‘Singin’ in the Rain’ to be presented at SIU

“Singin’ in the Rain” is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s McLeod Theater.

The live on-stage adaptation of the movie musical is scheduled to be presented July 27-30.

With its iconic songs, movie lovers know the film starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. 

The stage version, direct from the screenplay, has all the songs embedded in the story, including “You are My Lucky Star,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” “Good Morning” and the irrepressible “Singin’ in the Rain.”

The production, which is the All-Southern Illinois High School Theater Project, produced by the McLeod Summer Playhouse and Carbondale Community Arts, closes the 2017 summer playhouse season. 

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the theater project combines 26 of the area’s brightest and most talented young performers with a professional staff for a unique experience.

Brax Melvin is leading man Don Lockwood, the part played by Gene Kelly in the film. The Frankfort Community High School graduate has appeared in productions across the region. 

Keagan Schlosser plays his love interest, Kathy Selden, the actress hired for her voice. 

Anna Madura, a student at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, portrays Lina Lamont, the star with a squeaky voice.

Filling the roles of talkie-era Hollywood personalities are area high school students Reed Absher, Savannah Bain, Chad Beatty, Marshall Bernhard, Sam Blankenship, Alexa Boese, Hasanah Brown, Aaron Elliott, Charli Elliot, Graham Gordon, Allison Grace, Emily Jabr, Kelsey Jurich, Illyana Lipe, Elijah Odle, Rebecca Peach, Kaylin Penninger, Aliegha Ramos, Hannah Sullivan, Amina Wilson and Joshua Windings.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. July 27-29 and 2 p.m. July 30 in McLeod Theater, which is located in the Communications Building at SIU Carbondale. 

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and $8 for children. 

Tickets are available from noon to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at McLeod Theater, at the SIU Arena box offices, or by phone at 618-453-6000. Tickets are also available online at playhouse.siu.edu. 

The theater box office also is scheduled to be open one hour before each performance, but audiences are encouraged to get their tickets early, as the performances often sell out.