Full Synopsis
Reporter, Dora Bailey, stands in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, covering the debut of The Royal Rascal, the latest Monumental Pictures silent film. The stars of the film, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, greet their fans. When joined by Don’s old vaudeville partner, Cosmo Brown, Dora begs both of them to perform for the crowd (“Fit as a Fiddle”). Lina is frustrated and storms offstage, followed by her agent, Roz. RF Simpson, the movie’s producer, congratulates everyone on a job well done. Lina is upset that Don and Cosmo have stolen her spotlight at the opening, but everyone is in agreement that she shouldn’t speak to the press — her high-pitched, nasal voice is too much of a contrast with her starlet image. She refers to Don as her fiancé, but he tells her there’s nothing between them. Don decides to walk to the party and get some fresh air, sending Cosmo to his car as a decoy to distract the swarming fans. On his walk, Don is spotted by Fan #1 and Fan #2, but convinces them that he’s a regular guy by claiming he’s waiting for the trolley with his girl, Kathy Selden. He puts his arm around her, and she demands to know who he is. He looks familiar... and she’s suddenly convinced he’s a criminal. A Policeman recognizes him and reveals to Kathy that he’s Don Lockwood, the famous actor. Kathy, an actress herself, is unimpressed, claiming that the stage is a much more dignified art form. Before they can argue any further, Don is recognized by Pedestrian #1 and Pedestrian #2 and runs off.
At Simpson’s party, the Stars and Party Guests are milling around, and a Young Lady sits on Cosmo’s lap. He offers to get her into the movies — by literally taking her to a movie theater — and she storms off. After his conversation with Kathy, Don asks for reassurance from Cosmo that he’s still a good actor. Simpson jokes about talking pictures but Dexter, director of The Royal Rascal, thinks they’ll never amount to anything. Meanwhile, Simpson has ordered a special cake for Don and Lina. Kathy and Kathy’s Girls jump out of the cake and perform (“All I Do Is Dream of You”). Don teases Kathy about their earlier conversation, and Kathy angrily throws a pie at him... but it accidentally hits a furious Lina.
Dora Bailey announces Warner Brothers’ first talkie film, The Jazz Singer, is a smash hit and Monumental Pictures will retaliate with The Dueling Cavalier. Don reveals to Cosmo that he is still thinking about Kathy as Stagehand #1 and Stagehand #2 set lights. Cosmo, Stagehand #3, Stagehands, Chorus Girl #1, Chorus Girl #2, Chorus Girl #3, Chorus Girl #4 and other Chorus Girls try to cheer Don up (“Make ’Em Laugh”). The mood changes abruptly with the entrance of Dexter and the 1st Assistant, 2nd Assistant, and 3rd Assistant. Lina arrives on set in a beautiful 18th century costume, revealing to Don that she got Kathy fired. Simpson quickly interrupts with the announcement that The Dueling Cavalier is to become a talking picture. Unexpectedly, Kathy enters, urged by Dexter to audition for Simpson (“Lucky Star”). Kathy immediately confesses to Simpson that she hit Lina with the pie, thinking Don is trying to beat her to the punch. Instead, Don convinces Simpson to hire her, and Cosmo reveals that they’ve been looking for her for weeks. Don dramatically adjusts the soundstage to reveal his feelings for Kathy (“You Were Meant for Me”).
Meanwhile, Lina has been assigned a vocal coach,Miss Dinsmore. Several other Students have been assigned a diction Teacher as well, including Don and Cosmo (“Moses Supposes”). Don, Cosmo, Student #1, Student #2, Student #3 and other students sing through the lesson, transitioning to the set of The Dueling Cavalier (“Moses Reprise – Part 1," “Moses Reprise – Part 2," “Moses Reprise – Part 3”).
