Singin' in the Rain at Lyric Theatre, QPAC

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Thu 22 Sep 2016 - Sun 30 Oct 2016

SPLASH ZONE WEATHER WARNING "There is a strong chance of showers and getting wet in the first three rows of the stalls. Make a splash and be a part of the action by selecting these seats. However, if seated in the Splash Zone, you will receive a special Singin' in the Rain poncho!"

As 12,000 litres poured on stage, those of us just a little further back watched as the dancers' exuberance kicked sheets of water over the first few audience rows.

Not the place to be with vulnerable make-up or expensive hair-dos.
But for the rest of us, the Lyric was a great place to be.

"You are my Lucky Star", "You were meant for me", "Moses Supposes", "Good Mornin'" and "Broadway Ballet" were absolute standouts, and you could hear the sighs of recognition and content as Rohan Browne began

%%Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo-doo...

I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again…%%

The musical (entirely appropriately) draws heavily on the movie starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, as stars and movie moguls come to terms with the transition to "talkies".



Erika Heynatz (Home and Away, Legally Blonde, Rocky Horror Show) plays Lina Lamont, whose superstar image is likely to be shattered the moment she opens her mouth. Erika's off key erratic singing, and glass-shattering speaking voice is so appalling as to be wonderful: we hope her vocal chords survive. She is the evil witch of the plot, shrieking, narcissistic and ruthless and plays it for all it is worth.

Unforgettable.
Jack Chambers, as Cosmo Brown, is superb as comedian, tap dancer, and singer. His "Make em laugh" alone was worth the not inconsiderable ticket price.

The chemistry between Rohan Brown (silent screen idol and vulnerable talkie actor Don Lockwood) and Kathy Selden (aspiring serious actor Gretel Scarlett who can speak beautifully and sing and dance) works very well.

A highlight was their duet "You were meant for me" which spun a palpable spell over the whole audience, and led to a long moment of silence before a tumultuous applause.

The set and lighting both work well, and the band (half-hidden on a mezzanine on stage) gets the period perfectly.


The singers and dancers put their heart and soul into joyous celebration and the finale of "Singin' in the rain" was exhausting and exhilarating to watch.

Frankly, it would be exceedingly picky to point out any minor imperfections in what was a practically perfect production.

The standing ovation on opening night was well deserved.

Sell the cat, mortgage the children and go. It's worth it.

22 Sep to 30 Oct 2016
$75.95 - $140.95*
Lyric Theatre
2 hours and 40 min

#comedy
#music
#musicals
#september
#october
!date 22/09/2016 -- 30/10/2016
%wnbrisbane