within the show.  The cleverness of these short snippets greatly enhanced the entire show using people from the cast.   The comical short films were obviously fun for the cast.
The sets were amazing representing legendary locations in the movie business, moving quickly and almost invisibly.
As Cosmo Brown, J. Isaiah Smith shined in this role.  He was energetic, comical and a very talented actor.  He was amazing with his onstage antics, acrobatic dance moves, and enthralling singing.   He is unquestionably a name to watch for in the future.  He is enthralling.
“Singin’ in the Rain” continues at the Omaha Community Playhouse through June 24th.   Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.    Ticket prices are $32 for Wednesday’s and $42 for Thursday through Sunday shows.   Special student and group prices are available.  To obtain tickets, call or visit the Omaha Community Playhouse at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha or by calling the box office at 402) 553-0800.   Tickets can also be purchased online at OmahaPlayhouse.com or www.TicketOmaha.com.