Singin In The Rain
at South Plantation High School

Reviewed on November 21, 2015

Nick Lopez
Cypress Bay High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

South Plantation enjoyed quite the spectacular forecast with its latest theatrical endeavor: a radiant sunshower of charming romances, irresistible slapstick humor, and rousing tap numbers all delivered with 1920s vivacity in this spirited production of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is a theatrical adaptation of the classic 1952 musical comedy film of the same name; the stage production first premiered in the West End in 1983 before making its Broadway debut in 1985. Both the film and stage musical depict Hollywood's transition from silent films to sound films in the 1920s; the story centers on Don Lockwood, a silent film star whose equally successful leading lady Lina Lamont is discovered to possess a comically unfortunate speaking voice that may not be a fit for a new era of "talking" motion pictures.

The driving force behind the production was the entire cast's unswerving energy throughout the entirety of an incredibly intense and fast-paced show. Despite sometimes suffering from unrefined vocals, the ensemble was always animated and in character, and extensive tap-numbers never lost their excitement and vibrancy. Sign-language interpreters were integrated into the context and atmosphere of the production, thus adding an extra layer of spirit and uniqueness to the show. Jermarcus Riggins exhibited on-stage comfort and charisma as Don Lockwood, the show's protagonist. He boasted excellent vocals and fantastic tapping ability, all of which led to a consistently refreshing command of the stage. Opposite Riggins was Tajah Lee as Kathy Seldon, a chorus girl who steps in to provide the voice for Lina Lamont's performance. Lee fit in nicely into the 1920s atmosphere, and her refined vocals provided tender, down-to earth moments that balanced out the hyper-energetic pace of the show.

Jesse Castellanos displayed comedic brilliance in his portrayal of Cosmo, Don's best friend. Castellanos's dedication to the role was palpable in his sleek execution of over-the-top, slapstick, tongue-in-cheek humor, but he simultaneously exuded a natural charm and stage presence that ultimately made the performance an audience favorite. Hannah Singer also provided moments of laugh-out-loud absurdity as the eccentric Lina Lamont thanks to a clear understanding of the show's campy style of humor, as did Lucas Doytier as the Male Diction Teacher, who made a resonating impression despite a short stage time due to a hilariously quirky and cartoonish character interpretation. Unlike Castellanos, Singer, and Doytier, some actors lacked enunciation and projection in their line delivery, which interfered with the clarity of the plot. Others struggled in building multi-dimensional characterizations, and sometimes developed unconvincing chemistry between one another.

South Plantation's set was enormous in scope and was vibrantly dressed by dazzling props and period costumes. The lighting design was dynamic and playful, and the creative inclusion of student-filmed black-and-white movie excerpts provided memorable humorous segments to the production.

The resilience of an energetic cast in the face of a rigorously demanding show won over both fans of the classic movie and newcomers. South Plantation was beltin', tappin', and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - and audience was laughin', applaudin', and lovin' every second of it.

Kimberly Moatamedi
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Lights, Camera, Action! South Plantation High School presents a Monumental Pictures production of "Singin' In The Rain." With colorful costumes, elaborate dance numbers, and even talking pictures, the scene is set for a mesmerizing production.

Based on the 1952 movie, "Singin' In The Rain" is set in the 1920's and focuses around the story of the successful silent movie actor Don Lockwood and his struggle with his egotistic leading lady Lina Lamont. After a movie entitled The Jazz Singer becomes a huge success as the first talking movie, R.F. Simpson, the producer of Monumental Pictures, is forced to make the first musical talking movie within six weeks. Aside from the production, Don Lockwood meets a talented woman named Kathy Selden, and a love story unravels. With lyrics by Arthur Freed, and music by Nacio Herb Brown, "Singin' In The Rain" had 367 performances on Broadway in 1985 and was nominated for the Tony categories of Best Book of a Musical and Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical in 1986.

Showing remarkable chemistry through romantic eye contact and passionate kisses, Jermarcus Riggins and Tajah Lee played the roles of the soul mates Don Lockwood and Kathy Selden. Lee portrayed her character's strong personality and determination for her career while still demonstrating innocence in her relationship with Lockwood. Riggins displayed constant enthusiasm despite complex tap dances and even falling rain on the stage. Playing Lockwood's sidekick and best friend Cosmo Brown was Jesse Castellanos. Remaining entertaining and hilarious throughout the entire production, Castellanos shined the most during his sensational song "Make Em' Laugh". He ensured that the hilarity never ceased when he was on stage with incredible comedic timing and humorous physicality.

During the entire show, the ASL interpreters including Jacob Altman, Christiane Lockerd, and Tenny-Ann Dandy, were constantly in character regardless of the character that they were translating for. Though none of them had any spoken lines or much stage movement, their consistent enthusiasm and involvement in the story was beyond impressive.