Later, Dora Bailey’s reports on the first screening of The Dueling Cavalier are lackluster at best — the audience doesn’t like the movie, including Screening Guests #1 through #5. Don, Cosmo and Kathy gather at Don’s house, depressed at the dismal responses to the film. Kathy suggests they make The Dueling Cavalier into a musical, and the three stay up all night scheming (“Good Morning”). They decide to dub Kathy’s voice over Lina’s voice. Don walks Kathy home in the early morning thunderstorm (“Singin’ in the Rain”), handing his umbrella to a Passerby as the scene transitions to a recording stage. Sam, a sound engineer, syncs Kathy’s voice to Lina’s movements (“Lina’s Film Would You," “Kathy’s Film Would You”). Suddenly, Lina and Zelda storm onto the set. Lina is furious about Kathy’s involvement and vents to Zelda in her dressing room (“What’s Wrong with Me”).
Simpson, Cosmo and Dexter brainstorm about the big production number in the film (“Broadway Melody”). The Broadway Melody Host, Broadway Dancer #1, Broadway Dancer #2, and the Broadway Chorus dazzle. The picture is a huge hit, and Lina decides that Kathy should continue to sing and speak for her. Roz agrees, and Kathy is trapped — she signed a five-year contract. Lina gives a speech to her fans, and Audience Member #1 and Audience Member #2 demand that she sing. Simpson and Roz force Kathy to sing in the microphone behind the curtain, and the Orchestra Leader cues up for the song (“Lina’s Would You”). Simpson, Don and Cosmo raise the curtain so the audience can clearly see Kathy singing for Lina. Don introduces Kathy to the audience as the real star of the show (“Lucky Star – Reprise”).
Character Breakdown:
Dora Bailey
Always first on the scene for any major film opening, and she has the Hollywood scoop. This is a perfect non-singing role for a student with a great speaking voice who isn’t quite ready for a lead.
Don Lockwood
Hollywood’s leading man in silent film. Charming and charismatic, Don has no shortage of female admirers. Don is smart and levelheaded; he likes being a famous Hollywood actor, but he doesn’t let the celebrity hype go to his head. Cast your best male singer and actor in this role, and someone who pairs well with Kathy
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Lina Lamont
A glamorous star of Hollywood’s silent films. She believes everything amazing she reads about herself in the gossip magazines, including that she and Don Lockwood are madly in love. Your actress will have to work to accomplish the right amount of exasperating ditz to bring this character to life. Cast a confident, comedic actress who is not afraid to take positive risks and can keep Lina’s nasal, grating voice consistent throughout the entire show.
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Cosmo Brown
Often serves as the comic relief in the show. Quick-witted and sure-footed, Cosmo is fast with a one-liner to lighten the mood. Cosmo is Don’s right-hand man, and it’s great to cast someone who physically contrasts with Don. Cast someone with great comedic chops and a strong musical sense as he leads many numbers in the show.
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Roz
Always by Lina’s side, or trailing after her. As Lina’s manager, Roz works hard to make sure nothing upsets her. This non-singing character is a great supporting role for a promising young actress.
R.F. SimpsonThe studio producer in charge of “Lockwood-Lamont” films. R.F.’s first and foremost goal is to make money, and if that means doing a talkie film that’s fine with him. Cast a character actor who can show off R.F.’s anxious boss persona. This is a great non- singing role for a physically smaller actor with a big voice.
Dexter
The studio’s director for Lamont and Lockwood films. He’s loud and blustery, and he’s easily frustrated with his assistants and Lina. This is a perfect non-singing role for an actor with a big voice who can show his frustration as he works to complete his first talkie.
Dexter's Assistants
Dexter’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd Assistants are great featured roles for ensemble members who are new to the stage.
Kathy Selden
Wants to become an actress. She takes her career as an artist seriously and is embarrassed that she has to take jobs like singing and popping out of a cake just to get by. Cast your strongest singer and actress who can easily portray an honest likability as well as a tough exterior. An actress who pairs well with Don is also important as they have many scenes together.
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Miss Dinsmore and the Teacher
The vocal coaches hired to turn Lina’s voice into cultured perfection and to work with all of the other actors in the show. Tough, proper and slightly overworked, these characters are great roles to feature your hard-working ensemble members. These are non-solo singing roles.
Zelda
Lina’s right-hand gal, who informs her that Kathy’s voice is being dubbed over hers. Zelda can be dramatic and over-the-top like Lina, but at her core, she cares about her friend. This is a fantastic featured role for a confident performer who is unafraid to make bold choices.
Sam
A sound engineer, should be all business. Cast a young person who is comfortable taking charge onstage.
