This year April showers will include an onstage rainstorm as Walther Lutheran High School presents “Singin’ in the Rain” the weekend of April 25 through 27. The performance runs on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m., at the Melrose Park college preparatory school, located at 9th and Chicago Avenues.
This musical stage collaboration of Walther’s drama and music departments showcases the theatrics and vocals of senior Justin Romano of Maywood, senior Brandon Buchanan of Westchester, senior Jamie Washington of Bellwood and junior Katy Kamm of Melrose Park, along with a cast of three dozen students hailing from 21 different communities. Add in the 12-instrument pit orchestra, a tech crew comprising another ten students, and the involvement of half a dozen faculty members, one will realize that fully 15% of the school is involved in this production.
The show stopping title number’s onstage rainstorm is just one of the reasons that director Sue Costello is excited about Walther’s presentation of “Singin’ in the Rain.” “This show will be a multimedia event,” she shared, noting that along with dramatic use of sound and lighting, film will be combined with the live action on stage. Despite the emphasis on the technical production, Costello is certain that the student on stage talent will shine. “The music and dance is the best part of this show,” she assured. “It’s shaping up to be a truly entertaining experience.”
Many folks probably best identify “Singin’ in the Rain” as the movie that Gene Kelly made famous. On Walther’s stage, Kelly’s Don Lockwood character is played by Justin Romano. Romano said, “It is both a challenging and rewarding production to be a part of,” and added, “It’s a very fun musical.”
Of the musical’s quartet of “stars”, Jamie Washington is the most experienced at holding down a lead part, having first captured the role of Miss Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls” during her sophomore year, then following that up by starring as Julie Jordan in “Carousel.”
“My character, Cosmo Brown, is goofy and funny,” said Brandon Buchanan, who won’t admit to being typecast, but does confess that he considers himself “a little like that. “There is a lot of dancing…a lot of dancing and singing at the same time,” he shared, “and I’m really looking forward to seeing the end result.”
The golden-throated Kathy Selden is played by Katie Kamm, whose Carrie Pipperidge wowed the house in last spring’s “Carousel.” Though she enjoyed Debbie Reynolds in the original movie role, Kamm said she is, “trying my best to make it my own character.” Kamm is a veteran singer, but she laughed as she declared that, “The dancing is the most fun…especially for those of us who aren’t the best at it!”
1920s Hollywood is the setting for this zany, light-hearted romantic comedy about the early days of sound film, when many a movie studio found itself scrambling to salvage the career of its chipmunk-voiced silent picture star. This MGM classic was faithfully adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their original award-winning screenplay. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue, and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make “Singin' in the Rain” the perfect tribute to the golden age of movie musicals.
Admission to the play is $8 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students with i.d. There is also a special family admission rate of $20. Limited concessions will be available during intermission.
For more information about Walther Lutheran High School or details on the spring musical production of “Singin’ in the Rain,” call 708.344.0404 or visit Walther.com.
