Singin' in the Rain: Anything but Dreary!

       Go back in time with the revival of the classic Broadway show Singin’ in the Rain at the Westchester Broadway Theater in Elmsford.  This show, which is complete with a rain machine and a great cast, will leave you wanting to sing and dance….probably in the rain!
      The show begins in the nineteen twenties, when the film industry is booming, flappers and short haircuts are all the rage, and Don Lockwood (Jeremy Benton) and Lina Lamont (Allie Shauer)-an onscreen couple- are the biggest stars in Hollywood.  Their careers as silent film actors bring much fame and fortune to their lives.  However, once the revolution of talking films comes into play, they must adapt and become “talkie stars.”  This is a major struggle however, considering Lina has a voice harsh enough to peel paint.  When Don’s pal Cosmo Brown (Cody Williams) comes up with a plan to save the studio, promising starlet Kathy Selden (Shannon O’Bryan) gets mixed up in a plan to save the company.
       At the Westchester Broadway Theater, a three-course meal (including dessert) is served before the performance.  All the seats are around the stage, giving everyone a full view of the entire show.  This revival of Singin’ in The Rain was especially interesting; for the title scene, a rain machine was used to create the illusion of rain everywhere.  Audience members even got wet from Benton’s dancing (I was in the second row, so I got a bit splashed onto me).
        The sets used were amazing, very closely mimicking that of the 1952 film.  All of the lights and effects used were impressively as well.  Costumes used for the show were absolutely stunning-I really felt like I was in the nineteen twenties.  Short flapper dresses for the girls and sweater-vests for the guys were perfect for the show.  The classic yellow raincoat was also used for the finale.  Though nothing can compare to Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds singing and dancing, Benton, Williams and O’Bryan were a very close second and an absolute thrill to see perform just feet away from me!
        This quintessential musical is perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a star or just loves singing and dancing in the rain.  All the classic songs are in the show, including “All I Do Is Dream of You,” “Good Morning” and “Moses Supposes.”  The show will be at the theater for only a month more, and tickets are going fast!