Broadway Melody Host
A natural leader. This role can be male or female and should be one of your stronger singers. This actor doesn’t need to be an excellent dancer, but he or she needs to command the stage with an air of confidence.
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Broadway Dancers
Broadway Dancers #1 and #2 are featured in "Broadway Melody" and should be excellent singers and dancers.
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C3
Chorus Girls
The Chorus Girls #1, #2, #3 and #4 are great featured singing roles in “Make ’Em Laugh.” They don’t need to be great singers as long as they can convey character and are able to be heard.
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Stagehands
Stagehands #1, #2 and #3 are great featured singing roles in “Make ’Em Laugh.” They don’t need to be great singers as long as they can convey character and are able to be heard.
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: F4
EnsembleThe ensemble roles in Singin’ In The Rain JR. are comprised of the Crowd, Pedestrians, including Pedestrian #1 and Pedestrian #2, Stars, Fans, including Fan #1 and Fan #2, Policeman, Party Guests, including Young Lady, Kathy's Girls, Chorus Girls, Broadway Chorus, Guests, a Sound Engineer, Stagehands, Students, Sound Crew, Screening Guests, a Passerby, the Butler, Orchestra Leader and Audience Members.
They really make the 1920s Golden Age of Hollywood come alive and are essential to this romantic light-hearted comedy. These ensemble groups are filled with named characters who have lines, so many of your ensemble students will have featured moments. Depending on your cast size, these ensemble groups can all be double or triple cast. Even if you have actors playing three or four different ensemble roles, emphasize the importance of character, and make sure your young performers make consistent character choices when they step onstage. (& LOTS OF TAP)
Full Song List
OVERTURE
OPENING
FIT AS A FIDDLE
ALL I DO IS DREAM OF YOU
MAKE 'EM LAUGH
LUCKY STAR
YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME
MOSES SUPPOSES
GOOD MORNING
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
LINA'S FILM WOULD YOU
KATHY'S FILM WOULD YOU
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME
BROADWAY MELODY
LINA'S WOULD YOU
LUCKY STAR (REPRISE)
BOWS
Reporter, Dora Bailey, stands in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, covering the debut of The Royal Rascal, the latest Monumental Pictures silent film. The stars of the film, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, greet their fans. When joined by Don’s old vaudeville partner, Cosmo Brown, Dora begs both of them to perform for the crowd (“Fit as a Fiddle”). Lina is frustrated and storms offstage, followed by her agent, Roz. RF Simpson, the movie’s producer, congratulates everyone on a job well done. Lina is upset that Don and Cosmo have stolen her spotlight at the opening, but everyone is in agreement that she shouldn’t speak to the press — her high-pitched, nasal voice is too much of a contrast with her starlet image. She refers to Don as her fiancé, but he tells her there’s nothing between them. Don decides to walk to the party and get some fresh air, sending Cosmo to his car as a decoy to distract the swarming fans. On his walk, Don is spotted by Fan #1 and Fan #2, but convinces them that he’s a regular guy by claiming he’s waiting for the trolley with his girl, Kathy Selden. He puts his arm around her, and she demands to know who he is. He looks familiar... and she’s suddenly convinced he’s a criminal. A Policeman recognizes him and reveals to Kathy that he’s Don Lockwood, the famous actor. Kathy, an actress herself, is unimpressed, claiming that the stage is a much more dignified art form. Before they can argue any further, Don is recognized by Pedestrian #1 and Pedestrian #2 and runs off.
At Simpson’s party, the Stars and Party Guests are milling around, and a Young Lady sits on Cosmo’s lap. He offers to get her into the movies — by literally taking her to a movie theater — and she storms off. After his conversation with Kathy, Don asks for reassurance from Cosmo that he’s still a good actor. Simpson jokes about talking pictures but Dexter, director of The Royal Rascal, thinks they’ll never amount to anything. Meanwhile, Simpson has ordered a special cake for Don and Lina. Kathy and Kathy’s Girls jump out of the cake and perform (“All I Do Is Dream of You”). Don teases Kathy about their earlier conversation, and Kathy angrily throws a pie at him... but it accidentally hits a furious Lina.
