Annually, Millbrook presents a musical every spring. Last year we received a look into the dark, yet neon-lighted world of Abe Burrow and Jo Swerling’s “Guys and Dolls.” This year we are flipping the script into the fantastical adventure that is “Singin’ in the Rain.” “Singin’ in the Rain,” historically, is a heavily dance-filled musical that is very upbeat and comedic. Millbrook’s production will be no different, and the housedoors will be open from February 14-16. 

  Through the direction of Mr. K, Millbrook students handle costuming, makeup, tech and of course the acting that is required for the show. This is a hands-on experience that is providing students who might want to work in the theater with useful tools and techniques for the future.

  Millbrook’s dance teacher, Mr. Anthony, is handling the task of choreographing the musical and, naturally, he created a tap combo for the students’ dance audition. “It’s pushing me into a style that I’m not really used to. I’m looking for commitment. I’m not a tap dancer, but as long as you’re pushing and going for it, that’s all I really ask for,” he said. 

  A huge part of this musical is the costuming and makeup. A group of 11 students spend their time perfecting the cosmetic looks for the show and getting the fashion appropriate for every character. Sophomore Kennedy Rivers is part of this troupe that has already started preparations for the musical. “We’re reading and thinking about the characters. Contemplating what they would wear and learning them better,” Rivers said. This show will run sort of like a machine, so who’s going to be the moving parts? 

  Auditions were held January 4, after school, and roughly 60 students showed up to the auditorium. Every year, the students are given numbers and go through a process of being evaluated within the disciplines of dancing, singing and acting. This audition process typically takes a duration of about 2 hours, leaving students with only one thing to do, wait for the results.

  The next day, January 5, the cast was posted on Instagram and on the board outside of the auditorium. The main duo within the original 1952 film, Lina Lamont and Don Lockwood, will be played by junior Harper Williams and Nick Ansbacher. Cosmo Brown, Don’s sidekick and aspiring actress, Kathy Selden are going to be played by Rowan Kindl and junior Maddie Atwater. 

  There are many other prominent characters and people that are within the ensemble of this whirlwind of a musical. The musical will run from February 14-16, but for now let’s just laugh at clouds. In the words of a tap dancing student that assisted auditions, junior Madison Willis, “In the end when we see it on stage, I know it’s going to be good.”