MANILA, Philippines - It was literally a wet weathered day when we attended the ABS-CBN gala night for Singin’ In The Rain produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila at The Theatre in Solaire. But that did not stop our friends from the entertainment industry to brave the traffic and wash off the blues away to catch the well-loved stage adaptation of the 1952 movie musical of the same title.
Set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era, the comedy musical focused on the romantic lead Don Lockwood (played by Duane Alexander), his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Steven Van Wyk), wannabe singer-actress Kathy Selden (Bethany Dixon) and Lockwood’s leading lady Lina Lamont (Taryn Lee Hudson), whose screeching voice made her an unlikely candidate for stardom in motion pictures.
After ending the night with a standing ovation, we caught up with some friends from the biz for their comments and favorite scenes:
Tim Yap (eventologist): “Unexpected surprises from beginning to end. Awesome choreography, exceptional performances from the leads to ensemble, and loved getting wet from the rain onstage! My favorite scene was the dubbing scene of Lina and Cathy. You can really see the magic of cinema and theater together in one scene.”
Gigi Posadas (singer and actress): “Singin’ In The Rain was fun, comedy timing was crisp, choreography was impeccable. A must-see! My favorite part was the male trio (with the speech coach) number and the flip clip which got Don and Lina’s voices all mixed up. Hilarious!”
Topper Fabregas (stage actor, Red Turnip): “Singin’ In The Rain is one of my favorite movies and getting to see it live on stage was such a treat! The dancing in the rain sequence totally lives up to the hype. It brought a big, old (very wet) smile to my face.”
Moy Ortiz (The CompanY): “The film Singin’ In The Rain is definitely one of my favorites ever so I came to the theater with high expectations. The stage production held at the beautiful Solaire Theatre did not disappoint at all. It retains the charming and lighthearted overall feel of the original. Every single performer onstage could sing and dance very well. I particularly loved the audio house mix, the costumes and comedic timing of the cast.”
Ryan Cayabyab (musical director, composer and arranger): “I can’t say which my favorite part is because I was humming quietly throughout. Unmasked, I am unabashedly a fan of the classic movie musical genre and this is an excellent restating. The script is classic crisp Hollywood and the music, gloriously part of my growing-up years. This staging is a clear example of ‘it’s raining triple threats’ — excellent dancing-singing-acting ensemble from South Africa. Gotta watch it again!”
Tessa Prieto-Valdes (celebrity endorser and socialite): “It was so entertaining and more amazing the second time around. My favorite character was Lina Lamont (Taryn Lee Hudson)! I can definitely play her part.”
Ryan Sy (singer and composer): “It was an awesome performance. I loved the costumes and the ‘20s vibe of the entire production ... and of course, the live rain on stage!”
Hayden Kho Jr. (celebrity doctor): “It’s wet here and we are having fun! Don’t miss the singing & dancing happening at The Theatre in Solaire!”
Audie Gemora (stage actor and Entertainment director of Solaire): “My favorite part was the dance bar solo of Mila De Biaggi who brought back memories of Cyd Charisse. What a dancer!
Isabela Gonzalez (singer): “I loved the sets. I was pleasantly surprised to see how they incorporated the silent movie screenings in the show. It felt like a really beautiful way to pay tribute to such a legendary movie musical which helped launch the career of Debbie Reynolds who was the original Kathy. And that night Kathy was played by a lady who looked like Julie Andrews. It was a fun play! What a way to spend the evening!”
Christine Babao (TV host): “While one may think that 12 thousand liters of water which splished splashed
onstage nearly upstaged everything else in the musical, I must say that the exceptional acting skills of the actors, the famous songs like Good Morning, the masterful choreography all had this effect on me: I wanted to get up from my seat, wear tap shoes and dance along with them... I was already singing in my seat.”
Steven Silva (singer and stage actor): “The atmosphere created from the actors, set and lights really felt like we were taken back to the ‘20s. Every detail was taken into account and it really showed throughout the show.”
Kathleen Dy Go (managing director of Universal Records): “Singin’ In The Rain was an amazing show. The singing, acting and dancing were superb while the costumes and set design were topnotch. With her squeaky and screechy voice, the unforgettable character of Lina Lamont played by Taryn Lee Hudson added humor to the whole show. We were seated near the splash zone, which added fun of a wonderful evening. A must-see!”
Carla Martinez (singer and actress): “The production numbers were fabulous. Great dancers and wonderful songs that I remembered so well that you could not help but sing along with them.”
Kata Inocencio (TV host): “The dancer Mila de Biaggi was kick-ass! That was a scene stealer as it was in the movie!”
Jed Madela (singer): “The scene I loved most is, of course, the signature classic song where the lead guy dances and ‘sings’ in the rain... I loved Gene Kelly in the movie, but seeing it done live onstage is breathtaking!”
(Singin’ In The Rain has been extended until Sept. 13. Call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph for tickets.)