Dora Bailey announces Warner Brothers’ first talkie film, The Jazz Singer, is a smash hit and Monumental Pictures will retaliate with The Dueling Cavalier. Don reveals to Cosmo that he is still thinking about Kathy as Stagehand #1 and Stagehand #2 set lights. Cosmo, Stagehand #3, Stagehands, Chorus Girl #1, Chorus Girl #2, Chorus Girl #3, Chorus Girl #4 and other Chorus Girls try to cheer Don up (“Make ’Em Laugh”). The mood changes abruptly with the entrance of Dexter and the 1st Assistant, 2nd Assistant, and 3rd Assistant. Lina arrives on set in a beautiful 18th century costume, revealing to Don that she got Kathy fired. Simpson quickly interrupts with the announcement that The Dueling Cavalier is to become a talking picture. Unexpectedly, Kathy enters, urged by Dexter to audition for Simpson (“Lucky Star”). Kathy immediately confesses to Simpson that she hit Lina with the pie, thinking Don is trying to beat her to the punch. Instead, Don convinces Simpson to hire her, and Cosmo reveals that they’ve been looking for her for weeks. Don dramatically adjusts the soundstage to reveal his feelings for Kathy (“You Were Meant for Me”).
Meanwhile, Lina has been assigned a vocal coach,Miss Dinsmore. Several other Students have been assigned a diction Teacher as well, including Don and Cosmo (“Moses Supposes”). Don, Cosmo, Student #1, Student #2, Student #3 and other students sing through the lesson, transitioning to the set of The Dueling Cavalier (“Moses Reprise – Part 1," “Moses Reprise – Part 2," “Moses Reprise – Part 3”).
Later, Dora Bailey’s reports on the first screening of The Dueling Cavalier are lackluster at best — the audience doesn’t like the movie, including Screening Guests #1 through #5. Don, Cosmo and Kathy gather at Don’s house, depressed at the dismal responses to the film. Kathy suggests they make The Dueling Cavalier into a musical, and the three stay up all night scheming (“Good Morning”). They decide to dub Kathy’s voice over Lina’s voice. Don walks Kathy home in the early morning thunderstorm (“Singin’ in the Rain”), handing his umbrella to a Passerby as the scene transitions to a recording stage. Sam, a sound engineer, syncs Kathy’s voice to Lina’s movements (“Lina’s Film Would You," “Kathy’s Film Would You”). Suddenly, Lina and Zelda storm onto the set. Lina is furious about Kathy’s involvement and vents to Zelda in her dressing room (“What’s Wrong with Me”).
Simpson, Cosmo and Dexter brainstorm about the big production number in the film (“Broadway Melody”). The Broadway Melody Host, Broadway Dancer #1, Broadway Dancer #2, and the Broadway Chorus dazzle. The picture is a huge hit, and Lina decides that Kathy should continue to sing and speak for her. Roz agrees, and Kathy is trapped — she signed a five-year contract. Lina gives a speech to her fans, and Audience Member #1 and Audience Member #2 demand that she sing. Simpson and Roz force Kathy to sing in the microphone behind the curtain, and the Orchestra Leader cues up for the song (“Lina’s Would You”). Simpson, Don and Cosmo raise the curtain so the audience can clearly see Kathy singing for Lina. Don introduces Kathy to the audience as the real star of the show (“Lucky Star – Reprise”).
Character Breakdown:
Dora Bailey
Always first on the scene for any major film opening, and she has the Hollywood scoop. This is a perfect non-singing role for a student with a great speaking voice who isn’t quite ready for a lead.
Don Lockwood
Hollywood’s leading man in silent film. Charming and charismatic, Don has no shortage of female admirers. Don is smart and levelheaded; he likes being a famous Hollywood actor, but he doesn’t let the celebrity hype go to his head. Cast your best male singer and actor in this role, and someone who pairs well with Kathy
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Lina Lamont
A glamorous star of Hollywood’s silent films. She believes everything amazing she reads about herself in the gossip magazines, including that she and Don Lockwood are madly in love. Your actress will have to work to accomplish the right amount of exasperating ditz to bring this character to life. Cast a confident, comedic actress who is not afraid to take positive risks and can keep Lina’s nasal, grating voice consistent throughout the entire show.
