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VIDEO LINK: http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=123ebf3b22ecf4ac59b7ddb&skin_id=701&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=t...
The weather is perfect in the Temecula Valley, but rain is in the forecast at the Linfield Christian School Theater. No worries as 100 or so students, a multitude of parents and well-versed teachers are planning to be Singin’ in the Rain, replete with umbrellas and a 16-piece, student orchestra.
As teachers and musical directors, Doug and Angie Knechtel oversee that the classic songs, like the uplifting, ‘Good Morning’, coincide with the actors’ timing, per the script. “Our student musicians have been rehearsing for weeks. We get to read the notes for a musical piece, so we have it a little easier than the actors. The cues must be in synch during a live performance. There’s no editing out the errors, like in the movies,” said Doug Knechtel
“The major treat in this production is that we’ve incorporated original movie footage into the stage play,” said director, Jennifer Lloyd. “The audience will enjoy a full-scale, stage play with all of the professional trappings: the dancing, the lighting, the sound, the costumes and the backdrop,” said Lloyd, who’s been lauded for many stage productions and for her extensive background in drama. Bryce Goslin, a senior, is the conduit for managing the logistics of the production and Lloyd’s right-hand man.
Hammering and sawing plywood as he constructed some of the props and backdrop with a cadre of stage hands, Neil Kapple said that he uses the Internet for design ideas.
“I try constructing props that are durable enough to be used again. They have to be light enough to move them on to and off the stage. Something like the lamp post has to be strong enough to support an actor’s weight, too,” said Kapple.
Each pulling their weight, the students [actors, stage hands, sound techs, stage hands, costume assistants, script readers] busily tend to their roles in helping to bring the classic musical production to a spectacular opening night. Behind the stage, the cosmetics, lighted mirrors and spectacular, glittering costumes are crucial incidentals, all lined up and ready to go.
Carie Erickson, the costume director, shared a trade secret.
“The scenes in the play should match the color of the costume so that the view is pleasing to the eye,” she said. “The attire reflects the 1920s era of the story line, for example: fringe on the dresses, wide-brimmed hats, men’s vests. The costumes depict a historical story all their own,” Erickson said.
The theme song, ‘Singin’ In the Rain’ was written in 1929. The popular movie of the same title debuted in 1952, starring Gene Kelley, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor in the principal roles: Donald Lockwood, Kathy Selden and Cosmo Brown, respectively.
Starring in Linfield’s production, Bailey Norris, Cora Lakey and Brian Erickson act in the principal roles. The show opens this evening and runs through Sunday, May 26.
All show times begin at 7pm, however, 2pm matinees are offered on Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26. Linfield Christian School is located: 31950 Pauba Road, Temecula. Ticket prices are $8-$15 and can be purchased at the door if seating is available. Email: theatertickets@linfield.com
