Singin' in the Rain a splash hit

"SINGIN' IN THE RAIN," Hale Center Theater Orem, through Aug. 1 (801-226-8600); running time: just under 2 hours (one intermission)

OREM — It's hard to walk down any lane during a rainstorm without picturing Gene Kelly tap dancing, swinging his umbrella and stomping in the puddles.

But re-creating that classic scene from "Singin' in the Rain" in the middle of Hale Center Theater Orem is a difficult proposition.

Which is why it is so impressive to see a lamppost rise from the floor and rain drizzle down on Kenneth Wright (double cast with Murphy Smith) as he croons, "What a wonderful feeling, I'm happy again."

Even the cleanup crew danced around in matching slickers as they mopped up the water.

The musical starts as silent-movie stars Don Lockwood (Wright) and Lina Lamont (BreAnne E. Folkman, double cast with Alexis Monnie) arrive, amid fanfare, to view their newest film, "The Royal Rascal."

Lockwood recounts his rise to fame, while the audience sees the true history of Lockwood and pianist pal Cosmo Brown (David Smith).

The comedic duo is superb, thanks to Smith's unique facial expressions, off-the-cuff comments and smooth line delivery.

The only complaint is some of the actors' lines are spoken too fast.

Although Lockwood has no interest in Lamont's romantic advances, he is shaken when he's rebuffed by stage actress Kathy Selden (Melanie McKay, double cast with Rachel Lynn Woodward), whom he meets after the show.

The two meet again that evening at a party where Selden accidentally hits Lamont with a pie meant for Lockwood.

Folkman's portrayal of Lamont's shrill voice is different than that of the movie, but it is still grating and effective.

After calming and cleaning the hysterical actress, the studio starts work on the next Lockwood/Lamont picture, "The Dueling Cavalier."

However, when "The Jazz Singer" gains rave reviews as the first "talking" picture, Lockwood's boss calls for microphones and voice lessons.

Lockwood and Brown's "Moses Supposes" song-and-dance routine nearly brings down the house as a voice lesson becomes a tap-dancing, tongue-tying adventure.

Unfortunately, the new film flops due to lackluster lines, poor sound quality and Lamont's harsh voice.

But Brown has the idea to turn it into a musical and sneak in the vocal talents of Selden, who has fallen for the already-smitten Lockwood.

With Selden secretly delivering all of Lamont's lines, the film is saved — until Lamont discovers the switch and threatens to sue.

Lockwood and Brown save the day by revealing the lip-synching Lamont and praising Selden as the real star.

Although it's a show designed around four characters, the chorus is strong with extravagant costumes and lively dance numbers.

All of the black-and-white Lockwood/Lamont "films" were also created by Hale with elaborate costumes and sword fighting.

E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com