Singin’ in the Rain is one of the most acclaimed and beloved musical classics. In Czechia, the story from the early days of sound film has already received dozens of productions. It was first performed in Ostrava in 1999 and two years later at the Karlín Musical Theatre. Now it has returned to Prague in a production adapted and directed by Oldřich Kříž, which premiered in 2011 in Liberec and then also in České Budějovice, and which already featured the basis of the current cast. However, this does not affect the impressiveness of the production, on the contrary, most of the protagonists have grown into their roles and now shine as stars. This is especially the case of Jan Kříž as Don Lockwood, who literally enjoys the role in terms of singing, movement and acting. His Don goes from a bit of a self-important movie star to sobering up from the tawdry fame. His excellent partner is Jan Révai, who, still in top condition, creates the sympathetic character of Cosmo Brown. Both of them very skillfully perform a number of well choreographed tap dancing numbers. Kateřina Bohatová in the role of Lina Lamont, creates an accurate caricature of a spoiled and stupid starlet with her squeaky voice and cuddly intonation, but she can also sing brilliantly when needed. The role of Kate Selden must have been written for Maria Křížová, and she and her husband Jan Kříž make a pleasant acting couple. However, everyone else also deserves credit – from Oldřich Kříž as the choleric and patient director Dexter, Martin Polách as the ironically good-natured producer Simpson, to the well-dancing and singing company.

Jan Kříž, in the role of the film star Don Lockwood, again shows his high acting and singing standards, this time also adding impressive tap dancing numbers. He makes Don a sympathetic character, keeping his self-importance at a minimum, giving him an almost boyish impression, especially in the scenes with his long-time friend Cosmo Brown. Robert Urban lends his Cosmo Brown the charm of a glossator, and he does a great job in the dance scenes, showing his talent for moving. The third in the group, Barbora Šampalíková, plays Kate Selden as a cheerful and devoted girl; it seemed to me that in the first part the actress was struggling with a slight vocal indisposition, but after the break I didn’t notice any more difficulties. The main star of this production is, of course, Kateřina Bohatová as the starry-mannered Lina Lamont. This role is extremely rewarding, it offers the opportunity to play with the vocal expression, which Bohatová took full advantage of. She holds her character’s insufferable fistula throughout the whole performance, and her “oh yeah” causes gales of laughter every time it sounds.