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Cosmo Brown
Often serves as the comic relief in the show. Quick-witted and sure-footed, Cosmo is fast with a one-liner to lighten the mood. Cosmo is Don’s right-hand man, and it’s great to cast someone who physically contrasts with Don. Cast someone with great comedic chops and a strong musical sense as he leads many numbers in the show.
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Roz
Always by Lina’s side, or trailing after her. As Lina’s manager, Roz works hard to make sure nothing upsets her. This non-singing character is a great supporting role for a promising young actress.
R.F. SimpsonThe studio producer in charge of “Lockwood-Lamont” films. R.F.’s first and foremost goal is to make money, and if that means doing a talkie film that’s fine with him. Cast a character actor who can show off R.F.’s anxious boss persona. This is a great non- singing role for a physically smaller actor with a big voice.
Dexter
The studio’s director for Lamont and Lockwood films. He’s loud and blustery, and he’s easily frustrated with his assistants and Lina. This is a perfect non-singing role for an actor with a big voice who can show his frustration as he works to complete his first talkie.
Dexter's Assistants
Dexter’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd Assistants are great featured roles for ensemble members who are new to the stage.
Kathy Selden
Wants to become an actress. She takes her career as an artist seriously and is embarrassed that she has to take jobs like singing and popping out of a cake just to get by. Cast your strongest singer and actress who can easily portray an honest likability as well as a tough exterior. An actress who pairs well with Don is also important as they have many scenes together.
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Miss Dinsmore and the Teacher
The vocal coaches hired to turn Lina’s voice into cultured perfection and to work with all of the other actors in the show. Tough, proper and slightly overworked, these characters are great roles to feature your hard-working ensemble members. These are non-solo singing roles.
Zelda
Lina’s right-hand gal, who informs her that Kathy’s voice is being dubbed over hers. Zelda can be dramatic and over-the-top like Lina, but at her core, she cares about her friend. This is a fantastic featured role for a confident performer who is unafraid to make bold choices.
Sam
A sound engineer, should be all business. Cast a young person who is comfortable taking charge onstage.
Broadway Melody Host
A natural leader. This role can be male or female and should be one of your stronger singers. This actor doesn’t need to be an excellent dancer, but he or she needs to command the stage with an air of confidence.
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Broadway Dancers
Broadway Dancers #1 and #2 are featured in "Broadway Melody" and should be excellent singers and dancers.
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C3
Chorus Girls
The Chorus Girls #1, #2, #3 and #4 are great featured singing roles in “Make ’Em Laugh.” They don’t need to be great singers as long as they can convey character and are able to be heard.
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Stagehands
Stagehands #1, #2 and #3 are great featured singing roles in “Make ’Em Laugh.” They don’t need to be great singers as long as they can convey character and are able to be heard.
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: F4
EnsembleThe ensemble roles in Singin’ In The Rain JR. are comprised of the Crowd, Pedestrians, including Pedestrian #1 and Pedestrian #2, Stars, Fans, including Fan #1 and Fan #2, Policeman, Party Guests, including Young Lady, Kathy's Girls, Chorus Girls, Broadway Chorus, Guests, a Sound Engineer, Stagehands, Students, Sound Crew, Screening Guests, a Passerby, the Butler, Orchestra Leader and Audience Members.
They really make the 1920s Golden Age of Hollywood come alive and are essential to this romantic light-hearted comedy. These ensemble groups are filled with named characters who have lines, so many of your ensemble students will have featured moments. Depending on your cast size, these ensemble groups can all be double or triple cast. Even if you have actors playing three or four different ensemble roles, emphasize the importance of character, and make sure your young performers make consistent character choices when they step onstage. (& LOTS OF TAP)
Full Song List
OVERTURE
OPENING
FIT AS A FIDDLE
ALL I DO IS DREAM OF YOU
MAKE 'EM LAUGH
LUCKY STAR
YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME
MOSES SUPPOSES
GOOD MORNING
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
LINA'S FILM WOULD YOU
KATHY'S FILM WOULD YOU
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME
BROADWAY MELODY
LINA'S WOULD YOU
LUCKY STAR (REPRISE)
BOWS
