The Children’s Theatre of Winnetka is making it rain, literally, with their spring production at the Winnetka Community House.
Children’s Theater of Winnetka premieres Singin’ in the Rain, Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30 in Matz Hall, inviting audiences to experience all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age as we follow movie stars and Tinseltown’s golden couple, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, transition from silent to “talkie” films.
Children’s Theatre of Winnetka, director and artistic director, Aaron Umsted, said he chose Singin’ in the Rain because it’s a classic show they have never performed before.
“I like doing something the kids might not know but will grow to love and appreciate.” Umsted said.
According the theater’s news release, “Singin’ in the Rain” is one of the greatest musicals of all time, originally presented in 1952, starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor.
Umsted says this production gives actors the chance to explore the history of the movie industry and technological innovations in film while also being able to learn about a new age in moviemaking.
“This allows the kids to find parallels in their own lives,” Umsted said.
Beyond the theater magic conjured by 84 cast members, all fourth to eighth graders, there is a dedicated, active, community of parent volunteers.
and Lina Lamont, transition from silent to “talkie” films.
The wow factor comes to life through special effects that include original short films as theater backdrops, music and vocal tracks incorporated into live performances, and an especially designed PVC piping that allows it to rain on stage.
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Cast member, Fiona Chesney of Winnetka is part of the Hollywood cast and says she studied the silent film era and Charlie Chaplin in school and has an interest in the changes that started happening in film in the 1920’s that play out in the musical.
14 year-old Thomas Franklin of Kenilworth plays the role of Don Lockwood in the Hollywood cast.
“Singing and dancing in the rain on stage has been an amazing and freeing experience for me,” Franklin said. “It makes me feel like a little kid again.”
Emma Shinall of Winnetka plays R.F. Simpson.
“My character is a business women and it is challenging to assert her power during a historic era when women didn’t have a lot of power,” Shinall said.
Founded in 1974, Children’s Theatre of Winnetka is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting theatrical experiences for children in fourth to eighth grade. Children participate both onstage and offstage in two productions held in the fall and spring each year. Children’s Theatre of Winnetka operates under the auspices of the Community House, Winnetka, a nonprofit organization.
“Singin’ in the Rain” is about following your dreams and the need to embrace change.
Grace Riley of Winnetka plays Roz, and says changes in making movies and in theater have made things easier for us now.
“‘Singin’ in the Rain’ brings to life a time when movie technology was just adding color and sound,” she said. “Today we have film clips and rain on stage, and we can make TikTok movies with a cellphone.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.