Manhattan Digest praises NJSO’s Singin’ in the Rain

Feb 10, 2015

Manhattan Digest praises the NJSO's presentation of Singin' in the Rain with live orchestral accompaniment:

In spite of the cinematic rain and actual winter chill, a burst of sunshine shone through the Garden State this past weekend as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presented a unique and thoroughly enjoyable event.

On Saturday evening, February 7th,  these professional musicians took to the stage at Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center to play the orchestral score from the 1952 classic while the movie was shown above them. With keen sound technology, the integrity of the vocals and tap dancing were maintained against a lively and vibrant orchestra.  Under the direction of Constantine Kitsopoulos, memorable and often recognizable melodies came alive, treating the audience to tuneful ear candy. On Sunday afternoon, February 8th,  New Brunswick audiences were delivered the  same delightful confection at the State Theatre.

Singin’ In the Rain, written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green is a musical comedy set against the backdrop of  the roaring twenties. Dashing leading man Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and his  co-star Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are the biggest silent screen celebrities  in Hollywood. While the public believes that their on-screen romance mirrors their real life relationship, nothing could be further from the truth. Lockwood has little time nor patience for the pushy and manipulative Lamont and instead,he turns his attention towards chorus girl Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds). Soon, talking pictures are in vogue and Lockwood’s best friend, Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Conner),is hired as the musical director. Unfortunately for Lamont, whose strident tones will soon be revealed, it may mean the end of her career.Like any old fashioned musical, there is no shortage of minor drama, but laughter and love are sure to triumph.

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There isn’t a single tune in the movie that won’t leave you smiling or swooning.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has not only reminded us how fun a night of light-hearted screen music can be and what an absolutely joy-filled film Singin’ In the Rain is ; they’ve also reminded us that the power of live symphonic music—when played to this level of excellence—is a vital treasure.

Read the full review.