KAYSVILLE — Hopebox Theatre opened it’s 2026 season with the always popular musical Singin’ in the Rain. Based on the 1952 movie of the same name with screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Singin’ in the Rain takes place in Hollywood during the 1920s and revolves around silent film star Don Lockwood, his friend and sidekick Cosmo Brown, rising star and Lockwood’s love interest Kathy Seldon, and Lockwood’s leading lady Lina Lamont. The plot shows the characters navigating the film industry’s transition away from silent films, making way for talking pictures or “talkies”. Singin’ in the Rain transports audiences back to this exciting time in history with songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, humor, dancing and, of course, a lot of rain.
Under the direction of Leslie Richards, the principal cast of Singin’ in the Rain was a delight from beginning to end. Braden Hull gave a wonderful performance as leading man Don Lockwood. Hull’s vocals, dialogue and dancing were consistent throughout the production, his performance of “Singin’ in the Rain” standing out as a highlight. Jordyn Tracy as Kathy Selden also gave a strong performance with beautiful vocals and an overall lovely stage presence. Hull and Tracy had amazing chemistry with each other, and watching the evolution of their relationship was an enjoyable aspect of the production.
Caitlin Olsen as Lina Lamont gave an outstanding performance. Olsen brought her character to life with that incredible screechy voice and accent. I particularly enjoyed the scene when she had a pie thrown into her face and the immediate guttural scream. As I watched Olsen perform, I came to appreciate the depth of her character and the talent required to do the part. While Olsen managed to keep me laughing as her character struggled to use a microphone or pronounce basic words, she also convinced me of Lina’s more vindictive side towards the end of the production.
Perhaps the strongest performance of the evening was by Garrett Stephenson as Cosmo Brown. As one who saw Stephenson in a recent production as the ever-composed Mr. Darcy, watching Stephenson perform as Cosmo offered a greater appreciation for his range of talent and abilities. Stephenson’s performance of “Make ‘Em Laugh” was absolute perfection and the moment when the entire production really started to come to life. His comedic timing was flawless, and he never wavered in his dialogue or vocals despite the physical demands of the role.
The production team did an outstanding job and truly elevated the performance. Choreographer Ginny Waldron had a large cast to work with and managed to keep the choreography exciting and energetic despite the conservatively sized stage. I especially enjoyed how the couch was incorporated into the choreography during “Good Morning.”
Set Design by Leslie Richards was colorful and detailed, yet minimal, allowing for quick scene changes. I especially enjoyed the black and gold art deco walls at the start helping set the mood. However, the star of the set was undoubtedly the rain. Richards’s Director’s Note mentions Singin’ in the Rain is a musical leaving you feeling “lighthearted and cheerful” which is exactly how I felt as Act One came to an end with the title number and the rain.
Costumer Lexie Ostler delivered big with an unbelievable array of costumes. The variety of costumes worn by all actors was impressive, with a favorite being the bright and colorful quintessential 1920s flapper dresses. Not only were the costumes period appropriate, but they were also well fitted and allowed actors to still move with ease.
One element that could be improved upon was the lighting by Alice Remley. Oftentimes, it seemed as though an actor did not have the appropriate lighting on them. For example, in Scene 9 as Don and Kathy were exchanging dialogue, Kathy was difficult to see, and I wondered if additional lighting on her would have improved the scene. This may have only been an issue from my vantage point of view, and it certainly didn’t take away from the overall experience.
Hopebox Theatre’s production of Singin’ in the Rain is a delightful production with a strong leading cast and impressive technical designs. At the center of the production is the mission of Hopebox Theatre which is to bring hope and light to those in the community. Each production names a Wall of Hope recipient who is struggling with cancer with proceeds donated to them — for this production, the recipient is Heidi Green. It is an evening of quality entertainment by an ensemble truly appearing to love being on stage together and will surely leave any patron feeling a bit more cheerful.
Singin’ in the Rain plays through March 14th on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at both 2:00 and 7:30pm. All performances are at the Hopebox Theatre located at 1700 Frontage Road in Kaysville. Tickets are between $18 – 23. Visit https://www.hopeboxtheatre.com for more information.
The production is double cast and this review is of the Silver Cast performers.