A charming take on a classic brought to life with a modern twist!
This week Edinburgh Univerity Savoy Opera Group (Eusog) tackles the classic musical “Singing in the rain”. A well known favourite brought to life in the beautifully designed space of the Pleasance theatre. We follow Don Lockwood a famous hollywood silent movie actor and his co star Lina Lamont as they succesully conquere the era of silent movies in the 1920’s. Set in the latter half of the era we see the transition to the talkies coming through challenging R F Simpson, the head of Monumental pictures, to consider producing a talking picture starring Hollywoods favourite on screen couple Lockwood and Lamont. Comedy ensues as leading lady Lamonts strangled voice and her inability to navigate new technologies creates all kinds of pressure and havoc for the producers. The company then have to find clever ways to overcome these problems thanks to Lockwood’s collaborator and best friend Cosmo and the talents of Kathy Seldon an actress Lockwood meets in the park and soon after becomes his love interest.
D J Bryant (Cosmo) and Ewan Robertson (Don Lockwood) take on the iconic roles bringing slapstick and vaudeville humour to the stage. Roberston’s well rounded and straight man persona balances well opposite the over exaggerated and one liners of Bryant. Bryants “make em laugh” strikes a great balance of humour as well as showcasing his talents as a singer and a dancer when comical relief is required. Tense moments between Roberston and Lina Lamont played by
Amelia Brenan are equally commical as both actors execute their scenes effectively. Lamonts refusal to believe the on screen romance with Lockwood isn’t real sees a number of witty back and forths between the characters which Robertson and Brenan execute with quick pace and wit. Hannah Shaw plays the talented actress Kathy Seldon. Her effortless vocals are impressive throughout and she equally brings a strong female energy to both characters of Cosmo and Lockwood particularly in “Good morning”. The use of the sofa to recreate this famous scene is exciting in its build up and enjoyable to watch as all three performers work hard to slickly execute the high energy required for this scene and song.
Directionally there were great choices by going the extra mile and using pre recorded footage from the silent movie “the dueling cavalier” and later when it became a talkie premiere. These added an authentic layer to the performance aswell as more commical moments. Potentially more could have been brought to the iconic and well known song of “Singing in the rain” as the stage seemed somewhat overly darkened and the use of beading hanging down in places to represent droplets could continue to prove problematic throughout the week as it did last night. However, that said the dancers supported Robertson well as he strolled across the stage delivering a wholly relaxed and water free version potentially intended to bring a more modern take on the song. The choice of set was effective and minimal with the appropriate use of microphones for the era and studio props were equally effective and well sourced. Choreography was well executed by all ensemble and leads with some modern twists on numbers introduced. Rosyln Harpers choreographical choices were in keeping with the period but also brought their own sense of individuality for some dancers to showcase their abilities and talents. Simple lifts and snappy changes using chairs and other set props were effective particualry in numbers with Robertson, Shaw and Bryant. Unfortunately, as with all opening night snags, some moments of dialogue and singing were interupted and distracted by feedback and bangs from the actors microphones although this did not desuade the energy of the cast nor the band as they gave their all in every number. Led by one of two musical directors Evie Alberti gave consistently high energy encouraging great sound from the orchestra pit. Alberti lead her 18 strong band with panache and rigour throughout never missing a beat ensuring the sound was clean and well delivered. Overall a good start to what I am sure will prove to be a great show week for Eusog once all the technical issues are ironed out. This cast of “Singing in the rain” are primed and ready to delivery slapstick humour and great singing talent for you so make sure you don’t get left high and dry this week and get along to the Pleasance theatre, Edinburgh.