ST. PETERSBURG — freeFall Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of “What a Glorious Feeling!,” the captivating play by Jay Berkow that takes audiences behind the scenes of one of the greatest movie musicals of all time, “Singin’ in the Rain.” Directed by Douglas S. Hall, the production runs from Sept. 18 through Oct. 4 at freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. Matinees are presented Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $55. Visit freefalltheatre.com or call 727-498-5205.
This intimate play with music and dance is a fictional account of what might have taken place behind the scenes during the making of the classic film “Singin’ in the Rain.” There’s lightning in a bottle but a storm behind the scenes at the studio where Gene Kelly begins work on the film. He’s determined to keep both his longtime collaborator Stanley Donen and trusted assistant Jeanne Coyne on set … despite the fact that they’ve just divorced, and Coyne appears to carry a torch for Kelly. To top it off, their producer is wrestling with the studio for resources, and newly hired co-star Debbie Reynolds can’t even dance. One of the greatest movie musicals of all time is born in this inventive backstage show featuring the classic music, songs and dance of golden-era MGM.
“We are so excited to bring this vibrant story to the freeFall stage for three weeks only,” said Matthew McGee, freeFall marketing director. “‘What a Glorious Feeling!’ gives audiences the experience of being right there in the rehearsal room with some of Hollywood’s most legendary creators.”
The cast features John T. Wolfe as Gene Kelly, Justin Lopez as Stanley Donen, Caroline Lynch Desmarais as Jeanne Coyne, Larry Alexander as Arthur Freed, Laura Guley as Debbie Reynolds, and Michael Raabe as Kenny, accompanied by a creative team including choreography by Christopher Shin and music direction by Michael Raabe. Tom Hansen designs the sets and lighting with costumes designed by Eric Davis and wigs designed by Amanda Muni-Morgan.