Review: Singin’ In The Rain @ WMC
Listed as the only musical in the top 20 of Sight and Sound’s 2012 poll of the greatest film’s ever made, The Chichester Festival Theatre production of the MGM classic Singin’ In The Rain opened in Cardiff this week. And the spectacular performance is surely a fitting way to celebrate the tenth Christmas season at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre.
Set in 1920s' Hollywood, Singin' In The Rain follows the revolutionary change from silent to talking pictures. As cinemagoers flock in their droves to the 'talkies', some established stars of the silent era become fearful that their careers will not survive the transition.
Troubled are Don Lockwood and his glamorous co-star, Lina Lamont.
The duo, whose non-existent engagement is continually speculated, are the toast of Tinseltown, but any chance of replicating their success in the talking pictures is hindered; for all Lamont's looks, she is an irritating airhead with a nails-down-a-chalkboard voice, captured in full hilarity by Faye Tozer. Tozer, whose firm grasp of Lina shone in her screeched solo lament ‘What’s Wrong With Me?’, continues to demonstrate a highly versatile stage prowess in her life after Steps.
Combining 7,000 litres of recycled water, impressive and smart staging and vibrant costumes the show packs a real visual punch which is driven home by outstanding choreography. James Leece is flawless as Don, putting his training at the Royal Ballet School in to full use with elegant and ambitious tap-dance routines, which included the famous title piece. This is matched by Stephane Anelli as Don’s playful best friend and creative whirlwind Cosmo, who threatened to steal the show with his stunning ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’ routine and consistent witty delivery. Surely the side-kick to beat them all.
Soon Don discovers true love in upcoming rival to Lina, Kathy Selden, whose kind-hearted beauty is captured by the dazzling Amy Ellen Richardson. With Cosmo as catalyst, the talented lovers plot a cunning way to save Lina’s immediate reputation and kickstart Kathy’s career. The result is an exhilarating rendition of ‘Good Morning’ and a series of authentic onstage relationships that are testament to the leaders of an unfailingly gifted cast.
As water was once again kicked and flicked onto the front two rows, the full house was standing as the curtains closed. This delightful feast of escapism defies the wind and rain of December and will send you out singing and dancing into the night; Singin’ In The Rain is musical theatre at its most feel good.
Rating: 5/5
Singin’ In The Rain is showing at The Wales Millennium Centre until January 5th 2014. For tickets, visit wmc.org.uk or call 029 2063 6464.
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1 Comment – Postiwch sylw
Vino_Nasser
Rhoddwyd sylw 29 mis yn ôl - 9th December 2013 - 14:36pm
Great review Tom. Can't wait to go see this!