CD REVIEW: Singin’ in the Rain – 2012 London Cast

Producers: Robert Scott & Larry Blank for Chichester Festival Theatre and Stage Entertainment

Reviewer: Jacqui Onions

The Public Reviews Rating:

In the 6oth anniversary year of the ever popular, all singing, all dancing film, Singin’ in the Rain, what better way to celebrate than with a 2012 London Cast recording? A cast recording that is, indeed, a fitting tribute to that iconic film.

As the orchestra strike up the Overture on track one, the listener is transported to an era in Hollywood filled with glitz and glamour. There is a comforting familiarity about the music that provides nearly an hour of pure escapism.

The names Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor will forever be linked with Singin’ in the Rain and these legends have incredibly big shoes to fill but Adam Cooper and Scarlett Strallen step into them with ease. However, the stand out performance on this album comes from Daniel Crossley. Without mimicking O’Connor’s unique portrayal, Crossley captures perfectly in his vocals the character of Cosmo Brown, complete with wit and charm, and his rendition of Make ’em Laugh is a definite highlight.

Although it may work very well within the context of the stage show, Katherine Kingsley’s performance of the song What’s Wrong with Me as the character, Lina Lamont, rather sticks out on the album. It doesn’t come across as comical as is the intention but instead is just a little irritating. Lina doesn’t have a song of her own in the film, maybe this is why.

The ensemble compliment and support the lead vocalists brilliantly, uncannily capturing the sound and feel of the movie musicals of the 40’s and 50’s, but the real stars of this album are the orchestra. They are the ones that from the opening few bars draw the listener in and transport them to a glamorous, romantic land of yesteryear. Singin’ in the Rain is just as much about the dancing as it is the singing so there are long periods of instrumental music. It is worth buying this album purely to hear the orchestra creating magic in these moments.

Nothing will ever match up to the original film cast, with Gene Kelly’s presence and charisma and Donald O’Connor’s cheeky charm, but this recording comes a close second and is a must for any Singin’ in the Rain fans.