[Opening Salvo For Mad About Musicals Course]

I have watched Singing in the Rain repeatedly. It is the quintessential musical that presents a historical account of how sound was added to movies and how it impacted those involved in making movies. I particularly like the character Lisa Lamont (Jean Hagen) when she disputes her contract with the studio. That is a historic scene! It is relevant today and perhaps will remain relevant for many more decades to come. That scene, however, is not the only social commentary in the movie. The social history of each character is presented in depth as comedy, with all the paradoxes, rivalries, and deceptions of real life. The comic form does not diminish the importance of the social commentary on characters, it adds to the impact of the movie  perhaps even better than if characters were portrayed in dramatic form. 

Gene Kelly, and Cyd Charisse performances are of course superb and memorable. Their dance numbers are always in the background of excellent scene design, and special effects that required professional craftsmanship.

As we try to decipher fake information from the authentic these days, Singing in the Rain illustrates how technology can be deceptive and misleading, when Jean Hagen lip-syncs Debbie Reynolds. The movie, simply has layers and layers of art, history, sociology, and character study. It is a rich work of art and each time I view it, the movie reveals a new aspect to me. 

[Opening Salvo For Mad About Musicals Course]

I was a theatre manager in the 1960s in San Francisco, and cannot forget the audience response to My Fair Lady...just testing the Forum. I will have more to say ...