In this year’s classic musical comedy, Singin’ in the Rain, students will sing, laugh, and love in the rain. Acting teacher Lisa Battle says that magic will be created on stage. 

Set in Hollywood in the 1920s, the musical follows actor Don Lockwood, his best friend Cosmo Brown, his co-star Lina Lamont and aspiring actress Kathy Selden. The crew of actors struggle to adapt to the movie industry’s transition from silent films to ‘talkies’, or films with audio recording.

The musical is a collaborative effort between the entire performing arts department: choir, dance, instrumental music and theater come together for a school-wide celebration of the arts.

“The whole experience of watching everyone come together to build this one unified piece is truly such a rewarding experience,” senior Mira Sumant said. “It’s just insane to see the months of hard work that everyone has put into become something bigger.”

The chance to experience the thrill of performing in a Los Altos High School musical only arrives once every two years, and auditions were held on Oct 13 after school from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M.

Students were to memorize and prepare a given choreography routine and a singing excerpt. On audition day, groups of five to seven performed the routine together. 

Diez recognized that auditions are only a short window to get a gist of students’ abilities in singing, acting, and dancing. 

“We really looked for students’ stage presence, their confidence,” Diez said. “Even if they don’t have a ton of experience – do they show potential?” 

Even with only four main cast roles and nine speaking roles available, the teachers seek to provide a space for students to showcase their abilities and passion.

“There’s a place for you [in the musical],” Mira said. “There’s a place for everyone no matter the skill set. The musical will benefit from having you involved in some way, whatever that is.”

After callbacks wrapped up, the department made the decision to double cast the show’s leads, allowing more students to take on major roles. One group of the main cast will perform on certain days, while the other will on different days.

“We have so much talent,” Diez said. “We wanted to expand opportunities to more people deserving of the role.”

With the ensemble, featured dancers, main cast members, tech workers and more, the musical is settling into place for its show in early February. Students can expect hours of early morning rehearsals and run-throughs refining music, choreography and blocking. The cast’s first vocal rehearsals will start this week.

Follow the musical’s process as they continue to bring a vivid story of Hollywood romance to life on The Talon’s Instagram page. Opening night will be next semester on Friday, February 5, with four total performances across the weekend.