EMA Review: Singin' in the Rain Scrumptious ★★★★ 1/2
- Erik Engman
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
By Erik Engman
Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com
IG: ErikReviewsVegas
Closing out the 50th Anniversary Season of Super Summer Theatre is the musical Singin’ in the Rain (screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed), a very close adaptation of the movie by the same name. Now, full disclosure: Singin’ in the Rain is my favorite film of all time, bar none. It delights me to no end, and I love everything about it, so forgive me if I’m a bit biased.
Suppose you have never seen the movie or the musical. In that case, the story centers on silent movie star Don Lockwood (Mike Engh), who, alongside his best friend, the musical joker Cosmo Brown (Roger Bunnell), must adapt to the new era of “talkies”. At the same time, navigate his new love with the strong-willed Kathy Seldon (Stella Roy), much to the ire of his conniving co-star Lina Lamont (Kylie Willingham). Director Nakaze Harris obviously loves the material and gives us a very enjoyable production full of passion, humor, and joy.
The cast was perfect. Mike Engh as Don Lockwood was charming to no end. I couldn’t help but smile until my face hurt watching him dance to the titular song “Singin’ in the Rain.” Stella Roy as Kathy Seldon is a powerful singer and captured my heart with her lovable strength and moxie. As Cosmo, Roger Bunnell exhibited the comic silliness of the character to a T and was a joy to watch on stage. But the real standout of the show was Kylie Willingham as Lina Lamont. I can’t say enough good things about her performance. She took a well-known character and made it her own, giving depth to the crafty, dumb (...or something) movie star. She nailed the new song “What’s Wrong With Me?”, which was added in for the musical. The audience couldn’t get enough of her.
As for the rest, Stephen McMillan as RF Simpson was solid, channeling the movie character, which was a nice comfort. Joe Minnich as Roscoe Dexter was hilarious and routinely stole the show, especially when he climbed onto a chair. Zelda, Lina’s cohort, was played perfectly by Jessica Mugelston. Dora, the gossip columnist, played by Mary Engelhardt, was wonderful with her over-the-top announcing. Lindsay Wray was great as the diction coach, Miss Dinsmore. “Rooooound tooones” always makes me laugh. Special props to Ben Hensley as the Professional Singer. He was incredibly engaging to watch, thanks to his high energy. The rest of the ensemble was wonderful, dancing and filling in the rest of the characters.
The set, designed by Roxy Mojica, captured the 1920s aesthetic with beautiful, old-school sets. The costumes, designed by Abby Stroot, along with the wigs and makeup designed by Jonathan Clancy-Nelson & Xan Clancy-Nelson, were just magnificent and brought the show to life. I love that era of fashion. The choreography by Teresa Isgriggs was a perfect mix of dances, both from the movie and newly added material.
Truthfully, it was difficult not to compare the musical and the movie. Often, I had thoughts cross my mind about how some scenes, songs, or dances were different, but I was able to push those out of my mind quickly. This production is great on its own. It’s a fun and heartfelt show that gets to the heart of the material and leaves you wanting more. Lose yourself in a magnificent dream where love conquers hate. And with all that’s going on in the world today, isn’t that exactly what we need? But hurry! Tickets are going fast!
What: Singin’ in the Rain
When: Thursdays through Saturdays, September 11-13, 18-20, 25-27.
Where: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6275 NV-159, Blue Diamond
Tickets: $28 (plus $10 Spring Mountain Ranch Parking Fee),
RATING: Scrumptious ★★★★ 1/2
Producer/Director: Nakaze Harris, Producer: Misty Singh-West, Production Management: Rebecca Sass, Choreographer: Teresa Isgriggs, Musical Director: Dolly Coulter, Orchestrations: Robby Wingfield, Costume Design: Abby Stroot, Wig & Makeup Design: Jonathan Clancy-Nelson & Xan Clancy-Nelson, Lighting Design: Elizabeth Boeckman, Sound Design: Kat Gonzalez, Scenic Design: Rozy Mojica, AD, Fight Choreographer: Skylar Doran, Dance Captain: Lindsay Wray
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