MHS Theatre Department presents ‘Singing in the Rain’

Morgan High Theatre Department didn’t rest after the final curtain call to a successful show run of “Little Women.” 

Students quickly started learning songs and dances to ready themselves to audition for “Singing in the Rain.” After two weeks of auditioning the cast list came out, and director, Jennifer Fritz started rehearsals.

This talented cast will transport audiences back to late 1920 Hollywood to the days of silent films transitioning into talking films.

Senior Caden Standing will portray lead, Don Lockwood, Hollywood's leading man, with senior Preston Johnson playing Lockwood’s childhood friend and right-hand man, Cosmo Brown, who is a quick-witted, dancing piano player. Together, the pair climbed their way to stardom until Lockwood became a famous actor.

Lockwood’s leading lady in the silent films is the ditsy and squeaky-voiced, Lina Lamont, played by senior, Shannon Kobe. The trio of Lockwood, Brown, and Lamont, work to stay relevant in Hollywood as the industry moves from the silent era to talking pictures. 

When Lockwood stumbles into aspiring Hollywood, stage actress, Kathy Sheldon, played by junior, Aly Spangnuolo, he is unaware of how much his life is about to change. 

As the studio producer is trying to change with the times, another studio has released its first talking picture. Don and Kathy’s relationship blossoms to the dismay of Lina, who is convinced that she and Don should be in a real relationship off-screen. 

MHS’s cast has worked tirelessly for three months both in class and at after-school rehearsal to bring “Singing in the Rain” alive with song favorites: “Good Morning,” “Moses Supposes,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” and the title song, “Singing in the Rain.” 

“It’s been quite the couple of months,” said Caden Standing. “We’ve been working [really hard], it’s going to be awesome!”

“Singing in the Rain has been one of my favorites since I was a kid,” said junior Kasha Carpenter. “I can’t express how thrilled I am to be in this production! I’ve always loved ‘Good Morning’ and ‘Make Em’ Laugh’ but performing these scenes with people I love makes it just that much better. I can’t wait to bring Hollywood to Morgan County!”

With a cast and crew of nearly 65, parents play an integral role from finding and altering costumes to feeding the cast on their latest tech day to helping with box office, ushering, and concessions each night of the show.

This family-friendly show will run, March 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at MHS.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the high school or at https://mhs.morgansd.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door each night for $8.

“Singing in the Rain” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International(MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. λ