July 3, 2012 > "Singin' in the Rain" makes big screen comeback "Singin' in the Rain" makes big screen comeback Submitted By Patrice Birkedahl Make 'em Laugh! Gotta Dance! Those two phrases pretty much express what will happen in "Singin' in the Rain," the great American musical starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor. They're also the titles of two of the great song and dance numbers from the film, an ageless musical that turns 60 this year! It's back on the big screen and outside under the stars in the Smith Center Amphitheatre at Ohlone College. Snuggle up together and marvel at the comic antics, acrobatic-like dance feats, and romantic love songs that fit neatly into this story within a story about Hollywood's transition from silent movies to talkies. But this movie is as much a depiction of the large scale Technicolor musicals of the '50s, featuring the genius director of musicals Stanley Donen who teamed up with Gene Kelly, who choreographed as well, and an award-winning screen writing team. Donald O'Connor's unforgettable dance number on the importance of comedy won him an Academy Award and has earned him a place in the annals of film history alongside comic geniuses like Chaplin and Keaton. Equally memorable is Gene Kelly's larger than life declaration of love performed with an umbrella as a partner and rain drops and puddles as a counterpoint. And there's a cameo appearance of Cyd Charise's impossibly-long-legs (plus the rest of her) as the lady in green for the tour de force dance number "Gotta Dance" that is so representative of the 1950s musicals. And Debbie Reynolds makes her adorable debut as the ingenue breaking her way into movies. "Singin' in the Rain" is the first of our Summerfest movie musical series that includes "Lion King," "The Muppet Movie," and "Sound of Music." In addition, StarStruck Theatre presents a live theatre presentation of "Legally Blonde, the Musical" for three weekends in July and August. And we round out the summer with Rocky Horror for the faithful fans that, yes I know, keep coming back every year! Summerfest 2012: Movie Musical Sing-Along Singin' in the Rain Friday, July 6 8:30 p.m. Smith Center Amphitheater at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 659-6031 www.smithcenter.com Tickets: $5 General Admission; $2 Event Parking