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Singin' in the Rain, directed by Eddie Curry at Beef & Boards is an all-weather delight. Scenic designer Michael Layton's lush backdrop replicating Graumann's Chinese Theatre sets the pace for a Hollywood insider's story bridging the era of silent films to "modern talkies" and makes for a smooth transition from the original film version to a live stage. The spirited ensemble cast and on-the-mark leads whip through the kaleidoscope of events for a whiz-bang ending to send you singing familiar tunes into the turn of seasons. Timothy Ford as Don Lockwood and Sara Brophy as Kathy Selden win your heart as the major love interest. But savor as well every minute of Sarah Hund's impeccable characterization of silent film star Lina Lamont and hold onto your seats while laughing your way through Doug King's amazingly funny yet poignant depiction of Cosmo Brown. Cameo delights come from Kenny Shepard, Erin Cohenour and Sally Scharbrough. Jeff Stockberger and Douglas E. Holmes bring particular personality to studio regulars. They, together with Will Hutcheson, Jennifer Ladner, Kristen Noonan, Joseph Perkins Jr., Adam Shaff and Deb Wims fill the stage with Ron Morgan's ever-changing, high-kicking, tap dancing reminiscent of original choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. Adding to this fine production are impeccable multiple-era costumes by Jill Kelly and hairdos by Tia Mapes, lighting by Ryan Koharchik, sound design by Daniel Hesselbrock, the orchestra conducted by Terry Woods and hilarious movie sequences directed and edited by Jeff Stockberger. Bill Mollencupp is technical director; Elizabeth Stark is stage manager. Grab an umbrella and go.
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