Review: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN with Inspire Creative

It's hard not to smile at Singin' in the Rain; it's one of those shows where even the characters seem to be enjoying themselves. The joyous, energetic dance numbers, the witty one-liners, a delightfully nasty villainess, and the sparkling Hollywood glamour all make for a very good time.

And when Inspire Creative's production of the classic movie musical is on target, it's uplifting and entertaining. This iteration of Singin' at the PACE Center works best in its quieter solo moments and its big production numbers. As Kathy Selden, Valerie Igoe sings the Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed standards beautifully, particularly the ballads "Lucky Star" and "Would You." She has the spirit and sweetness of a Hollywood star in the making; it's easy to see why matinee idol Don Lockwood (John Mackey) is so taken with her. The tap dancing (choreographed by Tracy Doty and loosely based on the Gene Kelly originals) is vibrant and sharp, whether in the big ensemble numbers like "Broadway Rhythm," small group pieces like "Moses Supposes" and "Good Morning," or the iconic title number that closes out the first act. If Mackey isn't at Kelly's level of dancing (but then, who is?), he still sells the number brilliantly, twirling his umbrella and splashing about in the manufactured downpour with all the enthusiasm a man in love can muster.

At other times, however, it feels like the cast is trying too hard. Though director Amy Osatinski has a lot of praise for the wonderful Betty Comden and Adolph Green book, she doesn't seem to trust in its inherent wit much, choosing to pitch the comedy at the broadest level possible. Paradoxically, this makes some of the script's best comic moments feel subdued. "Make 'Em Laugh," the ode to slapstick by quintessential second banana Cosmo Brown (Christopher Woodley), feels more routine than the comic tornado it should be, and when Lina Lamont (a screechy, weepy Shelby Varra) demonstrates her huge handicap when it comes to sound films-"Well of course we talk, don't everybody?"-the moment, which resulted in a hilarious, horrified slow burn in the movie, slides by with barely a comment. Lina and Don's silent film is such an over-the-top parody of the genre that their first disastrous experiment in "talkies" is hardly any more absurd.

But in the end, everyone onstage is having a lot of fun, so why not join in? SINGIN IN THE RAIN plays now through October 11th at the PACE Center, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. For tickets, contact the box office at 303-805-6800 or visit www.parkerarts.org.