Based on the 1952 film
Book by Betty Comden & Adolph Green
Songs by Nacio Herb Brown & Arthur Freed
When I was invited to see this show by a friend of mine I was pretty reluctant. I am a huge fan of modern musicals and while this stage production is technically from the 80’s, this show is a stage adaptation of a 1952 classic film. Also, I have to admit I have never seen the movie.
Athens Theatre however, proves that you can take an old production and breathe new life into is as long as you have the right formula. Directors AJ Garcia and CJ Sikorski are to be commended for their diligent work at creating a delightful world for our players to find the story of this piece. Instead of working despite the campiness, the entire production felt as though the whole company embraced it. Great Job, guys.
If there is one thing I associate with the Athens Theatre it is their heart. This is the third production I’ve seen at this theatre and while some of the sets might not be genius and many of the players green, the performers leave so much of themselves on that stage. There was never a moment I didn’t believe these kids weren’t giving every last breath they had to this production.
Notes for dancers. I am not a dancer, unless you count the late 90’s/early 2000’s when I would record Britney Spears and *NSYNC performances and learn them backwards and forwards. One thing as an audience member I picked out was the faces of some of the dancers. Be careful that you aren’t so focused on the steps that you forget if you tend to have tension or crazy in your face. Take that as you’d like, again, who’s not a dancer? THIS GUY.
Our MVP dancer was definitely Assistant Choreographer/Lady in Green Paxton Brock. When this kid told me she was performing with a few injuries my reaction was, “Are you telling me you can do BETTER THAN THIS??!!” #ThoseLegs. Lovely job kiddo.
Jonathan Dorsey as Cosmo Brown. Jonathan is incredibly like-able. I was on his side from his first eye roll at Lina Lamont. I looked forward to this actor’s every entrance. My general note for this actor is to make sure to commit. The characters we portray know what they are doing. Especially when performing along side Nate Elliott who portrays Don Lockwood. This is a note for both actors. I understand there is a physical size difference between the two performers but again, commitment to the character would have lent itself to the overall look of the performances. Jonathan is incredibly enchanting and I look forward to watching this actor’s progression.
Nate Elliott as Don Lockwood. Where did you find this kid? Also, is that voice for real? Nate fit pretty well into this role. I was very surprised at his speaking voice. Voice and bodywork are my favorite aspects of our art form. The way an actor uses their voice to portray their character is incredibly important to me. Nate is an excellent example of how to use your speaking voice to portray not only story and emotion, but also an era. This actor’s voice leant itself to the realistic feel of the time. That being said, I felt Nate may have been a bit too young for this role. During You Were Meant For Me, while the actor was fully invested in the song, I could very much see the actor. From the Uta Hagen school of theater, anytime I see the acting it’s bad acting. Nate is charismatic and fun to watch. I’d like to see him do this performance a little further down the line in his career.
Lorelei Sandberg as Lina Lamont. Lorelei was the MVP of this production for the principle cast. What an incredibly funny actress. Lorelei really knows how to lean in to the funny. She listens to the audience for cues on what they like and makes sure to really give it her best. She has great stage presence and is very aware of herself. What an awesome performer. I’ll say it a million times in my life, an antagonist needs to be able to win the audience over. Lorelei is a dynamite comedienne. My critique for this actress is to be careful not to anticipate moments specifically during the slate bit. The character does not know this was coming so it startled her each time. The actor however does know so in order to make this organic a performer must listen as opposed to manipulating a reaction.
This is a note for all the actors. Listen. Listen to what your fellow players are saying and react to it. This is what creates organic moments. Acting isn’t about holding out for cue lines in order to spout off your own. It is about making human connections, listening and reacting.
I would have loved a live band for this production though I understand that adds another fifty things to do and spend money on, especially in a show which almost requires a full orchestra. Unfortunately this adds to the already awkward moment of a musical having to transitioning into songs. Great job to the technicians for cueing the songs on time. There were only a couple moments I remembered there was no live band.
Bravo to the company of Singin’ in the Rain. Thank you to the Athens Theatre for keeping the soul in live theater. Do me a favor and teach a seminar on this and invite everyone in the Central Florida area so they can see what love for theater really is.
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