Review: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is making a splash at Arts Center Of Cannon County!

A behind the scenes look of Monumental Pictures was offered as the Arts Center of Cannon County's production of Singin' in the Rain brought audiences back to the golden age of Hollywood with a downpour of iconic songs and lively dancing. Directed by Broadway World's very own, Jeffrey Ellis, this show left audiences with a desire to join in the dancing on the red carpet.

With a book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and musical score by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, Singin' in the Rain, the staged version of the smash-hit 1952 movie, follows the famed duo of Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont as they transition from silent films to the brand new future of "talkies". The only way RF Studios can make The Dueling Cavalier, their latest movie, into a success is by making it into a musical. However, with Lamont's less than sweet voice, aspiring actress Kathy Seldin's talent and dulcet tones are needed to save the show.

The old Hollywood atmosphere of 1927 is achieved through ACCC's technical design. Staged as theater-in-the-round, the set is accompanied by projector screens that bring to life the silent films in which Lockwood and Lamont star. As the melodramatic scenes unfold on the screens, audience members feel a part of the premiere viewings of the first films with sound.

Austin Jeffrey Smith, who plays the romantic lead, made an absolute splash with his show-stopping talent. His rendition of "You Were Meant For Me" had a dream-like quality that enchanted audiences as his powerful voice lulled us into a captivating romance. Smith did not disappoint in his performance of the iconic title song, exuding authentic joy as he masterfully tapped his way through the puddles. Smith's flair, mixed with the spectacle of raindrops falling onto the stage, made "Singin' in the Rain" an undeniable highlight.

MTSU graduate, Lindsey Mapes Duggin portrays the beautiful and witty Kathy Seldin with a powerful grace. In every scene, she commands the stage and brings a big personality to Seldin. Duggin's "Would You?", skillful, sweet and sincere, best showcases the leading lady's ability to hypnotize, but it's her consistent vivacity on stage elicits thunderous applause.

The sheer amount of fun the performers were having on the stage could not be contained in energetic numbers like "Moses Supposes", where the movie stars prepare to speak on the silver screen. "What's Wrong With Me?", Lamont's lament at not winning the love of her partner on the screen, proved itself to be one of the most fun pieces in the show because of Brittany Blaire Anderson's exceptional comedic timing.

Singin' in the Rain, running until February 23rd, will leave you with the optimism as vibrant as the yellow raincoats that inundate the stage in the final number. If you're 'fit as a fiddle', ditch your umbrellas and join ACCC's cast of performers in creating silver-screen magic.

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