By Mark A. Nobles/Special to the Times-Review
The Plaza’s production of the famous Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds 1952 MGM movie “Singing in the Rain” is ambitious, fast paced and fresh.
How can a show that has run on television continuously for half a century be fresh?
The answer is energy, enthusiasm and plenty of good old fashion pluck.
All the cast members, from the youngest ensemble member through the three leads, appear to be having the time of their lives in this show.
The energy is palpable, and the actors display a real connection with each other.
Director Taffy Geisel, music director Cheri Mega and choreographer Heather Simmons must be given kudos and credit for putting together this closely knit cast and pacing the production to perfection.
From a technical standpoint “Singing in the Rain” is unlike anything you’ve seen on stage.
Video projection is used seamlessly with the live actors, and Kyle Adams in the Kelly role of Don Lockwood sings and dances in actual, falling rain during the show’s signature song.
Not all the technical whiz bang worked completely as it should have on opening night, but ambitious productions will have their glitches.
I have no doubt these minor technical difficulties will be worked out.
Visually, the show is glamorous and stunning, fitting for the time period. Costume designer Tina Barrus, lighting designer Cameron Barrus and sound designer G. Aaron Siler pulled out all the stops to create a wonderful atmosphere.
As mentioned before, Kyle Adams is in the unenviable position of tackling the role of silent movie star Don Lockwood.
Adams can’t match Kelly tap for tap, but what he lacks in hoofer expertise he more than compensates for with style, charm and grace.
His performance is natural and witty, and the audience pulls for him every step of the way.
Amy Atkins ably steps into the Debbie Reynolds role of rising star Kathy Seldon.
Atkins is beautiful, charming and innocent and possesses the strongest voice in this completely capable cast. She has a flammable chemistry with Adams and is a joy to behold.
J. Aaron Lett may well not survive the full run of this show.
He steps into the acrobatic, slapstick role of Cosmo Brown, originated on the screen by the rubber-limbed O’Connor.
Choreographer Heather Simmons pulls no punches in recreating the athletic and nimble dance moves O’Connor made famous, and Lett bravely attacks each stunt with gusto if not grace.
Lett’s comic timing and wit pull him through the performance, and as long as no bones are broken or ligaments torn, the audience will laugh and pull for him to survive.
Although Adams, Atkins and Lett are strong in their performances, Tina Barrus as Lina Lamont completely steals the show.
Barrus plays Lamont full tilt and wrenches every bit of comic genius from the character’s over the top Hoboken accent and conniving platinum-blonde motives.
Barrus eats up the stage and plays Lamont like a dim-witted bull in a china shop.
A close second in the show-stealing category is Erich de la Torre’s jaw dropping rendition of “Broadway Melody (Gotta Dance).”
Torre can tap dance like a machine gun and has a voice big enough to knock your head back.
The choreography and energy in this number is breathtaking and worth the price of admission on its own.
Plaza’s inventive staging of “Singing in the Rain” is visually stunning, laugh out loud funny, and guaranteed to send you out into the evening humming a happy tune and maybe even swinging on a few light poles on your way to the car.
Make reservations early because the show has a shorter than normal run so the Plaza can make room on the calendar for the upcoming, sure to be a blockbuster, “High School Musical.”
“Singing in the Rain” plays through July 11 at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, with two performances Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
For information, call 817-202-0600 or visit www.plaza-theatre.com.
