By David Dixon
Movie buffs consider “Singin’ in the Rain” a musical masterpiece with so many iconic scenes, a triple-threat ensemble led by Gene Kelly, and memorable songs such as “Make ‘Em Laugh” and “Good Morning.” But the stage version is not as well-known and has rarely been produced in San Diego.
One of the reasons is because of the technical challenge of creating a rain shower on stage for the trademark dance scene. However, the San Diego Musical Theatre interpretation at the Spreckels Theatre has found a way to incorporate the precipitation in their production even though California is under a drought emergency.
A cast member who is excited to perform in the rain is University Heights resident Bryan Banville, who will be playing the Production Singer who croons the tune, “Beautiful Girls.”
“I think it’s going to be interesting dancing on stage with rain,” he said. “It does not rain in San Diego, period. I come from the East Coast, so I am used to rain. It will be interesting working with local actors who probably do not get to experience it too often. To be able to do that on stage I think will be fun.
His wife, dancer/ensemble member Katie Whalley Banville, will also dance in the rain. “I think the first pair of galoshes I’ve ever put on was for this show for my costume fitting,” she said.
A dry sequence that Downtown resident Lance Carter is looking forward to is the finale. Carter is portraying Rod, the head of the publicity department of the fictional movie studio, Monumental Pictures.
“It is always fun to be in the big finale,” he said. “I am not much of a dancer, so I am sure I will be put in the back and maybe just move my feet and smile. That is what I hope happens, because I do not want to screw anything up.”
Carter said that performing at the historical theater will be an unforgettable experience. “I am just excited to do a show in the Spreckels,” he said. “I think that is going to be awesome.”
Before rehearsals began, Hillcrest resident Cameron Lewis visited the Spreckels. He will be co-starring as Cosmo Brown, the role portrayed by Donald O’Connor in the original 1952 movie. Although Cameron has plenty of theatrical experience, “Singin’ in the Rain” marks his San Diego debut.
“The theater is gorgeous, and the gorgeousness adds to the whole experience,” he said. “I am looking forward to the day when the artists move from the rehearsal and into the space. That is always one of my favorite days.”
Another date Cameron is anticipating is the first time the cast gets to work with a live orchestra. “Rehearsing with an orchestra adds excitement,” he said.
Even though the ensemble members were interviewed early in the rehearsal process, Katie and Bryan have persuasive reasons why audience members should see “Singin’ in the Rain.”
“It is a classic,” Katie said. “The tale is the embodiment of what American musical theatre is. This is a Golden Age musical, and it represents the beginnings of American musical theater and its development. Shows from the Golden Age of musical theater continue to be revived, because they will always be relevant and entertaining.”
Bryan thinks audience theatergoers might want to watch the old-fashioned experience, because there will not be too many opportunities for San Diegans to see the upbeat adventure live.
“This is the first time ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ has been produced in San Diego in years, and will probably not be back for a while,” he said. “It is definitely one not to miss, because the opportunity to see it is fleeting a little bit, because of the technical elements.”
Speaking of which, Bryan stressed that the tuneful adventure “will be a water-conscious production, so people do not have to worry about the water ban. And it is also one of the only opportunities to see rain in San Diego.”
Be sure to buy tickets soon, since the SDMT rendition is having a limited run, from May 22 through June 7.
—A fan of film and theater from a very young age, David Dixon has written reviews and features for various print and online publications. You can reach him at [email protected].
