This spring, Olivet Nazarene University’s Department of Theatre and School of Music are proud to present the stage production of what has been hailed by some as the “greatest movie musical of all time”– Singin’ in the Rain. Performances are February 24-26 and tickets can be reserved now at olivet.edu/tickets.
Singin’ in the Rain is a classic from the golden age of movie musicals, faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay. Each unforgettable scene, song and dance is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number complete with a rainstorm on stage. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect entertainment.
Recreating movie magic on the stage has admittedly been quite the process for the cast and crew. Freshman Tionné Guthrie commented about the experience, “It wasn’t until we first to attempted some of the complicated scenes that I realized how truly amazing the original cast must have been! Professor Sarver [director of ONU Theatre] has made sure that we stick as close to the movie as possible, and I think everyone will be very surprised at the lengths we took to do so!”
Senior Andrew McBurnie agreed that bringing a movie to live theatre has been tricky. “One big difference between a film and live theatre is just that – it’s live. The film is a compilation of the BEST takes of some of the greatest performers in the world. Our cast is learning how to do this live each and every night.”
The cast is eager to bring this production to stage. Through vivid staging and exciting dance numbers choreographed by Kelsie Davis, ONU Theatre’s performances of Singin’ in the Rain are quality entertainment that you won’t want to miss.
“There is so much amazing choreography in this show, but I’m most excited to show everyone ‘Good Mornin’’’ and ‘Moses Supposes,’” Guthrie said. “The prop movement is absolutely AMAZING!”
“Singing, tapping, and acting while appearing calm, cool, and collected has been difficult,” McBurnie added. “But, it will be worth it in the end!”
Show times are Thursday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and senior adults over the age of 65. Tickets are available online at olivet.edu/tickets or by calling 815-939-5110.
Cast
Don Lockwood – Andrew McBurnie
Cosmo Brown – Ashtyn Williams
Lina Lamont – Samantha Rose Brody
Kathy Selden – Tionné Guthrie
R.F. Simpson – Marisa Constantino
Dora Bailey – Shelby Black
Roscoe Dexter – Bryan Dieken
Rod – Ethan Gillis
Zelda Zanders – Maddi Reddy
Mary Margaret – Esosuoyakpor Anigboro
Villain/Voice Teacher – Carter Weitzel
Tenor/J. Cumberland Spendrill III – Joshua Hershberger
Charlie Chaplin/3rd Assistant – Abby Altenberger
Photographer/1st Assistant – Madeline Johnson
Miss Dinsmore – Jordan McCully
Red Carpet Star/Stagehand – D’Jaliana Herring
Olga Mara/Stagehand – Sarah Breinig
Red Carpet Star/Stagehand – Sisi Clark
Additional roles: Hannah Hudgins, Mikayla Tackaberry, Emma Jones, Macey Wade, Grace Beatty, Jessica Buffa, Cassidy Elmer and Shelby Black.
To learn more about Olivet’s Department of Theatre or the School of Music, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
2/10/2022
MC & LB
