MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mansfield Youth Theatre is kicking off its season with a production of the comedic musical, “Singin’ in the Rain,” at Founder’s Auditorium at The Ohio State University at Mansfield on Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 25.
Dauphne Maloney, founder and director of Mansfield Youth Theatre, said the show features 35 students between the ages of nine and 18 from schools throughout the region, including Clear Fork High School, Highland High School, Crestline High School, Ontario High School, Pioneer Performing Arts Academy, Lexington High School, Lexington Central Elementary, Alum Creek Elementary, Mansfield Christian School, St. Peter’s High School, Mansfield Senior High School, Ontario Stingel Elementary, Mansfield St. Mary’s and Ashland High School.
Maloney said they’ve been rehearsing for about six weeks, “which is pretty typical for a musical,” though for some musicals they rehearsed for only three weeks, which presents a “different kind of challenge,” she said.
Rehearsals have been held at both the Renaissance Theatre and Founder’s Auditorium at OSU-Mansfield. “It’s really a neat experience for the kids to know that they can do things in different spaces. So as much as it may sound like a disadvantage–to not be in the space you’re performing in–it really teaches them a lot about flexibility, Maloney said.
“I think it’s coming together really, really well.”
“Singin’ in the Rain” takes the audience to Hollywood in the 1920s, as the film industry was moving from silent films to movies with sound. Silent film actors Don Lockwood, portrayed by Tucker Boggs, and Lina Lamont, portrayed by Mia Sgambellone, are beginning their first “talkie,” but there is one problem: Lina has an awful voice. However, Don meets Kathy Selden, an aspiring actress portrayed by Jessica Miller, who has agreed to be Lina’s “voice” for the film, unbeknownst to Lina.
Mansfield Youth Theatre’s adaptation of this classic story include entertaining comedy routines, dance numbers and love ballads.
The musical is based on the 1952 movie created by MGM Studios featuring Gene Kelley, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. The Broadway production of “Singin’ in the Rain” debuted in 1985 and was nominated for two 1986 Tony Awards: Best Book of a Musical and Best Actor in a Musical (Don Correia as Don Lockwood).
The cast for the upcoming production includes Hope Abel, Gabriella Allen, Evan Bartholomew, Lauren Bartholomew, Alexa Blakley, Tucker Boggs, Cody Caudell, Trevor Cochran, Molly Delaney, Danny Fain, Sydney Genter, Addie Goodwin, Gage Goodwin, Samuel Heininger, Desi Hunt, Kristin Kaufman, Louie Kurtzman, Sadie Kurtzman, Alli Lange, Howard Leuthold, Jessica Miller, Kathryn Moir, Anna Perkins, Julia Picking, Grace Riegel, Anna Scheurer, Mia Sgambellone, Christian Shepherd, Elyssa Stadler, Alexandria Switaj, Alex Tate, Caleb Tate, Thomas Tate and Alex Wettrich.
Maloney has confidence that the students will be ready for opening night. “I think they’re getting to that point where they’ve rehearsed so much that they’re ready to go,” she said.
Lexington High School junior Jessica Miller said she enjoys playing her character, Kathy Selden. “I really like the songs that she gets to sing,” she said.
The 16-year-old said she’s been involved in the theater since she was seven years old, estimating that she’s done between 20-30 shows. “I love it. I’ve met so many great people through theater that I know will be lifelong friends,” she said.
Louie Kurtzman, an Ontario High School senior who also studies at the Pioneer Performing Arts Academy, shares that passion for acting. “I always wanted to be an actor ever since I started performing,” he said.
His character is Cosmo Brown, which is “a fun role to play,” he said.
He said he enjoys performing the “Make ‘Em Laugh” scene “because I just get to go crazy for like a whole dance number,” he said.
The show will begin at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24 and at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 25.
Tickets cost $15 for general admission and may be purchased online or by calling 419-522-2726.