The costumes were student designed, gorgeous, and very character appropriate. The student-made sets and props were reflecting the period and were clearly carefully designed for the scene and where it took place. In the song "Singin' In The Rain", the stable light post had the durability to hold up as Riggins danced on it. The set behind him stayed together despite the water pouring down on it. The stage crew did a sufficient job as they constantly moved large set pieces around with ease.

South Plantation High School's production of "Singin' In The Rain" presented limitless energy without straying from the 1920's ambience. The show left the audience wanting to tap away and sing in the storm developing outside. The heartwarming and humorous show was not a disappointment.

And cut! That's a wrap.

Claudia Moncaliano
The Sagemont School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

It's a world of black and white reels, silent film star romances, and red carpet premieres at the Chinese theater, but when the first "talkie" is released, every film crew in town is sent back to the drawing board, knee-deep in records. "Singin' in the Rain," written and composed by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Nacio Herb Brown, and Arthur Freed, was based on the 1952 film of the same name and opened on Broadway for the first time in 1985. The typical performance of this show comes complete with raincoats, umbrellas, tap shoes, and an on-stage rain shower.

South Plantation High School's production showed comedic mastery, dazzling special effects, and took us behind the scenes of a movie set to experience the filming of Lockwood and Lamont's first talking picture. Unique to South Plantation High School, they also incorporated American Sign Language into the production which added another layer of magic as the numerous interpreters portrayed their characters alongside the traditional actors.

At the center of the story, Jermarcus Riggins charmed his audience as Don Lockwood, the leading man in silent films. A foil to his brusque and shrill voiced co-star Lina Lamont, played by Hannah Singer, Riggins shared his velvety voice in the heart-felt Act 1 finale "Singin' in the Rain" where he not only sang, but danced under the on-stage rain shower. Singer was pure comedy every time she came onstage showcasing Lamont's diva personality and unique articulation every time she spat the words "What do you think I am, dumb or something?"

Jesse Castellanos found his niche as Cosmo Brown, Don Lockwood's best friend, executing his role with eye-catching stage presence, engaging physicality, and spot-on humor. He lit up the stage in his number "Make ‘Em Laugh" where humored the audience with classic comedy bits, pouncing on and off film equipment, props, and set pieces.

The constant film set chaos was beautifully balanced with Riggins' and Tajah Lee's, Kathy Seldon, love affair. Lee played the role of Kathy with much poise, capturing her defensive nature, dulcet voice, and dramatized romance between herself and Riggins. Also a release from the frantic we're-making-a-movie tempo of the show, the pre-shot screenings of the films were enjoyable to watch projected in full black and white and classic silent film format.

The ensemble had various standout groups and featured actors such as the Assistant Directors (Keshawn Louis, Jalu Rachel, and Dwayne Reed), who's sharp rule-of-threes comedy broke the audience into smiles. While some actors, however, had trouble with diction, the on-stage interpreters showed personality and professionalism as they told the story through another lens.

South Plantation High School's production of "Singin' In the Rain" captured Hollywood madness and manipulation at its finest and had stand-out actors that brought the show to life.

Carlo Feliciani
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Lights...camera...tap dance! The classic movie era is back in South Plantation High School's energetic and hysterical spectacle, "Singin' in the Rain," based on the 1952 movie starring Gene Kelly.

The songs, the jokes, and the dances are all there in the Hollywood story about the filming of the silent movie "The Dueling Cavalier," starring Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, guaranteed to be a hit—until the first "talkie," movie causes a sensation. The movie business is changed forever, forcing the movie to become "The Dancing Cavalier," a musical extravaganza. There's only one problem: the leading Lina has a not-so-pleasant voice. Out of Lot 5 comes Kathy Selden, a singer and actress who can save the picture and wins the heart of Don. When Lina suspects something is up and the movie gets closer to its release, hilarity ensues.

The overall cast brought an exciting energy throughout the show that was consistent, especially during numbers like "Broadway Melody," in which the cast came on stage to tap and sing together. Although there were some issues with tonality, the cast made up for it through their commitment to the time period, an example being the viewing of the movies, which were filmed by the cast, where cast members in the audience hackled at the screen.

Jermarcus Riggins as Don Lockwood had a professional-level comfort on stage that was mixed with his exceptional dancing and vocals throughout his songs, such as the recognizable, "Singin' in the Rain." His chemistry with Tajah Lee as Kathy Selden made it a romance to fight for throughout the story, culminating in the touching reprise of, "You Are My Lucky Star," as Don sang to Kathy as she walked down the aisle into his arms.

A definite highlight of the night was Jesse Castellanos as Cosmo Brown, with comedy and slapstick galore. Castellanos's physicality, with no limitations, connected with the comedic heartbeat through accurate timing of jokes and facial reactions, keeping consistency throughout. His duet with Mr. Riggins, "Moses Supposes," with precise tap dancing and comedic interjections with the Male Diction Teacher, played by Lucas Doytier, created a special moment on stage, and the classic, "Make Em Laugh," was true to its name.

