Review- Singin' in the Rain at Cockpit

Hola!

So I went to see "Singin" at Cockpit! Yeah musicals!

Now, let me preface this by saying that I have an intense love for this musical, both on the stage and on the screen, so I had very high expectations for the show, which were met amazingly with some portions and fell short with other portions.

First, I will say that Joseph Murphy does a commendable job. The role of Don Lockwood takes a serious triple threat to pull it off, and Joseph doesn't disappoint. Is he Gene Kelly? No. In this case, he plays the role the way he sees fit. He is doing some heavy-duty dancing and singing on that stage, and while he isn't, he is probably rushing through a quick change to come on stage and do another insane number! The shows title number is done a solid by Joseph. The impressive set complete with a massive on-stage rainstorm becomes a tap dance playground to remarkable effect. Bravo, Mr. Murphy! You have done Mr.Kelly proud!

James Biernatowski tackles the role of Cosmo Brown with great enthusiasm and pulls off the role nicely. I will say that, at times, the acting was a little over-the-top. I'm aware that Cosmo is crazy in his own right as a role, but I think James is going with a more flamboyant and theatrical version of the character as opposed to a traditional take on the role. At the same time, I must applaud his character choices in making it his own. His signature number, "Make em laugh" does just that, even though a particular sight gag involving a brick wall was sort of seen coming from a mile away, but I loved it nonetheless! He looks like he might pass out from exhaustion by the end of the number, but comedy is tough, and he is giving it his all!

Jessica Schaub Phillips plays Kathy Seldon very well. She sings the part beautifully and is a strong tapper, easily keeping up with the boys in "Good Mornin." I will say, though, that I really disliked her wig. She is a beautiful girl (no pun intended) and the wig really ages her. Either way, she gives a stellar performance all around that will make you enjoy her as much as I did.

On to my obligatory favorite. You knew it was coming. Ms. Elisa Dugan as Lina Lamont steals the show. First off, she has the killer good looks to pull the role off. Second, she has beyond mastered Lina's...ahem..."interesting" voice. Third, she simply knows how to pull the best comedic bits from the role without going into territory where she only does things for a laugh. One of the more famous scenes from the show (minus that whole raining on stage thing) is Lina's vocal lesson, where she tries, to great effect, to learn how to say her lines with an accent that doesn't sound like it could break glass, and she OWNS it with her scene partner, Kristen Cooley, who also has some amazing comedic bits throughout the show (watch for her bedazzled flask!)

The set...WOW. I know most of the backdrops must be rented, but the stage is dominated by a giant staircase that transforms into the street scene for the rain effect to happen. The entire thing just works incredibly well for the show. Scenes transition almost effortlessly from one to another with the help of the simple, yet effective set.

Again, Bambi Johnson does not disappoint with choreography. She puts Joseph and James to work with their tap numbers, which could use a little more syncrhonicity, but I will credit that to opening night jitters to a very excited audience. I will say that in the group tap numbers, some of the chorus looks obviously confused with their tap steps. Unfortunately, I don't think Ms. Johnson was given dancers who can really make her choreography soar, but she makes them look as good as she can! At the end of the day, if you can't dance, fake it until you make it!

Overall, I liked it. I think this cast will really hit their stride by next weekend, and I suggest this show for everyone, including families. Tickets are $12-18 and can be purchased at the door (though with the way it will sell, I suggest pre-buying), by calling 443-840-ARTS or online at www.ccbcmd.edu/arts.

As always, PLEASE get out there and support this awesome show, as well as any other theatre events happening around you! The arts are a terrible thing to waste, and James Biernatowski wrestles with a mannequin and a couch, which is reason enough to see the show. Oh...did I mention that IT RAINS ON STAGE? Yeah. See it.