The Dexter Drama Club lowered the curtain on its spring musical, Singin’ In The Rain. The musical was adapted by Betty Comden and Adolph Green from the 1952 MGM movie, starring Fred Astaire. The musical opened on Broadway in July 1985 and closed after 367 performances.
The show was directed by Erin Palmer Lavoy, who also serves as the Drama Club Advisor. Music direction provided by David Moan, choreography by Amanda Webster, assisted by Alla Campbell. The 21-piece orchestra was conducted by Brian Rose. True to the film, Webster relied heavily on ensemble tap numbers that were so entertaining. The cast created visual and auditory wonder when tapping.
The musical is a salute to silent movies, at the time when sound was just being introduced into film. Silent movie stars Don Lockwood, played by Caleb Drummond and Lina Lamont (Maeryn Gillespie) have starred in multiple movies together. Lamont encourages the world to think that their on-screen relationship matches their off-screen relationship.
Maeryn Gillespie as Lina Lamont. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
Gillespie played Lamont perfectly. Her voice is so difficult to listen to and she played her character to the max ditz level. She was both amusing and irritating. And she served as an excellent protagonist. Singing “Lina’s Film Would You” and “What’s Wrong With Me” showed her ability to sing effectively in her obnoxious voice. That was critical for the rest of the story to work.
Cosmo Brown, Lockwood’s sidekick, is played brilliantly by Aidan Zeglis. Zeglis is funny. He is charming. And he can sing and dance. Together with Drummond, they become a dynamic duo on stage.
Aidan Zeglis as Cosmo Brown with ensemble. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
As good as Drummond and Zeglis are on stage, once the spotlight shines on Clara Althoen, who plays Lockwood’s love interest Kathy Selden, it never leaves her. Althoen possesses all the qualities of America’s favorite girl next door. Her character demonstrates a quiet dignity, courteous and friendly to all. From the moment she walked on stage, hearts melted. And she had it all – she sang and danced with grace and style.
Clara Althoen as Kathy Selden. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
The trio of Drummond, Zeglis and Althoen on stage together were delightful. Whether singing a ballad or something high energy, they were sensational together. The staging of “Good Morning” is fun. And entertaining. Ending with tipping the sofa over, ending sitting on it, was classic. The music that Drummond and Althoen made together was magical. Their passion for each other remained in check, it was clear there was a budding romance.
L-R) Aidan Zeglis as Cosmo, Caleb Drummond as Don Lockwood & Clara Althoen as Clara Selden. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
Ending Act I, Drummond performed the iconic title song, “Singin’ In The Rain”, with an umbrella in the rain. It was the song everyone knew and was waiting for. And Drummond delivered. Unfortunately, in this song and others that he sang, it was difficult to hear him at times. It seems as if his mic was malfunctioning or the volume needed to be higher.
Other singing highlights included Drummond and Althoen singing “Lucky Star” and “Would You”. Director Palmer LaVoy ended the show with a thrilling dance to the reprise of “Good Morning.”
Caleb Drummond as Don Lockwood & Clara Althoen as Kathy Selden. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
The set was designed by Jen Moraschinelli, lighting by Tyler Pavlik. Costume lead provided by Olivia Fleishans and Nora Roycroft, make-up/hair by Diem Lee. The tech crew is primarily comprised of students who assume responsibility backstage for the show.
While there were minor tech issues with the production, the cast delivered great entertainment. The Drama Club will conclude their fun on Friday, June 5th at 6:30pm in the Dexter Center for Performing Arts Center with their annual Awards Celebration.
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