Most of the technical elements of the production were student created or driven, such as lighting, sound, and costumes. Although there were some inconsistencies with lighting, the energetic and colorful decisions did add the extravagant element to the production. The sets keep the consistency of a movie set with the perfect mix between artifice and reality.

An important element of the South Plantation production were the American Sign Language Interpreters. By being the only high school in Broward County that offers programs for the hard of hearing, the school makes it a priority to make the arts accessible to all audiences. The interpreters, dressed in costume, kept a connection to the story through active signing in connection with the emotion of the lines.

South Plantation High School's production of "Singin' in the Rain" created an infectious and extravagant night of tap dancing and classic moments, while also creating a poignant message about the need to make theatre accessible to everyone in the ever-changing world, so that we can all make ‘em laugh and sing in the rain.

Thomas Neira
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

When half of Hollywood's most loved couple is in love with an aspiring actor, and the leading lady has the most obnoxious voice you could imagine, hilarity is bound to ensue. South Plantation High School's cast and crew proved that they know how to "Make Em' Laugh" in their delightful rendition of "Singin' In the Rain"!

Adapted from the 1952 movie of the same name, the timeless musical follows the story of Hollywood's most loved couple as they transition from silent film to talking pictures. With book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and lyrics by Arthur Freed, "Singin' In the Rain" explores the not-so-fabulous life of Hollywood's silent actors in a whirl of keeping up appearances and being trapped by contracts.

South Plantation High School uniquely blended sign language into their performance in to transforming their production into Theater for the Deaf. The cast approached this task with maturity utilizing an ensemble of interpreters who demonstrated their dedication by not only assuming the character's speech, but also emotion.

At the head of the production was the talented Jermarcus Riggins as Don Lockwood. Riggins maintained a commanding stage presence and astounded the audience with his rich vocals and impressive tap dance. Even while perfectly executing the challenging choreography, he always maintained his character's emotion. Playing Lockwood's best friend, Cosmo Brown, Jesse Castellanos shone with his unflagging energy, maintaining his character's over-the-top humor and nature throughout the entire show. Castellanos admirably embodied his character's personality, which was well complemented by his exceptional comedic timing and musicality. Tajah Lee (Kathy Selden) stole both the audience and Lockwood's heart with her remarkable vocal ability and poise. Lee's confidence and emotional flexibility allowed her to comfortably portray her character as she falls in love with Lockwood, but maintains her dignity. Other notable performances included Hannah Singer (Lina Lamont), Adam Ortega (R.F. Simpson), and Wayde Boswell (Production Singer). Singer largely added to the comical element, staying true to her character's superficial nature and maintaining her character's infamous voice. Boswell was a standout in the ensemble for his incredible performance of "Beautiful Girls".

Although the actors were sometimes left in the dark, the lighting design was commendable, skillfully incorporating different techniques like colored spotlights to add to the mood and energy of the show. The costumes were fitting of the time period and exhibited the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood's rich and famous.

It's true you can't believe everything you read in the magazines, but judging by the upbeat musical numbers, superb tap dancing, and delightful fusion of American Sign Language, it's safe to say that South Plantation High School's production of "Singin' In the Rain" was a great success.

Jorge Amador
West Broward High School
Submitted for publication to The Forum

With extravagant show stopping numbers and a breathtaking set, South Plantation High School had us tap dancing in the rain with their remarkable production of "Singin' in the Rain".

Based on America's most time honored classic with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds and book by Betty Comden, Singin' in the Rain, is a tap dancing sensation full of memorable songs that will keep you dancing all night long. Being nominated for two Tony awards and winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. "Singin' in the Rain" delivers a simple yet moving message that makes you feel as if "You Stepped Out of A Dream."

Jermarcus Riggins,Jesse Castellanos and Tajah Lee masterfully embodied the the roles of the three happy go luck friends Don Lockman,Cosmo Brown and Kathy Selden. With numerous difficult tap numbers and tons of soulful songs, these three actors showed talent way beyond their years. In numbers such as "Good Morning" and "Singin' in the Rain", the trio didn't miss a beat and delivered performances that brought more than justice to the timeless classic.

Another very impressive aspect of this production were the exquisite interpreters; being on stage more than the leads and always been physically and emotionally engaged in the show, these group of students not only delivered the show in a creative and fun way but really but their hearts and souls into this impressive production.

However, all the praise shouldn't just go to the actors. With incredible sets and lights and very smooth transitions, the production crew at South Plantation had the audience embodied in the world of the comedic 1920's musical. From high blockbuster sets and props to intricate costume designs, the production crew was well above the typical norm of a high school show crew.

Overall, South Plantation High School could "Make Em' Laugh" with a magical performance of "Singin' in the Rain" that was one for the books.