Joseph Rafael Davila in Singin’ in The Rain– Courtesy of Beef & Boards. Used with permission.
L-R Kimberly Doreen Burns & Joseph Rafael Avila in Singin’ in The Rain– Courtesy of Beef & Boards. Used with permission.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre staged a lively adaptation of Singin’ in the Rain, paying homage to the original 1952 MGM film starring Gene Kelley, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds, with theatrical elements. The musical was performed before a capacity audience at the far Northside venue on Saturday. Directed by Eddie Curry, who also plays Roscoe Dexter, this stage version faithfully follows the screenplay written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
With music for Singin’ in the Rain composed by Nacio Herb Brown and Athur Freed, the stage musical transports audiences to Hollywood’s Golden Age, chronicling the transition from silent films to talkies. The story follows silent film star Don Lockwood (Josephy Rafael Davila) as he adapts to changes in filmmaking while preserving his reputation and relationships. Alongside his witty friend Cosmo Brown (James Garrett Hill) and rising actress Kathy Selden (Kimberly Doreen Burns) , Don faces comedic obstacles—especially with Lina Lamont (Sarah Hund), his talentless leading lady whose disastrous voice threatens the studio’s future. Amidst romantic entanglements and creative challenges, the musical celebrates perseverance, friendship, and the joy of show business, all set against a backdrop of bedazzling dance numbers and iconic songs.
Singin’ in The Rain- Courtesy of Beef & Boards. Used with permission.
The production features Davila as Don Lockwood. While echoing Gene Kelly’s classic film role, Davila brings his own style, charisma, and talent to the affable character. Any performance of the Lockwood role would inevitably be measured against Kelly’s, but Davila’s turn in the title song Singin’ in the Rain was truly singular and magical. In a recent Beef & Boards social media post, the New York-based actor revealed that he manifested performing the immortal number, and he proved that he was born to play the role as he joyously danced in the artificial rain that fell from the stage ceiling.
It appeared that Hill was also destined to play Lockwood’s goofy sidekick, Cosmo, in a performance that demonstrated not only his uber talent as a triple-threat performer but also his impeccable comedic flair and timing. Filling the shoes of Donald O’Connor is no easy feat and making it one’s own isn’t either, but Hill did so effortlessly, especially while performing “Make Em Laugh” and alongside Davila and Burns as sunny ingenue Kathy Selden in the show-stopping Good Morning.
Two of the show’s funniest moments, showcasing Curry’s adept direction, included Davila and Hill alongside Kenny Shephard as the Diction Teacher. Another standout scene involved a different diction teacher, Dora—portrayed with charm by Lillian Baxter (a character originated by John Vessels). His comedic pairing with Hund, who played the voice-challenged Lina Lamont, as his character helps hers prepare for the talkies, was a true highlight in comedic performance.
Former Indy resident and now a sought-after journeyman performer, Ian Black, delivered an impressive performance as the Production Tenor in Beautiful Girl.
L.R. James Garett Hill, Kimberly Doreen Burns & Joseph Rafael Davila in Singin’ in The Rain– Courtesy of Beef & Boards. Used with permission.
Several black-and-white silent films—featuring intertitles, exaggerated melodramatic performances, and musical accompaniment—were a particularly entertaining part of the production. These films were directed and edited by Jeff Stockberger, who also plays the movie studio head, R.F. Simpson.
Doug King’s snappy choreography was a highlight, brought to life by gifted chorus members that captured the period’s spirit. Brand0n Magid skillfully led a five-piece band through Brown & Freed’s classic score.
Scenic Designer Michael Layton, Costume Designers Meghan Warren and Kathy Henry, Lighting Designer Ryan Koharchick, Sound Designer Daniel Hesslebrock, and Wig Designer Drew Bryson all contributed exemplary production values typical of Beef & Boards.
For tickets and information about Singin’ in The Rain which continues through May 23, visit beefandbboads.com
