Sydney Reviews

Left – Grant Almirall. Photo – Lindsay Kearney. Cover photo – Jeff Busby.

The 1952 movie Singin’ in the Rain is one of the greatest movies of all time, one of Hollywood’s most loved musicals. Most of the movie musicals from that era were adapted from stage shows but Singin’ in the Rain was written for the screen. It wasn’t until 1983 that it made its Broadway debut. 

There is just something about Singin’ in the Rain. Even if you have never seen it you surely know the song, or the image of a well-dressed man splashing happily in puddles while the rain buckets down upon him. The story line revolves around the transition from silent films to ‘talkies’ in the late 1920’s and this musical brings the film to life in a wonderful and spectacular evening drenched nostalgia. 

Jack Chambers is the standout performer for this very reason. In his role as Cosmo Brown you feel as if original screen actor Donald O’Connor was watching over, providing him a platform from which to dance upon, but allowing Chambers to dance with his own feet and his own personality. He is dynamic and has a strong stage presence. Gretel Scarlett as Kathy Selden is also fantastic. She is vibrant and a delight to watch.

Gene Kelly was a creative genius both on and off the screen and his shoes are massive, tap dancing, perfectionist shoes to fill. I do not envy any person trying to convince an audience that they too can be the Don Lockwood we know and love. What a challenge!? At opening night in Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, Grant Almirall, took on that role and he did a good job. As an audience member I was hard on him as my expectations were planted over 20 years ago when I first watched the film. But there is something in Almirall's smile and every now and then you felt as if there was a little bit of Kelly dancing with him. I am not sure anyone could replace Kelly in this role but Almirall gives it his all and that is all we can ask for.

The set and costume design have remained loyal to the film which offers the audience touch stones to the original film. Although Lina Lamonts sunglasses seemed more Tom Cruise in Risky Business than something a screen siren from the 1920’s would wear. The changes from scene to scene were flawless and the stage crew dressed in 1920’s attire mopping up the rain at intermission was a beautiful touch.

Overall what a show! It is magnificent and joyful and everything that the posters say and worth every star it is given. Even though I had my reservations they were all linked to me comparing the movie with the show and they dissolved very quickly in puddle of remarkable rain that was danced in by a cast of great dancers.

The program is one of the better ones I have seen.  It offers you facts about the movie and some really good images of the show. All in all, a wonderful night at the theatre, though a word of warning if you are in the first 4 rows, wear the raincoats the ushers offer you. You will get wet.


Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Michael Cassel Group, David Atkins Enterprises and Dainty Group International present
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
composer Nacio Herb Brown | lyrics Arthur Freed

Director Jonathan Church

Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Dates: from Thursday 7 July 2016
Tickets: from $74.90
Bookings:www.singin.com.au


ALSO Touring

BRISBANE
Venue: Lyric Theatre QPAC
Dates: from Thursday 22 September 2016

ADELAIDE
Venue: Festival Theatre
Dates: from 1st December 2016

PERTH
Venue: Crown Theatre
Dates: from 29th December 2016