Addison Trail to present winter musical, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’

Addison Trail students (front row, from left) senior Nina Caliendo (Kathy Selden), junior Connor White (Don Lockwood), (back row, from left) senior Danielle Cusumano (Lina Lamont) and senior Kenneth Bartkiewicz (Cosmo Brown) rehearse a scene from Addison Trail's upcoming winter musical, "Singin' in the Rain." Performances will take place on Feb. 1, 2 and 3.

(From left) Addison Trail senior Kenneth Bartkiewicz (Cosmo Brown), senior Nina Caliendo (Kathy Selden) and junior Connor White (Don Lockwood) rehearse a dance number from Addison Trail's upcoming winter musical, "Singin' in the Rain." Performances will take place on Feb. 1, 2 and 3.

Addison Trail Theatre invites audience members to step back in time to the late 1920s with the school's winter musical, “Singin’ in the Rain,” on Feb. 1, 2 and 3.

The classic story is set in old Hollywood – when movie stars were like royalty and silent films filled the screens. The plot follows star actor Don Lockwood, who’s struggling to deal with his superficial on-screen partner, Lina Lamont. Lockwood is weary of pretending he and Lamont have a relationship for the sake of helping their movies succeed, as well as the phony environment of the film industry. Helping him cope with it all through humor is his best friend, Cosmo Brown.

Trying to escape from the fame, Lockwood runs into dancer Kathy Selden. While the two don’t exactly appear to be each other’s biggest fans at first, there’s an undeniable attraction. And when Lockwood and Lamont hit a roadblock in transitioning from silent films to motion pictures with sound because of Lamont’s raspy voice, Selden is brought in to be the “voice” for Lamont. When it’s revealed Selden is the true star of the movie, she and Lockwood finally become an official couple.

Comprised of beloved songs and mesmerizing choreography, “Singin’ in the Rain” has it all – romance, comedy and memorable characters.

“‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is the epitome of a classic musical comedy,” said Anna Jakubka, Addison Trail Theatre Director. “It’s not done at the high school level very often, and I wanted to bring it to the stage at Addison Trail.”

Playing the lead of Lockwood is Addison Trail junior Connor White, who said it has been a fun challenge to channel his inner Gene Kelly to bring Lockwood to life.

“You want to portray everyone’s perception of these iconic characters, and it has been exciting to take aspects from other productions of this musical and yet add our own style,” White said. “Everyone can connect with this story and the characters.”

Senior Kenneth Bartkiewicz, who plays Brown, agreed.

“At the center of the story is the message of what friendship is all about and how you can achieve anything through teamwork,” Bartkiewicz said. “It’s a reminder about how important it is in life to ‘make 'em laugh.’”

Senior Nina Caliendo, who plays Selden, added that one of the main themes of the story is to be open to change and challenges.

Taking on the role of Lamont is senior Danielle Cusumano, who said it’s an honor to be part of “Singin’ in the Rain.”

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to do a play that means something to so many people,” Cusumano said.

“Singin’ in the Rain”
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 1, 2 and 3 (also a 2 p.m. performance on Feb. 3)

Teacher-Parent Organization (TPO) Spaghetti Dinner: Between the two productions on Feb. 3 (from 4 to 6:15 p.m.) – see details at https://www.dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=3740

Where: Addison Trail, 213 N. Lombard Road in Addison

Tickets: Tickets will be available to buy at the door and cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 3 to 12, $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. For questions or more information, call 630-628-3365.